Question 1

If someone indicates that they are feeling blue today, they most likely have major depressive disorder.

Accepted Answer

Feeling blue can simply mean feeling down or sad for a temporary period and does not necessarily indicate a diagnosis of major depressive disorder.

Question 2

The most recent version of the DSM has 5 axes.

Accepted Answer

The most recent version of the DSM (DSM-5) does have 5 axes, which are used to provide a comprehensive and multidimensional diagnostic picture of an individual's mental health. However, it is worth noting that the use of these axes has been controversial and some clinicians have moved away from using them in clinical practice.

Question 3

Which of the following people would be most likely to receive a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a lack of regard for others' feelings, aggression, impulsivity, and a disregard for societal rules and norms. Jared's enjoyment of stealing cars indicates a disregard for societal rules and norms, which is a major symptom of antisocial personality disorder. Marlon's avoidance of people, Monet's reliance on her boyfriend, and Lizette's suicidal behavior are not indicative of this disorder.

Question 4

Keith shows a pattern of excessive attention seeking and expression of emotion. As such, he most likely has ________ personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

Keith's pattern of excessive attention seeking and expression of emotion corresponds with the hallmarks of histrionic personality disorder, which is characterized by excessive emotional expression and constant attention-seeking behavior.

Question 5

Major depressive disorder is the most common psychological diagnosis in the United States.

Accepted Answer

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is indeed the most common psychological diagnosis in the United States, affecting approximately 6.7% of adults in any given year.

Question 6

An example of psychological distress would be not being able to perform your job.

Accepted Answer

The answer of An example of psychological distress would be...

Question 7

Joe is described by his friends as being very "anal." His desk is always as neat as possible. His shirts are ironed to be wrinkle free, and his shoes must be lined up perfectly in his closet. If any of these things are not "just so," he finds it very distressing. Joe might be best diagnosed with ________ personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

Joe's behavior is consistent with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, which is characterized by a preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control, and a need for things to be done in a specific way. This differs from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which involves specific intrusive thoughts and accompanying compulsive behaviors that interfere with daily functioning. Histrionic and narcissistic personality disorders are not consistent with Joe's behavior, and while borderline personality disorder may involve perfectionism, it also involves identity disturbance and unstable relationships, which are not mentioned in the description of Joe.

Question 8

Mike, who has antisocial personality disorder, probably shows consistently high amounts of ________.

Accepted Answer

Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a disregard for the rights of others, including a lack of empathy and a tendency to manipulate and exploit others for personal gain. B is the best choice as it aligns with the symptoms of this disorder. A, C, and D do not align with the symptoms of this disorder.

Question 9

Kevin shows a pattern of instability in his relationships, self-image, and feelings. As such, he most likely has ________ personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

Kevin's pattern of instability in relationships, self-image, and feelings is characteristic of borderline personality disorder. Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by disregard for the rights of others, while dependent personality disorder involves an excessive need for others to take responsibility for major areas of his or her life. Avoidant personality disorder is characterized by avoidance of social situations due to feelings of inadequacy.

Question 10

Some researchers criticize the concept of personality disorders on the grounds that ________.

Accepted Answer

Some researchers argue that personality disorders are not distinct from normal personality traits but are simply extreme variations of them. These critics argue that the diagnostic criteria are too subjective and that the definitions of these disorders are not based on empirical evidence. As a result, they argue that diagnosing someone with a personality disorder pathologizes normal human variation rather than recognizing the individual's unique personality characteristics.

Question 11

Antisocial, paranoid, and schizoid are all types of ________ disorders.

Accepted Answer

Antisocial, paranoid, and schizoid disorders are all types of personality disorders.

Question 12

A less intense, but longer lasting type of depression is known as bipolar disorder.

Accepted Answer

Bipolar disorder is characterized by mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression), not a less intense, but longer lasting type of depression. The less intense, but longer lasting type of depression is known as dysthymia or persistent depressive disorder.

Question 13

Marty is moody, manipulative, unstable, lacks a clear sense of identity, and often clings to others. He wants to have close relationships but is unable to do so because he is untrusting of others. Marty is suffering from ______ personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

Marty exhibits symptoms characteristic of borderline personality disorder, including moodiness, instability, lack of identity, and fear of abandonment. The fact that he wants close relationships but is unable to trust others is also a common feature of this disorder.

Question 14

Roughly 25% of Americans have the symptoms of a diagnosable mental disorder in any given year.

Accepted Answer

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 25% of adults in the United States have a diagnosable mental disorder in any given year.

Question 15

Eva shows a pattern of extreme discomfort in close relationships, odd and quirky behavior, and cognitive and perceptual distortions. As such, she most likely has ________ personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

The description of Eva's behavior suggests features of schizotypal personality disorder, which is characterized by eccentric behavior, odd beliefs, and difficulties in establishing close relationships. Paranoid and antisocial personality disorders do not involve the same level of perceptual and cognitive distortions as schizotypal personality disorder, while schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder characterized by symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking that are different from the features described in the question.

Question 16

Major depressive disorder affects a person's affect, behavior, and cognition.

Accepted Answer

Major depressive disorder can cause changes in a person's mood (affect), behavior (such as a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities), and cognition (including difficulty concentrating and negative thoughts).

Question 17

It is very easy to define what is abnormal in terms of behavior.

Accepted Answer

Defining abnormal behavior is subjective and depends on cultural, societal, and personal values and norms. What may be considered abnormal in one context may not be in another. Additionally, abnormal behavior can have varying degrees and manifestations, making it difficult to define in a universal and objective manner.

Question 18

The American Psychological Association created the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in the early 1950s.

Accepted Answer

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) was created by the American Psychiatric Association, not the American Psychological Association.

Question 19

John has made a career of stealing older people's retirement money by taking advantage of their trust and selling them phony retirement investments. John explains that he has done nothing wrong-if these people were not so greedy, they would not be so eager to invest in his phony schemes. In his mind, his victims got exactly what they deserved. John's behavior and attitude are typical of someone with ______ personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

John's behavior and attitude are consistent with symptoms of antisocial personality disorder, which includes disregard for and violation of other people's rights, deceitfulness, impulsivity, and lack of remorse. John demonstrates a lack of empathy for his victims and blames them for his own illegal actions, which is typical of people with antisocial personality disorder.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct pairing when it comes to personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Cluster A includes disorders that involve odd or eccentric behaviors, such as paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal personality disorders. Cluster B includes disorders that involve dramatic, emotional, or erratic behaviors, such as borderline, narcissistic, histrionic, and antisocial personality disorders. Cluster C includes disorders that involve anxious or fearful behaviors or symptoms, such as avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders. There is no Cluster D in the classification of personality disorders, so option D is incorrect.

Quiz 11: Psychological Disorders: More Than Everyday Problems