Question 1

In working with patients with schizophrenia, mental health professionals typically distinguish between two types of symptoms-an excess or distortion of normal behaviour and deficits in normal behaviour.What are these symptoms called, respectively?

Accepted Answer

The excess or distortion of normal behaviour are called positive symptoms, while deficits in normal behaviour are called negative symptoms. Therefore, choice D (positive and negative symptoms) is the correct answer.

Question 2

In the latter half of the 20th century, which factor did NOT reduce the rate at which persons with schizophrenia were institutionalized?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the latter half of the 20th...

Question 3

What is the defining feature of attenuated psychosis syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Attenuated psychosis syndrome is characterized by an individual's awareness of the bizarre or unreal nature of their symptoms, distinguishing it from more severe psychotic disorders where this insight is often lacking.

Question 4

In contrast to retrospective research, which is based on after-the-fact reports, what is the purpose of prospective research studies of patients with schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

The purpose of prospective research studies of patients with schizophrenia is to examine factors that predict the occurrence or recurrence of schizophrenic symptoms in the future. This type of research looks ahead, rather than relying on after-the-fact reports as is done in retrospective research. Therefore, option B is the correct answer. The other options are not accurate descriptions of the purpose of prospective research studies in schizophrenia.

Question 5

Which symptom was NOT combined to form the term dementia praecox?

Accepted Answer

Mania was not a symptom included in the term dementia praecox. The symptoms included were paranoia, hebephrenia, and catatonia.

Question 6

If one identical twin has schizophrenia, what is the probability that the other identical twin also has the disorder?

Accepted Answer

The probability of the second identical twin having schizophrenia is around 50 percent according to research. This suggests that genetic factors may be involved in the development of schizophrenia.

Question 7

In which situation would the risk of developing schizophrenia be the lowest for a child?

Accepted Answer

The risk of developing schizophrenia is lowest when the child's nonschizophrenic parent has a schizophrenic fraternal twin, as fraternal twins share only about 50% of their genes, similar to regular siblings, and the parent does not have schizophrenia.

Question 8

When drugs are administered to patients with schizophrenia, what effect do they have?

Accepted Answer

Drugs that increase dopamine levels are known to exacerbate or increase schizophrenic behavior, as schizophrenia is associated with high levels of dopamine activity in certain brain regions.

Question 9

Leo believes he is Jesus Christ.He is convinced he has returned to pass judgment on the world and offer salvation to true Christians.Despite a complete lack of evidence to support his beliefs, he remains convinced that he is Christ and that he is all-powerful.What kind of delusions do Leo's beliefs illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Leo's beliefs illustrate delusions of grandeur, which involve a false sense of superiority, power, or importance. He believes he is Jesus Christ and all-powerful, despite a lack of evidence to support these beliefs.

Question 10

What is a "token economy"?

Accepted Answer

A token economy is a system where individuals receive tokens or points for exhibiting appropriate behaviors and lose tokens for exhibiting inappropriate behaviors. This system is commonly used in psychiatric hospitals, especially for patients with schizophrenia, to encourage desired behaviors and discourage undesired ones. Tokens can be exchanged for rewards, such as food or privileges, providing further motivation for patients to exhibit appropriate behaviors.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT recommended as a helpful addition to biological treatment for schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Psychoanalysis is not recommended as a helpful addition to biological treatment for schizophrenia. This is because psychoanalysis tends to focus more on exploring unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences, rather than addressing the symptoms of schizophrenia. The other options (family intervention, social skills training, and programs in vocational rehabilitation) have all been shown to be helpful additions to biological treatment for schizophrenia. Family intervention helps to improve communication and reduce stress within the family, social skills training helps individuals with schizophrenia learn better social skills, and programs in vocational rehabilitation help individuals with schizophrenia learn skills necessary for gainful employment.

Question 12

Which term refers to the argument that life in the lower social classes is stressful, thus predisposing those from the lower social classes to an increased likelihood of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

The sociogenic hypothesis argues that stressful life experiences, particularly those associated with being in lower social classes, increase the risk of developing schizophrenia.

Question 13

What type of symptoms are associated with the phenomenon of hypofrontality?

Accepted Answer

Hypofrontality is a reduction in the activity of the prefrontal cortex, which is associated with negative symptoms in schizophrenia such as social withdrawal, apathy, and reduced emotionality.

Question 14

Sorin is experiencing anhedonia.What does this mean for Sorin?

Accepted Answer

Anhedonia is the inability to experience pleasure or enjoy activities that are typically enjoyable.

Question 15

Alberto believes that his computer comes to life at night and transmits messages about humans to Pluto.Assuming Alberto's computer does not do this, what is Alberto's belief an example of?

Accepted Answer

Alberto's belief that his computer is transmitting messages to Pluto is a fixed false belief or a delusion, which is common in individuals with psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.

Question 16

What were neuroleptics most beneficial in treating?

Accepted Answer

Neuroleptics, also known as antipsychotics, are primarily effective in treating positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions and hallucinations. They may also have some efficacy in treating disorganized symptoms, but are generally not helpful in treating negative symptoms or social deficits.

Question 17

Which position regarding the treatment approaches available for schizophrenia do most mental health professionals take today?

Accepted Answer

Most mental health professionals today recognize schizophrenia as a complex disorder with biological underpinnings, rather than being caused primarily by psychological factors. While psychotherapy is seen as an important component of treatment, it is not considered a cure but rather a means to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Traditional psychotherapeutic approaches alone are not believed to cure schizophrenia.

Question 18

Which statement best reflects "circumstantial evidence" for the dopamine theory of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Circumstantial evidence for the dopamine theory of schizophrenia comes from the observation that antipsychotic drugs, which are effective in treating schizophrenia, can produce side effects similar to Parkinson's disease. This suggests that these drugs are reducing dopamine activity, as Parkinson's disease is associated with low levels of dopamine.

Question 19

James has schizophrenia.His parents can always tell when he is hallucinating.Consistent with research, James sits there and smiles as if he is listening to someone next to him.What is he usually doing while hallucinating?

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that individuals with schizophrenia are more likely to experience hallucinations when they are unoccupied or their mind is not actively engaged in tasks. This state allows their mind to wander, potentially leading to hallucinations.

Question 20

Which stressor did Boydell and Allardyce (2011) suggest was associated with an increased risk of developing schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Boydell and Allardyce (2011) suggested that living in a large city is associated with an increased risk of developing schizophrenia, possibly due to factors like social isolation and environmental stressors.

Quiz 14: Neurodevelopmental Disorders