Question 1

What percentage of personality disorders may have a genetic factor?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that genetic factors may account for approximately 40-60% of the risk for developing personality disorders.

Question 2

Antipsychotic medications may be needed to treat the symptoms of patients in "cluster A."

Accepted Answer

Cluster A personality disorders, which include paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal personality disorders, may exhibit symptoms that can be managed with antipsychotic medications, especially if there are psychotic-like features.

Question 3

Typically, SSRIs are used for which of the following cluster(s)?

Accepted Answer

D

Question 4

Experts once believed that the use of medications in the treatment of personality disorders interfered with psychotherapy.

Accepted Answer

This was a commonly held belief in the past, but now it is recognized that medications can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy to effectively treat personality disorders.

Question 5

Which of the following is not a typical therapeutic approach used in the treatment of personality disorders:

Accepted Answer

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is not typically used for personality disorders; it is more commonly applied to treat anxiety and depression.

Question 6

There are currently eight medications that are FDA approved for treating personality disorders.

Accepted Answer

There are currently no FDA approved medications for treating personality disorders. Treatment typically involves psychotherapy and/or medications for comorbid conditions such as depression or anxiety.

Question 7

Approximately 7% of the general population have a personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Approximately 7% of the general population have...

Question 8

What percentage of the general population have personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that approximately 10-23% of the general population may have personality disorders.

Question 9

In patients demonstrating the "cluster B" symptoms, the use of antidepressants like the SSRIs are often helpful.

Accepted Answer

SSRIs can be helpful in managing symptoms such as impulsivity and mood instability associated with cluster B personality disorders.

Question 10

Which of the following was found in the literature to be contributing factors in impulsive and violent behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Head trauma, toxic substances, and low serotonin levels have all been identified in research as contributing factors to impulsive and violent behaviors.

Question 11

Current research and evidence suggests that personality disorders are a biopsychosocial entity caused by complex interactions of psychosocial and biological factors.

Accepted Answer

Personality disorders are believed to result from a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Researchers have found evidence of genetic and neurological components as well as environmental influences such as childhood trauma or parenting styles.

Question 12

Neuroimaging studies have demonstrated differences in the frontal lobe functioning of patients with schizotypal personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

There have been several neuroimaging studies that have observed differences in the frontal lobe functioning of individuals with schizotypal personality disorder. For example, a study published in the journal Schizophrenia Research found that individuals with schizotypal personality disorder exhibited reduced activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (which plays a role in working memory, attention, and decision making) compared to healthy controls. Other studies have found abnormalities in brain regions such as the medial prefrontal cortex and the anterior cingulate cortex in individuals with schizotypal personality disorder.

Question 13

Historically, ________ has been used to calm anxious, impulsive patients:

Accepted Answer

Neurontin (gabapentin) has been used off-label to help calm anxious, impulsive patients, although it is primarily an anticonvulsant medication.

Question 14

Cluster "a" symptoms include:

Accepted Answer

Cluster "a" symptoms are characterized by paranoid, eccentric, and thought disordered traits, which align with the description in choice B.

Question 15

Current research suggests that biological factors may account for about 40-?60% of all cases.

Accepted Answer

Current research suggests that genetic and other biological factors may account for about 40-60% of all cases of various psychological disorders. While environmental and social factors also play a significant role, there is growing evidence that genetics and other biological factors can contribute to the development of mental health conditions.

Quiz 11: Treatment of Sleep Disorders