Question 1

What was the most serious consequence of the misdiagnosis of Robert Bjorklund as suffering from schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

A

Question 2

Why is the classification of abnormal behavior considered to be in an early stage of development?

Accepted Answer

The process of attaching labels to behaviors is highly subjective and based on cultural and societal norms. There is no objective way to categorize abnormal behavior, and different professionals may diagnose the same behavior differently based on their own biases and experiences. Therefore, the classification of abnormal behavior is considered to be in an early stage of development.

Question 3

How are most classification systems in psychology similar to those in the natural sciences?

Accepted Answer

Most classification systems in psychology are hierarchical, similar to those in the natural sciences. This means that different levels of categories are arranged in a structured manner, with broader categories containing more specific subcategories. This allows for a systematic and organized way of categorizing and analyzing data. Additionally, this type of classification system allows for comparability and consistency across studies, increasing the reliability and validity of research findings.

Question 4

Which of the following illustrates the hierarchical nature of the classification system for maladaptive behaviors?

Accepted Answer

The option D illustrates the hierarchical nature of the classification system. It shows how a specific maladaptive behavior (manic episodes) belongs to a larger classification (bipolar disorders) which is a subgroup of mood disorders. This demonstrates the nested hierarchy of disorders based on their specific characteristics and symptoms.

Question 5

Which of the following is not a criticism of clarifying maladaptive behaviors?

Accepted Answer

This statement is not a criticism of clarifying maladaptive behaviors, but instead suggests the importance of using general principles while still taking into account the uniqueness of each patient. The other statements are all potential criticisms of diagnosing maladaptive behaviors.

Question 6

What are the two major sources of unreliability in diagnoses?

Accepted Answer

The two major sources of unreliability in diagnosis are clinical judgment and differences in the way different people present their symptoms. Clinical judgment can be subjective and influenced by personal biases, leading to inconsistent diagnoses. Additionally, individuals may present their symptoms differently based on various factors such as culture, gender, age, and education level, which can also contribute to inconsistent diagnoses.

Question 7

What is Sarason and Sarason's implication for the process of classification?

Accepted Answer

Sarason and Sarason emphasize that abnormal behavior should be understood in the context of multiple factors, including stress, vulnerability, and coping, rather than just in strict diagnostic terms.

Question 8

What is the root meaning of the term diagnostic?

Accepted Answer

The root of the term diagnostic is “diagnose,” which comes from the Greek word “diagnostikos,” meaning “able to distinguish.” Therefore, the correct option is D - thorough knowledge, which reflects the ability to distinguish correctly and identify a specific condition or disease.

Question 9

What were the two major disorders identified by Emil Kraepelin?

Accepted Answer

Emil Kraepelin identified dementia praecox (which he later renamed as schizophrenia) and manic-depressive insanity (which is now known as bipolar disorder).

Question 10

What does it mean when we describe the current classification system for mental disorders as a multiaxial system?

Accepted Answer

The multiaxial system of classification for mental disorders describes diverse information rather than a single label. This is because it considers five different axes, which provide a more comprehensive understanding of a patient's mental health. The axes include clinical disorders, personality disorders and intellectual disabilities, medical conditions that may impact mental health, environmental and psychosocial stressors, and finally, a rating of the individual's level of overall functioning. Therefore, the multiaxial system provides a more holistic approach to mental health diagnosis.

Question 11

A criticism of DSM is it does not give sufficient attention to:

Accepted Answer

Etiology refers to the study of the cause or origin of a particular disorder, and the DSM does not place a strong emphasis on this aspect. While it does outline diagnostic criteria and categorize disorders based on symptoms and behavior, it does not delve deeply into what may have led to the development of those symptoms or behaviors. Therefore, critics argue that the DSM may be limited in its ability to fully understand and treat mental health conditions.

Question 12

Which of the following describes the multiaxial approach of DSM-IV-TR?

Accepted Answer

The multiaxial approach of DSM-IV-TR uses five axes, two of which list specific mental disorders. Axis I lists clinical disorders, and Axis II lists personality disorders and mental retardation.

Question 13

During a lecture in abnormal psychology, the professor describes the DSM-IV-TR as a multiaxial system of classification. Your friend missed the class and asks you for your notes. He is confused when he comes across the term multiaxial. How will you explain this term to your friend?

Accepted Answer

Multiaxial system means that information from multiple sources or axes is required for making a diagnosis, including clinical symptoms, medical conditions, psychosocial and environmental factors, and level of functioning. This allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of the individual's overall health and well-being.

Question 14

Psychosocial and environmental problems and a global assessment of functioning are noted on what axes of DSM-IV-TR?

Accepted Answer

Psychosocial and environmental problems are noted on Axis IV, and a global assessment of functioning is noted on Axis V in the DSM-IV-TR.

Question 15

Ben has a social phobia as well as a heart condition. These conditions would be diagnosed on what axes of DSM-IV-TR?

Accepted Answer

In the DSM-IV-TR, Axis I is used for clinical disorders, including mental disorders like social phobia. Axis III is for medical conditions that are relevant to the individual's mental disorder, such as a heart condition.

Question 16

For more than 10 years, Ray has had an extreme fear of speaking in front of groups. As a result, he will not take classes that require class presentations,
 and he will not join groups that have meetings where he might be expected to speak. His family physician has determined that Ray also has a problem with his thyroid, which may exacerbate some of the symptoms he has experienced. Ray decides to seek psychotherapy at a mental health clinic. On which two axes of
 DSM-IV-TR will Ray's problems be listed?

Accepted Answer

In the DSM-IV-TR, Axis I is used for clinical disorders, including anxiety disorders like the one Ray is experiencing with his extreme fear of speaking in front of groups. Axis III is used for medical conditions that are relevant to the individual's mental disorder, such as Ray's thyroid problem, which could be exacerbating his symptoms.

Question 17

During a case conference presentation a client is described as having an Axis V rating of 30. A student intern asks what this means. What will you tell her?

Accepted Answer

An Axis V rating of 30 indicates severe symptoms or impairment in social, occupational, or school functioning, possibly suggesting the client could be a danger to themselves or others. This rating is part of the DSM-IV's Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale, which ranges from 1 to 100, with lower scores indicating more severe problems.

Question 18

What are the first three axes of the DSM-IV-TR classification system used to describe?

Accepted Answer

The first three axes of the DSM-IV-TR classification system are used to describe diagnoses of a psychiatric or physical nature. Axis I lists clinical disorders such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Axis II lists personality disorders and mental retardation. Axis III lists general medical conditions that may be relevant to the individual's mental health. Axes IV and V are used to describe psychosocial and environmental factors that may impact the individual's mental health and functioning.

Question 19

Most of the primary diagnoses in DSM-IV-TR, such as mood disorders and anxiety disorders, are listed on which axis?

Accepted Answer

Most of the primary diagnoses in DSM-IV-TR are listed on Axis I, which includes clinical disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders.

Question 20

From the time he was an adolescent, everyone knew Sid was excessively concerned about details and lacked a sense of humor. He decided to make an appointment at a mental health center. The therapist found that in addition to having a personality disorder, Sid also suffered from depression. On which axes of the DSM-IV-TR would these diagnoses be recorded?

Accepted Answer

In the DSM-IV-TR, Axis I is used for clinical disorders including depression, and Axis II is for personality disorders and mental retardation. Therefore, Sid's depression would be recorded on Axis I and his personality disorder on Axis II.

Quiz 4: Classification and Assessment