Question 1

During the last year Genevieve has experienced five bouts of major depressive disorder, each followed by a brief manic episode lasting several days. Genevieve's pattern of depressive and manic episodes is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Genevieve's pattern of experiencing at least four episodes of major depression and mania within a year is known as rapid cycling bipolar disorder. This is characterized by frequent and intense mood swings that can be challenging to treat.

Question 2

During a manic episode, the person's thoughts often rapidly shift from topic to topic. This characteristic is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

A flight of ideas is a common symptom of mania in which the person experiences a rapid flow of thoughts that jump from one idea to the next, often with little or no connection between them. This can make it difficult for the person to stay focused on a particular task or topic.

Question 3

Some people suffer from a milder but chronic form of bipolar disorder in which they experience moderate but frequent mood swings for two years or longer. This disorder is called:

Accepted Answer

The description of moderate but frequent mood swings for over two years is consistent with the diagnostic criteria for cyclothymic disorder. Dissociative fugue refers to a temporary amnesiac state where a person forgets their identity, and persistent depressive disorder is a form of depression that lasts for two years or more without manic episodes. Generalized anxiety disorder involves persistent excessive worry and anxiety about various aspects of life, but not necessarily mood swings.

Question 4

Statistically, women are _____ to be diagnosed with major depressive disorder.

Accepted Answer

Women are about twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with major depressive disorder, according to multiple studies and research. There are several possible reasons for this, including hormonal differences, social and cultural factors, and differences in how men and women cope with stress and emotions.

Question 5

The onset of bipolar disorder is most likely to occur:

Accepted Answer

The onset of bipolar disorder typically occurs in early adulthood, usually in the early twenties. However, it can also develop during adolescence or later in life. Although there can be a gradual buildup of symptoms, the actual onset of bipolar disorder is usually sudden or abrupt.

Question 6

In the past three days, Doug has become progressively more energetic and euphoric. He has been sleeping no more than an hour or two a night, but he seems to have unlimited energy. Doug is inappropriately self-confident as he veers from one grandiose idea to another in his plans to become rich and famous. Doug appears to be experiencing:

Accepted Answer

Doug is exhibiting symptoms of a manic episode, characterized by a sustained period of abnormally elevated or irritable mood, increased energy, racing thoughts, decreased need for sleep, inflated self-esteem, poor judgment, and impulsive behavior. Rapid cycling refers to the occurrence of four or more mood episodes (mania or depression) in a year, whereas dissociative identity disorder and schizophrenia are not consistent with the symptoms described.

Question 7

A small percentage of people with bipolar disorder display rapid cycling, which is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Rapid cycling is defined as experiencing four or more manic or depressive episodes within a year.

Question 8

Bipolar disorder used to be officially called _____, and it is still often referred to by that term.

Accepted Answer

Bipolar disorder used to be called manic depression, which refers to the two distinct states of the disorder - mania and depression. While it is now officially referred to as bipolar disorder, the term manic depression is still commonly used. Multiple personality disorder, dysthymic disorder, and seasonal affective disorder are different mental health conditions.

Question 9

A small percentage of people with bipolar disorder display _____, which is characterized by four or more manic or depressive episodes every year.

Accepted Answer

Rapid cycling is a term used to describe people with bipolar disorder who go through four or more manic or depressive episodes every year.

Question 10

In any given year, approximately _____ percent of Americans experience the symptoms of major depressive disorder.

Accepted Answer

Approximately 7% of Americans experience the symptoms of major depressive disorder in any given year.

Question 11

Kirk is difficult to work with because he is extremely moody and unpredictable. Some days he is full of complaints about his job and wants nothing to do with his co-workers. At other times, Kirk is extremely upbeat and optimistic and enthusiastically suggests that the whole work group go out to lunch together. Kirk's chronic mood swings and his inconsistent behavior are characteristics of:

Accepted Answer

Kirk's chronic mood swings and inconsistent behavior are characteristic of cyclothymic disorder, which is a milder form of bipolar disorder. Persistent depressive disorder and borderline personality disorder are also mood disorders but don't fit Kirk's symptoms as well. Dissociative identity disorder, formerly known as multiple personality disorder, is a dissociative disorder characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states. Kirk's symptoms do not fit this disorder either.

Question 12

Psychologist Susan Nolen-Hoeksema and her colleagues have studied gender differences in the prevalence of major depressive disorder. What conclusions have they reached?

Accepted Answer

Nolen-Hoeksema and her colleagues have found that women experience a greater degree of chronic stress in daily life combined with a lesser sense of personal control than men, which makes them more vulnerable to major depressive disorder. This conclusion is based on research that suggests that women are more likely to experience chronic stressors, such as relationship, financial, and work-related stressors, than men. Additionally, women tend to ruminate about their problems, which can exacerbate feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, further increasing their risk for depression.

Question 13

In terms of lifetime prevalence, approximately _____ percent of Americans will be affected by the symptoms of major depressive disorder at some point in their life.

Accepted Answer

Approximately 15% of Americans will experience symptoms of major depressive disorder at some point in their lifetime, according to various epidemiological studies.

Question 14

Which of the following statements about bipolar disorder is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar disorder is characterized by mood swings that include manic and depressive episodes, and it is almost always recurrent, meaning that individuals typically experience multiple episodes over time.

Question 15

Which of the following is often called the "common cold" of psychological disorders?

Accepted Answer

Major depressive disorder is often called the "common cold" of psychological disorders because it is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness, as well as a loss of interest in activities that once brought pleasure.

Question 16

According to DSM-5, a small percentage of people with bipolar disorder experience:

Accepted Answer

According to DSM-5, a small percentage of people with bipolar disorder experience only manic episodes, which is known as Bipolar I Disorder.

Question 17

Statistically, women are _____ as men to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that women are just as likely as men to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Question 18

Terri has suffered for the past three years or more from a milder but chronic form of bipolar disorder in which she experiences moderate but frequent mood swings. Terri probably has:

Accepted Answer

Terri's symptoms of frequent moderate mood swings suggest that she may have cyclothymic disorder, which is a milder form of bipolar disorder that lasts for at least two years. Borderline personality disorder and generalized anxiety disorder are not the best choices since they do not specifically involve mood swings. Persistent depressive disorder may involve chronic depression, but it does not include the mood swings that are present in bipolar disorder/cyclothymic disorder.

Question 19

Which of the following statements about the prevalence and course of major depressive disorder is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that a significant number of individuals with major depressive disorder do not seek professional help, with some estimates suggesting that only about half of people with the condition receive treatment.

Question 20

Compared with a typical episode of major depressive disorder, the manic and depressive symptoms of an episode of bipolar disorder tend to:

Accepted Answer

The manic and depressive episodes in bipolar disorder typically last for a shorter duration compared to the prolonged episodes of major depressive disorder.

Quiz 13: Psychological Disorders