Question 1

________ has been referred to as the "common cold" of psychological problems.

Accepted Answer

Depression is often referred to as the "common cold" of psychological problems because it is one of the most common mental health disorders, with an estimated 264 million people worldwide affected by depression. It is also a highly treatable condition, similar to how the common cold can be managed with over-the-counter medication and rest.

Question 2

Research suggests that depression may be related to

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that depression is related to all of these factors. Imbalances in brain neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin have been linked to depression. Studies have also found evidence of a genetic predisposition to depression. Abnormally low brain wave activity of the left frontal lobe has been associated with depression. Additionally, some research suggests that certain viral infections may trigger or worsen depression symptoms in some people.

Question 3

Nicholas is a man who the local college students all think of as eccentric. Each day he stands on campus, smiling at people as they walk by, and he is known for his ever-present greeting of "Good Luck!" In fact, the students at this campus have come to refer to him as "Good Luck Nick." Nobody knows if he has a home or if he is destitute, but Nicholas never asks for anything. Which of the four criteria of mental illness might Nicholas satisfy?

Accepted Answer

Nicholas may satisfy the criterion of unconventionalit, as his behavior is not typical or expected in his environment. However, there is no evidence that his behavior is causing distress or functional impairment, so he may not meet the criteria for a mental illness. Additionally, it is not clear whether his behavior is maladaptive or unpredictable.

Question 4

A person suffering with major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern would be expected to be most depressed when

Accepted Answer

Major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern, also known as seasonal affective disorder, is a type of depression that occurs during the same season each year. It is most commonly associated with winter, although some individuals may experience symptoms during the summer months. Therefore, the person would be expected to be most depressed when it is winter.

Question 5

Padma is extremely confident and feels that lately she needs very little sleep. In addition, she reports that her thoughts seem to be going fast-similar to watching three television shows at once. Padma most likely is experiencing

Accepted Answer

Padma is exhibiting symptoms commonly associated with a manic episode, including high levels of confidence, decreased need for sleep, and racing thoughts. This may indicate the presence of a bipolar disorder.

Question 6

Major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern seems to be related to

Accepted Answer

Major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern, also known as seasonal affective disorder, is related to low levels of sunlight during the fall and winter months. This lack of sunlight can disrupt circadian rhythms and decrease serotonin levels, leading to symptoms of depression.

Question 7

Which of the following is Mayberg's explanation for depressive disorders?

Accepted Answer

Mayberg's explanation for depressive disorders is that it results from the brain's mood-regulating circuitry, external stresses, and biological vulnerability.

Question 8

Darcy is sitting at her desk in her office one day when, without warning, her heart begins racing rapidly, she has a sensation of being "out of her body," and she experiences dulled vision and hearing, rapid breathing, and sweating. She thinks she is having a heart attack. Nothing she is doing seems to have caused such an episode. Her symptoms MOST resemble

Accepted Answer

Darcy's symptoms are consistent with a panic attack, which is characterized by sudden and intense physical sensations, such as racing heart, sweating, and rapid breathing, as well as feelings of detachment or being out of one's body. Panic attacks can occur unexpectedly and without a specific trigger.

Question 9

A person who feels euphoric and hyperactive may be experiencing

Accepted Answer

A person who feels euphoric and hyperactive may be experiencing a manic episode, which is a symptom of bipolar disorder. In a manic episode, a person may have grandiose ideas, sleep little, and engage in risky behavior.

Question 10

Maria is a retired factory worker who lives with anxiety. Due to the fear of having anxiety attacks, she does not leave her house. This makes her feel trapped in her home, which creates distress. Which criterion would be most appropriate in deciding whether Maria's case represents an example of abnormality?

Accepted Answer

The criterion of distress is most appropriate in Maria's case because her behavior is causing distress and impairment in her daily functioning. The fact that she is not leaving her house due to anxiety is indicative of abnormal behavior. Statistical rarity, unpredictability, and unconventionality are not as relevant in this particular case.

Question 11

Which cognitive event is hypothesized as contributing to the development and maintenance of major depression?

Accepted Answer

Learned helplessness, which involves the belief that one has no control over negative events, has been hypothesized as a cognitive event that contributes to the development and maintenance of major depression.

Question 12

As part of a fraternity initiation ritual, Saul is instructed to interrupt a school basketball game by running on the court naked while singing the nursery rhyme "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star." If Sam complies with this ritual, his behavior would best illustrate

Accepted Answer

Saul's behavior would best illustrate unconventionalit, as it involves violating societal norms and expectations by engaging in an unusual and disruptive behavior. This does not necessarily indicate any mental disorder or distress.

Question 13

A person who bathes at least 15 times per day is displaying

Accepted Answer

The answer of A person who bathes at least 15...

Question 14

Nwoambi is a psychologist who is currently evaluating a new client. Dr. Nwoambi would most likely refer to the _________ to assist her in diagnosing her client's psychological disorder.

Accepted Answer

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the primary source used by psychologists and psychiatrists for the classification and diagnosis of mental disorders. It provides criteria for the diagnosis of various disorders and includes a detailed description of symptoms, prevalence, risk factors, and treatment options.

Question 15

Leo worries all of the time. He worries about his money, his children, and his dog. His muscles are always tense and sore, he has trouble sleeping, is often irritable, and has difficulty concentrating. Leo's symptoms sound most like ________ disorder.

Accepted Answer

Leo's symptoms match the diagnostic criteria for generalized anxiety disorder, which is characterized by excessive worrying about various events or activities, difficulty controlling the worry, and a range of physical symptoms such as muscle tension, sleep disturbances, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Panic disorder (A) is characterized by recurrent panic attacks and intense fear or discomfort, while conversion disorder (B) involves neurological symptoms that cannot be attributed to medical causes. Dissociative disorders (D) involve disruptions in consciousness or identity, and illness anxiety disorder (E) involves excessive anxiety about having or developing a serious illness.

Question 16

Whenever Greta thinks about her life, she automatically bursts into tears. This example most clearly illustrates the impact of ________ in psychological disorders.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Whenever Greta thinks about her life, she...

Question 17

You are a psychologist who is evaluating the behavior of a new client. The client tells you that he does not like to wear clothing and that he walks around nude most of the time. In addition, he tells you that he lives in a society in which clothing is required and nudity is seen as abnormal. Which of the following is NOT a criterion by which you evaluate your client's behavior as abnormal?

Accepted Answer

The answer of You are a psychologist who is evaluating...

Question 18

The tendency for some depressed persons to perpetuate depression by blaming themselves for negative events is termed ________ by Martin Seligman.

Accepted Answer

The term used to describe the tendency for some depressed individuals to blame themselves for negative events and perpetuate their depression is "learned helplessness," which was coined by Martin Seligman. Choices A, C, D, and E are not related to this phenomenon.

Question 19

The tendency for women to ________ may be one factor that accounts for their increased vulnerability to depression.

Accepted Answer

Rumination, or overthinking and dwelling on negative thoughts, has been shown to be more common in women and has been linked to higher levels of depression. This behavior pattern may contribute to women's increased susceptibility to depression.

Question 20

Dave, a graduate student, has difficulty talking to groups. Unfortunately, he has chosen a career in which he must speak to large groups of people. The night before a presentation, he tosses and turns, and the resulting lack of sleep makes the situation worse. When he makes a presentation, he often becomes confused and stumbles over his words. As a result, he feels worthless and miserable. Which two criteria of abnormal behavior are most useful in analyzing this case?

Accepted Answer

Dave's situation involves distress, as he feels worthless and miserable, and maladaptiveness, as his inability to speak effectively impacts his career.

Quiz 12: Psychological Disorders