Question 1

Sammy is a 5-year-old boy who has just begun kindergarten.His teacher notices that Sammy doesn't pay attention to instructions in class,is often distracted by trivial things,and appears disconnected during group activities.He has a very hard time staying calmly seated at his table and does dangerous actions such as jumping off his desk.According to Sammy's mother,Sammy has displayed this behaviour for years.What disorder is Sammy most likely exhibiting?

Accepted Answer

Sammy is displaying symptoms that are consistent with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is characterized by symptoms such as difficulty paying attention, being easily distracted, and impulsive behavior. The fact that Sammy has displayed this behavior for years also supports the idea that it may be a chronic condition such as ADHD. Autism spectrum disorder, conduct disorder, and schizophrenia are less likely as they do not typically present with the same symptoms as ADHD.

Question 2

Disorders characterized by disturbances in a person's prolonged emotional state are known as __________ disorders.

Accepted Answer

Mood disorders involve a disturbance in a person's emotional state, such as depression or bipolar disorder. Dissociative disorders involve disruptions in a person's sense of identity, memory or consciousness. Somatoform disorders involve physical symptoms that cannot be explained by a medical condition. Conversion disorders involve physical symptoms that have no organic cause.

Question 3

A schizophrenic characterized by alternating periods of mute immobility and excited motor activity is referred to as a(n)

Accepted Answer

The described behavior of alternating periods of mute immobility and excited motor activity is a classic sign of catatonic schizophrenia.

Question 4

Of the following,which would provide the strongest evidence for a genetic component to schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

A high concordance rate among identical twins raised apart suggests a strong genetic component to schizophrenia because it suggests that even when twins are not raised in the same environment, they still share a high risk for developing the disorder, indicating that genetic factors are playing a significant role. Choice A and B suggest a genetic component, but the fact that fraternal twins have a higher concordance rate than other siblings or even higher than identical twins does not necessarily provide as strong evidence as identical twins raised apart. Choice D, a high concordance rate among the general population, does not specifically suggest a genetic component and could be due to environmental factors.

Question 5

Feeling fearful but not knowing why is characteristic of

Accepted Answer

Fearful but not knowing why is a symptom of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, where an individual experiences excessive and persistent worry and fear that is difficult to control. Phobias are characterized by an intense and irrational fear of a specific object or situation, and the individual usually knows the source of their fear. Dissociative neurosis involves a disruption in memory, awareness, identity, and perception, but fear is not a characteristic symptom. Amnesia is a loss of memory, but fear is not necessarily associated with it.

Question 6

Nancy smells smoke when there is no fire.This is an example of

Accepted Answer

Nancy smelling smoke when there is no actual fire is an example of a hallucination, which is a sensory experience that seems real but is created by the mind.

Question 7

A patient in a mental hospital exhibits disordered thinking,perceptual abnormalities,unusual emotions,and suspiciousness.This person is probably suffering from

Accepted Answer

Disordered thinking, perceptual abnormalities, unusual emotions, and suspiciousness are all common symptoms of schizophrenia. Bipolar disorder may involve mood swings, but not necessarily the same level of disordered thinking and perceptual abnormalities seen in schizophrenia. Passive-aggressive personality and dissociative disorders typically do not involve these specific symptoms.

Question 8

False sensory perceptions that often take the form of hearing voices are called

Accepted Answer

False sensory perceptions, specifically hearing voices, are a type of hallucination. Obsessions and compulsions are related to anxiety disorders and delusions are false beliefs.

Question 9

An episode of intense sadness that may last for several months is called

Accepted Answer

Major depressive disorder is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities that were once pleasurable. This episode can last for several months and can be severe enough to interfere with daily functioning. Bipolar disorder and hypomania involve episodes of both depressive and manic symptoms, and dysthymia is a less severe but chronic form of depression.

Question 10

Nick was admitted to a mental institution because he heard voices talking to him that no one else could hear,and he saw demons attacking him,though no one else could see anything near him.Nick's symptoms are known as

Accepted Answer

Nick is experiencing perceptions that are not based in reality, which are known as hallucinations. Delusions can also occur in people with mental illness, but they involve beliefs that are not based in reality rather than perceptions. Obsessions and compulsions are symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, which does not seem to be the primary diagnosis in this case.

Question 11

Annette talks to her pet elephant,which no one else can see.Annette is having a

Accepted Answer

The answer of Annette talks to her pet elephant,which no...

Question 12

Which of the following is a mood disorder?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by episodes of manic and depressive symptoms. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder, multiple personality disorder (now known as dissociative identity disorder) is a dissociative disorder, and narcissistic personality disorder is a personality disorder.

Question 13

Abnormally high energy level,distractibility,increased sex drive,and positive self-image are MOST associated with which of the following disorders?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms listed (abnormally high energy level, distractibility, increased sex drive, and positive self-image) are indicative of manic episodes, which are a defining feature of bipolar disorder.

Question 14

Which of the following is considered the most severe psychological disorder?

Accepted Answer

Schizophrenia is considered the most severe psychological disorder as it can lead to a detachment from reality and a disruption of thought, behavior, and emotion. Symptoms can include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, and abnormal motor behavior. Antisocial personality disorder, depression, and bipolar disorder are also serious disorders, but they may not necessarily be considered the most severe.

Question 15

The most common psychotic disorder is

Accepted Answer

Schizophrenia is the most common psychotic disorder, affecting approximately 1% of the population. Manic-depressive and bipolar are the same disorder (now commonly referred to as bipolar disorder), which is a mood disorder rather than a psychotic disorder. Multiple personality is a controversial diagnosis and is now referred to as dissociative identity disorder.

Question 16

John's behaviour appears normal,then he becomes depressed and hyperactivity follows.He would likely be diagnosed as having which disorder?

Accepted Answer

John's symptoms of first appearing normal, followed by depression and then hyperactivity, are typical of the manic and depressive episodes that characterize bipolar disorder. Mania (A) and depressive (D) disorders are separate diagnoses, and schizophrenia (B) does not typically present with these specific symptoms.

Question 17

The belief that you are a special agent for the Intergalactic Supernova is an example of a

Accepted Answer

The belief that one is a special agent for the Intergalactic Supernova is a delusion, as it is a fixed, false belief that is not based in reality.

Question 18

How do most antipsychotic drugs seem to work?

Accepted Answer

Most antipsychotic drugs work by blocking the activity of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure, reward, and motivation, but it is also involved in the development of psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. By blocking dopamine receptors, antipsychotic drugs can reduce the severity and frequency of these symptoms.

Question 19

Following a stressful event,a man cannot remember his past.He adopts a new identity,relocates,and starts a new family and career.Which diagnosis would be most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

The man's inability to remember his past and adoption of a new identity, relocation, and starting a new family and career suggest that he may be experiencing dissociative fugue. This is a dissociative disorder in which a person forgets their past and takes on a new identity, often traveling away from home. Conversion disorder involves physical symptoms without a physical cause, dissociative amnesia involves memory loss without a change in identity, and dissociative identity disorder involves the presence of two or more distinct identities or personalities.

Question 20

Mary is a 40- year-old woman who works from home.One day,the phone rang right after her groceries were delivered to her front door.It was her younger sister calling to tell Mary that she would be getting married and would like Mary to come to the wedding in the summer.Although Mary was happy for her sister,she dreaded the thought of being at a big wedding and began sweating profusely and feeling nauseous.She told her sister she wishes the best for her,but that she would not be able to attend the wedding.What disorder is Mary most likely exhibiting?

Accepted Answer

Mary's symptoms of sweating and nausea at the thought of attending a big wedding suggest agoraphobia, which involves fear of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable, often leading to avoidance of such situations.

Quiz 15: D: Psychological Disorders