Question 1

The predominant neurobiological model of pain is the:

Accepted Answer

The Gate Control Theory is the most widely accepted neurobiological model of pain. It suggests that pain is not solely determined by physical stimulation but rather the experience of pain is also influenced by psychological and social factors. The theory suggests that there is a "gate" in the spinal cord that can either allow or block pain signals from reaching the brain. Therefore, the experience of pain can be modulated by factors such as distraction, mood, and past experiences.

Question 2

Cognitive-behavioural models of the somatisation process centre on:

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioural models of somatisation focus on the cycle of increasing somatosensory amplification, where individuals become more attentive to bodily sensations and amplify them through cognitive processes, leading to an increased focus on physical symptoms and further amplification of sensations. Other options such as the hormonal stress-response system, direct representations of traumatic events through bodily memory, personality characteristics, and interpersonal stressors may play a role in the development of somatoform disorders, but they are not central to the cognitive-behavioural model of somatisation.

Question 3

In the DSM-5, somatic symptoms and related disorders comprise all of the following except:

Accepted Answer

The DSM-5 does not include "somatoform disorder" as a category; instead, it has been replaced and reclassified under specific conditions like somatic symptom disorder and others listed.

Question 4

Dissociative disorders all involve which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Dissociative disorders all involve a disconnection or disruption of normally integrated mental functions, such as memory, consciousness, identity, and perception, without a clear neurological or medical explanation. The other options do not accurately describe dissociative disorders.

Question 5

Explanations of the apparently increasing prevalence of dissociative disorders include which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The increasing prevalence of dissociative disorders can be attributed to a combination of factors. Incorrect diagnoses may contribute to the perceived rise in cases, as mental health professionals might misinterpret symptoms or overdiagnose. The development and use of new and valid assessment tools have also improved the detection of these disorders, leading to more cases being identified. Additionally, the concept of dissociative disorders as a culture-bound syndrome, particularly in North America where most studies on prevalence are conducted, suggests that cultural factors might influence the recognition and reporting of these conditions. Therefore, all the given options collectively explain the apparently increasing prevalence of dissociative disorders.

Question 6

Most individuals with dissociative identity disorders also meet criteria for:

Accepted Answer

Most individuals with dissociative identity disorder (formerly known as multiple personality disorder) have a history of childhood trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse, which can lead to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Therefore, it is common for individuals with dissociative identity disorder to also meet criteria for PTSD. Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are not typically associated with dissociative identity disorder.

Question 7

Munchausen's by proxy refers to:

Accepted Answer

Munchausen's by proxy is a factitious disorder where an individual, usually a parent or caregiver, induces illness in a child for personal gain, such as attention or sympathy. This type of behavior is considered a form of child abuse. Therefore, all of the given options are correct.

Question 8

Somatic disorders and dissociative disorders both involve:

Accepted Answer

Somatic disorders are characterized by physical symptoms that suggest illness or injury, but which cannot be fully explained by a medical condition, substance use, or other mental disorder. Dissociative disorders involve a disconnection between thoughts, identity, consciousness, and memory. While somatic disorders focus on medically unexplained symptoms, dissociative disorders involve dissociative processes. Therefore, both somatic and dissociative disorders can involve medically unexplained symptoms and dissociative processes, making option C correct.

Question 9

The main difference between somatic disorders and psychosomatic disorders is that:

Accepted Answer

Psychosomatic disorders involve a physiological explanation where stress can lead to physical symptoms, whereas somatic disorders may not have a clear physiological link between stress and symptoms.

Question 10

A common feature of a conversion disorder is a lack of concern about the loss of bodily functioning. This is known as:

Accepted Answer

La belle indifference is a term used to describe a lack of concern or emotional reaction to physical symptoms or disability experienced by individuals with conversion disorder. It is a dissociative defense mechanism where the patient is emotionally detached from their symptoms.

Question 11

Illnessanxiety disorder is defined by the DSM-5 as:

Accepted Answer

Illness anxiety disorder is characterized by a persistent fear of having a serious medical illness, despite little or no medical evidence to support the fear. This fear causes significant distress or impairment in daily functioning. Option B describes conversion disorder, option C describes somatic symptom disorder, and option D describes factitious disorder. Option E describes panic disorder.

Question 12

Which of the following is true of the finding that symptoms of anxiety and depression are common among people with medically unexplained physical symptoms?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is true of...

Question 13

Psychological intervention for chronic somatic symptoms:

Accepted Answer

Psychological intervention for chronic somatic symptoms requires a strong therapeutic relationship as the patient needs to trust and feel comfortable with the therapist to discuss their symptoms and underlying emotional issues. Without a strong therapeutic relationship, the intervention may not be successful.

Question 14

The 'memory wars' debate centres on:

Accepted Answer

The 'memory wars' debate focuses on the accuracy and validity of 'recovered' memories of trauma.

Question 15

The most common acute somatic symptom is:

Accepted Answer

Pain is the most common acute somatic symptom that can occur due to various physical and psychological reasons. The other options listed are all specific diagnoses rather than a symptom.

Question 16

The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation guidelines for the treatment of dissociative identity disorder emphasise all of the following treatment components except:

Accepted Answer

Hypnosis is not emphasized as a necessary component in the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation guidelines for the treatment of dissociative identity disorder. The guidelines focus on safety, confronting traumatic memories, integration of personality states, and rehabilitation.

Question 17

Attribution theory suggests that people initially tend to explain bodily symptoms in terms of:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Attribution theory suggests that people initially tend...

Question 18

In comparison with chronic somatic disorders, acute somatic disorders are:

Accepted Answer

Acute somatic disorders are more responsive to a 'reattribution' intervention compared to chronic somatic disorders. This is because acute disorders have a shorter duration and are less deeply ingrained in the patient's belief system, making them more amenable to cognitive restructuring.

Question 19

There has been one addition in the DSM-5 to the criteria used in diagnosing dissociative identity disorder. What is it?

Accepted Answer

The addition in the DSM-5 to the criteria used in diagnosing dissociative identity disorder is the inclusion of pathological possession. This refers to the belief that a person's body is inhabited by an outside entity or spirit.

Question 20

The dissociative disorder with the largest body of treatment literature is:

Accepted Answer

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) has the largest body of treatment literature among dissociative disorders, reflecting extensive research and clinical interest in understanding and treating this complex condition.

Quiz 5: Somatic and Dissociative Disorders