Question 1

In 1989, Abramson and his colleagues revised Seligman's theory of learned helplessness, which had focused on specific attributions as the crucial factor in depression.What did Abramson and his colleagues change the focus to?

Accepted Answer

Abramson and his colleagues shifted the focus of Seligman's theory of learned helplessness to a sense of hopelessness, emphasizing how this feeling contributes to depression.

Question 2

Jamie is six years old and has been diagnosed with dysthymic disorder.What disorder is Jamie highly likely to develop as he gets older?

Accepted Answer

Dysthymic disorder is a chronic, low-grade form of depression that lasts for at least two years in children and teenagers. The most common disorder that dysthymia can develop into is major depressive disorder. It is estimated that up to 76% of children and adolescents diagnosed with dysthymia will develop major depression at some point in their lives. While bipolar disorder involves cycles of depression and mania, it is less likely to develop from dysthymia in children.

Question 3

According to Martin Seligman, people become anxious and depressed because they believe that they have no control over the stress in their lives.Which model of depression is this?

Accepted Answer

This is the learned helplessness theory, which posits that individuals become anxious and depressed because they believe they have no control over the stress in their lives. This theory was developed by Seligman himself.

Question 4

When is the gender difference in the prevalence of depression the greatest?

Accepted Answer

Studies have consistently shown that the gender difference in the prevalence of depression is greatest during adolescence, with females being two to three times more likely to experience depression than males. This disparity continues into adulthood, but the gap decreases slightly. In childhood and old age, the gender difference is not as significant.

Question 5

Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) helps depressed patients resolve relationship problems.Which of the following issues is NOT a likely focus of IPT?

Accepted Answer

IPT focuses on current relationship issues rather than delving into problems in past relationships. It aims to address present interpersonal problems and their impact on depression, rather than analyzing historical relationship issues.

Question 6

Sima experiences "dysphoric" mania.What type of manic episodes will Sima experience?

Accepted Answer

Dysphoric mania is a type of bipolar disorder where manic episodes are accompanied by depression or anxiety. This can cause the person to feel agitated, irritable, and prone to risky behavior. It is important for individuals with this type of bipolar disorder to receive proper treatment, as it can significantly impact their daily life and overall well-being.

Question 7

Sonita has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder but is also hearing voices telling her she is evil and sinful.Which specifier will Sonita likely be given?

Accepted Answer

The specifier for hearing voices telling her she is evil and sinful suggests the presence of psychotic features, which is indicated as a specifier for major depressive disorder.

Question 8

Although all symptoms are important, which symptoms does evidence suggest are the most central indicators of a full major depressive episode?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Although all symptoms are important, which symptoms...

Question 9

Why is the antidepressant medication lithium also referred to as a mood stabilizer?

Accepted Answer

Lithium helps to prevent manic episodes and is known to be effective in treating bipolar disorder. Its ability to stabilize mood is why it is referred to as a mood stabilizer.

Question 10

Research has revealed that stressful life events are common to all individuals; however, some individuals will become depressed while others will not after an event.Which factor influences this likelihood?

Accepted Answer

The meaning of the event can greatly influence an individual's response to it. For example, if someone experiences a job loss but views it as an opportunity for personal growth and change, they may not become depressed. Conversely, if someone perceives a less significant event, such as a perceived slight from a friend, as a major threat to their social status, they may become depressed. This suggests that cognitive appraisal plays an important role in the relationship between stress and depression.

Question 11

In severe cases of depression in which the episode lasts five years or longer, approximately what percentage of patients can be expected to recover?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In severe cases of depression in which...

Question 12

According to the text, what is the average length of a major depressive episode if left untreated?

Accepted Answer

The average length of a major depressive episode if left untreated is typically around 9 months.

Question 13

Recent research has noted that neurotransmitter activity in the hypothalamus regulates the release of hormones that affect the HPA axis.This discovery has led to the focus on the role of which substance in the endocrine system?

Accepted Answer

Neurohormones are the substances released by neurons into the blood, which then affect the endocrine system. The discovery that neurotransmitter activity in the hypothalamus regulates hormone release affecting the HPA axis highlights the role of neurohormones in this process.

Question 14

Allison's family has been told Allison has the most severe form of depression.Which disorder has Allison been diagnosed with?

Accepted Answer

Allison has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder, as it is the most severe form of depression. Cyclothymia is a mood disorder that involves periods of hypo/manic symptoms and depressive symptoms but typically does not reach the severity levels of major depressive disorder. Persistent depressive disorder involves depressive symptoms for most of the day, for more days than not, for at least two years, but may not be as severe as major depressive disorder. "Profound depression" is not a recognized diagnostic term.

Question 15

How are MAO inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants similar?

Accepted Answer

MAO inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants both increase the levels of neurotransmitters (specifically, serotonin and norepinephrine) by blocking their reuptake or breakdown, which can result in an increase in the amount of neurotransmitters in the synapse (pooling).

Question 16

Assuming that the prescribed medication is effective, what is the advantage of combining medication and psychosocial treatments for patients with depression?

Accepted Answer

Combining medication and psychosocial treatments can provide a dual benefit of rapid drug action for immediate relief of symptoms and the psychosocial protection against recurrence or relapse. This approach can also help patients learn coping skills while the drugs gradually begin to work.

Question 17

Current research into neurotransmitter systems has produced the "permissive hypothesis." What does this hypothesis state?

Accepted Answer

The permissive hypothesis states that when serotonin levels are low, it allows other neurotransmitter systems, such as norepinephrine, to become dysregulated and contribute to mood irregularities. Therefore, low levels of serotonin alone are not sufficient to explain the etiology of mood disorders.

Question 18

Anne has major depression and her friend Gail is experiencing mania.Both are refusing drug treatment.If both Anne and Gail began feeling symptoms on the same day, what can you predict about when the symptoms will end?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Anne has major depression and her friend...

Question 19

Consider Aaron Beck's depressive cognitive triad.Which of the following is NOT one of the factors that individuals think negatively about?

Accepted Answer

Aaron Beck's depressive cognitive triad involves negative thoughts about the self, the world, and the future. The past is not one of the factors in this triad.

Question 20

There is some evidence to suggest that many famous creative people have suffered from bipolar disorders.What has this finding led researchers to speculate?

Accepted Answer

The finding that many famous creative people have suffered from bipolar disorders has led researchers to speculate that there is a possible genetic vulnerability to mood disorders that is associated with a predisposition to creativity. This does not suggest that mania is at the heart of all creativity or that the same gene causes bipolar disorder and creativity. While creative endeavors may contribute to the development of mood disorders, this does not necessarily mean they are the sole cause or that it is the same gene responsible for both bipolar disorder and creativity.

Quiz 8: Eating and Sleep-Wake Disorders