Question 1

Zoe was adopted several years ago.Her adoptive mother was recently diagnosed with depression.Knowing Zoe's biological parents have no history of depression,what effect does her adoptive mother's diagnosis have on Zoe's risk of developing depression?

Accepted Answer

Even though Zoe's biological parents have no history of depression, her adoptive mother's diagnosis of depression indicates that there may be environmental factors that increase the risk of developing depression. Adoption does not completely eliminate the influence of environmental factors on a child's development, so Zoe is at an increased risk of developing depression due to her adoptive mother's diagnosis.

Question 2

Beck argues that depression results from:

Accepted Answer

Beck's cognitive theory of depression asserts that depression arises from negative patterns of thinking that distort the individual's view of themselves, the world, and their future. This theory does not attribute depression to a chemical imbalance in the brain, unresolved unconscious conflicts, or unfulfilled self-actualization.

Question 3

Zach and Jack are identical twins.When examining depression rates,how much can each twin's susceptibility be explained by genetics?

Accepted Answer

The susceptibility to depression in identical twins, who share nearly all of their genes, can be explained by genetics in the range of 40%-60%. This is because identical twins have a higher concordance rate for depression than fraternal twins or siblings, indicating a significant genetic component.

Question 4

"I've been feeling down for a long time now.I guess that's just the way I am." This comment best illustrates:

Accepted Answer

The statement "I've been feeling down for a long time now. I guess that's just the way I am" suggests a chronic low mood, which is characteristic of dysthymic disorder. This disorder involves a depressed mood that lasts for most of the day, more days than not, for at least two years.

Question 5

When the anterior cingulate cortex becomes overactive,what then occurs in depressed patients?

Accepted Answer

When the anterior cingulate cortex becomes overactive in depressed patients, it leads to an overload of negative emotions, which overwhelm thinking and emotion. This can result in symptoms such as persistent sadness, anxiety, and difficulty making decisions.

Question 6

You are a neuropsychologist studying depression.You are looking at the computerized brain photos of depressed individuals.You conclude that a particular part of the brain of depressed people is overactive.What is this brain part?

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) tends to be overactive in individuals with depression. The ACC plays a role in emotional regulation and cognitive processes, and its overactivity may contribute to the negative thinking and emotional symptoms commonly seen in depression.

Question 7

What occurred when researchers electrically stimulated the brain of depressed people who did not benefit from drugs or electroconvulsive therapy?

Accepted Answer

Electrical stimulation of specific areas in the brain of depressed individuals who had not responded to drugs or electroconvulsive therapy has been found to reduce activity in the anterior cingulate cortex, which is associated with mood regulation. This reduction in activity can lead to an improvement in depressive symptoms.

Question 8

Why is there interest in the role psychosocial factors play in mood disorders?

Accepted Answer

It is believed that psychosocial factors interact with biological factors to create a predisposition for developing mood disorders. This means that both factors play a role in the development of mood disorders, which is why there is interest in studying the psychosocial factors that contribute to this. The other answer choices are not accurate or relevant.

Question 9

The genetics research on depression suggests that:

Accepted Answer

The genetics research on depression suggests that a combination of genes produces the risk for mood disorders. While there may be certain genes that increase the risk for depression, it is likely that multiple genes in combination with environmental factors contribute to the development of mood disorders.

Question 10

A psychologist asks a depressed patient about his personality traits,ability to deal with stress,and his social support.The psychologist is focusing on ____ factors in depression.

Accepted Answer

The psychologist is focusing on psychosocial factors, which refer to how social and environmental factors interact with psychological processes to affect the onset and course of depression. Personality traits, ability to deal with stress, and social support are all important psychosocial factors that can impact depression. Choice A (unconscious) and B (psychodynamic) refer more to underlying unconscious processes, while choice C (psychopathic) is not relevant to this scenario.

Question 11

Recent research examining the role of mothers in their children's susceptibility for depression found that:

Accepted Answer

Recent research has found that there is a significant increase in children's susceptibility to depression if their mothers suffer from depression. This increase does not appear to be dependent on whether or not the father is also depressed. Therefore, choice A is the best answer.

Question 12

A less serious form of major depression is called:

Accepted Answer

Dysthymic disorder, also known as persistent depressive disorder, is a milder form of depression that lasts for at least two years. It may not be as severe as major depression, but it can still significantly impact a person's daily functioning and quality of life. Option A (dysfunctional mood disorder) is not a recognized diagnosis, and option B (abbreviated mood disorder) is not a term commonly used in the field of psychology or psychiatry. Option D (bipolar II disorder) is not a form of major depression but rather a type of bipolar disorder.

Question 13

With regard to mood disorders,personality traits play a significant role in determining:

Accepted Answer

Personality traits such as neuroticism and introversion are risk factors for developing mood disorders, particularly depression. However, personality traits do not necessarily determine the depth or frequency of depression, or the height of mania.

Question 14

A book entitled ____ focuses on the genetic,neurological,and physiological factors related to mood disorders.

Accepted Answer

The title "Mood Disorders: The Biological Factors" specifically mentions genetic, neurological, and physiological factors, which are all related to biology. The other answer choices do not focus specifically on these factors.

Question 15

What kind of personality is more vulnerable to depression when a person loses a close relationship or friendship?

Accepted Answer

A socially dependent personality is more likely to experience depression when they lose a close relationship or friendship because they rely heavily on the support and validation of others, and may struggle to cope when they feel alone or abandoned. Achiever personalities may also feel a sense of loss and disappointment, but they tend to have a more independent sense of self and may be better equipped to bounce back after a setback. Schizoid personalities may not have close relationships to begin with, and ego personalities are focused on their self-image and may not attach as much importance to individual relationships.

Question 16

A psychologist is working with a person who has been diagnosed as having bipolar I disorder.When the psychologist looks at the clinical history of the blood relatives of this person,she would not be surprised to find:

Accepted Answer

Bipolar I disorder has a significant genetic component. Research indicates that relatives of those with bipolar disorder have a higher risk of developing the disorder compared to the general population. Therefore, the psychologist would not be surprised to find evidence of similar symptoms being displayed in the person's relatives.

Question 17

Which of the following is best described by sayings like "making a mountain out of a mole hill" and "crying over spilled milk" in explaining depression?

Accepted Answer

The sayings "making a mountain out of a mole hill" and "crying over spilled milk" suggest that the person with depression is experiencing an exaggerated emotional response to a situation that would be considered minor or trivial by others. This points towards psychosocial factors such as cognitive biases, negative thought patterns, and life stressors contributing to the development and maintenance of depression.

Question 18

Dysthymic disorder differs from major depression in that dysthymic disorder:

Accepted Answer

Dysthymic disorder is a milder but longer-lasting form of depression, characterized by chronic low mood and other depressive symptoms, but with less severity and impairment than major depression. The disorder lasts for at least two years in adults and one year in children and adolescents, whereas major depression typically lasts for several weeks to months. Unlike major depression, dysthymic disorder does not involve prominent appetite and sleep disturbances or psychotic symptoms.

Question 19

What group of neurotransmitters has been implicated in mood disorders,according to the textbook?

Accepted Answer

The group of neurotransmitters implicated in mood disorders according to the textbook is monoamines. Monoamines include serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Dysfunction of monoamine neurotransmitter systems has been linked to various mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder.

Question 20

Derek has complained that he is "down in the dumps." Which of the following is Derek most likely to suffer from?

Accepted Answer

Derek's statement suggests that he may be experiencing low mood, but not to the extent that it would qualify as major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder. Dysthymic disorder is a milder, chronic form of depression that is characterized by a persistent feeling of low mood or sadness. Somatization disorder, on the other hand, is a condition in which a person experiences multiple physical symptoms that have no apparent medical cause.

Quiz 23: Mood Disorders and Schizophrenia