Question 1

Abnormal functioning of the ____ has been investigated as a possible factor in obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Accepted Answer

The striatum is a brain region involved in reward and habit formation, and dysfunction in this area has been linked to OCD symptoms. Studies have shown increased activity in the striatum of individuals with OCD during symptom-provoking tasks.

Question 2

Melissa was mugged seven months ago and appears to have adjusted well. However, recently Melissa has been experiencing extreme fear, nightmares, and flashbacks about the mugging. Melissa would most likely be diagnosed with ____.

Accepted Answer

Melissa's symptoms of extreme fear, nightmares, and flashbacks are all characteristic of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a psychological disorder that can develop after experiencing a traumatic event like a mugging. Somatic symptom disorder involves excessive and distressing physical symptoms with no apparent medical explanation, social phobia involves fear and avoidance of social situations, and panic disorder involves recurrent panic attacks.

Question 3

A primary factor in the development of dissociative identity disorder appears to be ____.

Accepted Answer

Research has consistently shown that severe and chronic childhood physical or sexual abuse is a major factor in the development of dissociative identity disorder. Other factors, such as drug and alcohol abuse, may exacerbate symptoms but are not a primary cause. There is little evidence to suggest that inherited brain abnormalities or social isolation and ostracism are direct causes of dissociative identity disorder.

Question 4

Which of the following is most typical of a person with posttraumatic stress disorder?

Accepted Answer

The most typical symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is repeated nightmares and flashbacks of the traumatic event(s). This often leads to difficulties sleeping and concentrating. Dissociation and memory blackouts can occur but are less common than nightmares and flashbacks. Disorientation and paranoid thinking are not typical symptoms of PTSD. Extreme mood changes are not specific to PTSD and can occur in other mental health disorders.

Question 5

A sociocultural theorist doing research on the causes of anxiety disorders would be most interested in research showing that ____.

Accepted Answer

A sociocultural theorist focuses on how cultural and societal factors influence behavior and mental processes. Therefore, they would be most interested in research showing that rates of anxiety vary substantially from country to country, as this suggests a significant role of cultural and societal influences.

Question 6

Which of the following is TRUE about dissociative identity disorder (DID)?

Accepted Answer

DID has been a controversial diagnosis and some psychologists argue that it may not be a real disorder. The prevalence of DID is also difficult to determine given that it is often underreported or misdiagnosed. There is no evidence to suggest that men are more likely than women to be diagnosed with DID or that the number of reported cases has been falling. The ability to be hypnotized varies between individuals and is not necessarily related to a diagnosis of DID.

Question 7

Social learning theorists believe that anxiety disorders result from ____.

Accepted Answer

Social learning theorists believe that anxiety disorders result from learned reactions to stimuli, such as experiences of fear or panic in certain situations that have been reinforced or learned through conditioning.

Question 8

Distressing memory flashbacks and nightmares are most closely associated with ____.

Accepted Answer

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety disorder that can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms can include distressing memories or nightmares of the event, avoidance of triggers related to the event, and heightened reactivity and arousal. The other options (agoraphobia, OCD, and schizophrenia) do not have distressing memories and nightmares as primary symptoms.

Question 9

Miguel believes that everything is covered with deadly germs, so he washes and rewashes his hands 50 to 100 times a day. Miguel would most likely be diagnosed with ____disorder.

Accepted Answer

Miguel's behavior is an example of obsessive-compulsive disorder, which is characterized by recurring unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that interfere with daily functioning and cause distress. In this case, Miguel's obsession with germs drives his compulsive hand-washing behavior.

Question 10

It has been determined that Erin has six distinct personalities, each with their own memories and mannerisms. Erin is most likely to be diagnosed with ____.

Accepted Answer

Erin's symptoms of having distinct personalities with their own memories and mannerisms are consistent with dissociative identity disorder (DID), which was previously known as multiple personality disorder. Schizophrenia involves symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech, but not multiple distinct personalities. Borderline personality disorder involves instability in mood, behavior, and relationships, but not multiple distinct identities. Bipolar mood disorder involves alternating periods of depression and mania.

Question 11

Daniel is extremely stressed, both at work and at home. One day, he simply does not come home. His wife contacts the authorities, and they find Daniel in a city 1,000 miles from home in a homeless shelter. In that shelter, Daniel is not able to tell the authorities who he is or where he comes from. Daniel most likely has ____.

Accepted Answer

Daniel's inability to remember his own identity or origin suggest dissociative amnesia, which is a dissociative disorder characterized by memory loss. None of the other options listed match the symptoms described in the scenario.

Question 12

The difference between a somatic symptom disorder and a medical disorder is that ____.

Accepted Answer

Somatic symptom disorder involves physical symptoms that cannot be fully explained by a medical condition or substance use. In contrast, a medical disorder has a clear medical cause that can be identified and potentially treated or cured. It is important to note that individuals with somatic symptom disorder are not consciously faking their physical symptoms, but rather experiencing them in a way that is distressing and disruptive to their daily life. Medication may be used to alleviate some symptoms, but there is no cure for somatic symptom disorder.

Question 13

Dissociative identity disorder was formerly called ____.

Accepted Answer

Dissociative identity disorder was formerly called multiple personality disorder.

Question 14

Research on individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder generally suggests dysfunction in the area of the brain called the ____.

Accepted Answer

The amygdala is a brain structure that is involved in processing emotions, particularly fear and anxiety. It is thought to play a role in the development and maintenance of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Question 15

Which of the following is commonly associated with the development of posttraumatic stress disorder?

Accepted Answer

Experiencing a traumatic event such as a natural disaster is commonly associated with the development of posttraumatic stress disorder. A, B, and D are not typically associated with the disorder.

Question 16

Abnormal activity of ____ has been implicated in generalized anxiety disorder.

Accepted Answer

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, and its abnormal activity is often associated with anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder.

Question 17

Having an alternate personality is most associated with the diagnosis of ____.

Accepted Answer

Dissociative identity disorder (previously known as multiple personality disorder) is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states that alternate control of the individual's behavior. This is not a feature of bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder or disorganized schizophrenia.

Question 18

People with anxiety disorders have cognitive processes that tend to ____.

Accepted Answer

People with anxiety disorders tend to have cognitive processes that involve misinterpretations and maladaptive assumptions of personal and social events. This can lead to increased anxiety and avoidance behaviors. While some individuals with anxiety disorders may hold false beliefs about the nature and causes of anxiety, this is not a universal cognitive process for all individuals with anxiety disorders. There is no evidence to suggest that individuals with anxiety disorders have lower levels of intelligence or memory deficits for large periods of childhood.

Question 19

Social learning theories believe that anxiety disorders ____.

Accepted Answer

Social learning theories suggest that anxiety disorders can be learned through classical, operant, and observational conditioning, as well as through direct experience. This means that individuals can develop anxiety disorders not just through their own personal experiences, but also by observing the experiences of others and through reinforcement (both positive and negative) of anxious behavior.

Question 20

Hurricane Katrina, the 9/11 attacks, and the Iraqi war are all most closely associated with ____.

Accepted Answer

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. The three events mentioned - Hurricane Katrina, the 9/11 attacks, and the Iraqi war - are all examples of traumatic events that could lead to PTSD.

Quiz 13: Mental Health Disorders