Question 1

The most common treatment for intermittent explosive disorder is:

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common treatment for intermittent explosive disorder (IED). It aims to help individuals identify and modify maladaptive thoughts and behaviors that contribute to aggressive outbursts. This type of therapy is highly effective in reducing symptoms and improving overall functioning. Psychodynamic and humanistic therapies may not be as effective for IED as they focus more on exploring underlying emotions and personal growth, rather than addressing the specific behaviors associated with the disorder. Behavioral therapy may be used in conjunction with CBT to reinforce positive behaviors and reduce the frequency of aggressive outbursts.

Question 2

Briefly explain the DSM-5 criteria for oppositional defiant disorder. What are the social factors that may contribute to the development of this disorder?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Briefly explain the DSM-5 criteria for oppositional...

Question 3

Families whose members engage in antisocial behaviors may:

Accepted Answer

Families whose members engage in antisocial behaviors tend to experience a downward social drift, as their behavior can lead to issues like poverty, unemployment, and criminal activity.

Question 4

Which of the following statements is true regarding drug therapies for intermittent explosive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors have been found to reduce aggression in individuals with intermittent explosive disorder. Other drug therapies, such as antipsychotics and mood stabilizers, have mixed evidence for effectiveness. However, it should be noted that psychotherapy and behavioral interventions are often recommended as the first line of treatment for this disorder.

Question 5

Which of the following neurotransmitters has been linked, in a small number of studies, to the impulse of aggressive behavior in people diagnosed with intermittent explosive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin has been linked in a small number of studies to the impulse of aggressive behavior in people diagnosed with intermittent explosive disorder. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating mood, anxiety, and impulsivity, and abnormalities in serotonin function have been implicated in a variety of psychiatric disorders, including aggression.

Question 6

Jonas's therapist has been working with him on identifying triggers for explosive outbursts and appraising situations in ways that don't provoke aggression. His therapist is taking a _____ approach.

Accepted Answer

The approach of identifying triggers and changing negative thought patterns to reduce aggressive behavior is a central tenet of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

Question 7

Most of the drug treatments for intermittent explosive disorder target levels of:

Accepted Answer

Most of the drug treatments for intermittent explosive disorder target levels of serotonin. There is evidence to suggest that low levels of serotonin may contribute to impulsive and aggressive behavior, and medications that increase levels of serotonin in the brain, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of intermittent explosive disorder.

Question 8

Vaughn has violent outbursts that scare his coworkers. He has even destroyed property and been arrested for assault. His outbursts are disproportionate to the amount of frustration the incident should generate and has now led to him being fired as well as a no contact order being placed on him from his girlfriend. He may well meet the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for:

Accepted Answer

Vaughn's violent outbursts that are disproportionate to the amount of frustration the incident should generate and the fact that he has been arrested for assault and destroyed property suggest that he may be experiencing intermittent explosive disorder. Conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder typically manifest in childhood, whereas antisocial personality disorder requires a pattern of behavior that violates the rights of others and typically manifests after age 18.

Question 9

How is conduct disorder different from oppositional defiant disorder?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How is conduct disorder different from oppositional...

Question 10

Recurrent aggressive outbursts and frequent verbal and physical aggression is typical of:

Accepted Answer

Recurrent aggressive outbursts and frequent verbal and physical aggression are the main features of Intermittent Explosive Disorder, a condition characterized by impulsive, uncontrollable, and violent reactions to trivial or minor provocation. Conduct Disorder and Antisocial Personality Disorder are also characterized by aggression, but they involve a more pervasive disregard for the rights of others and a failure to conform to social norms, while Communication Disorder refers to challenges in the ability to use and understand language effectively.

Question 11

From which theoretical perspective are most psychotherapies for intermittent explosive disorder derived?

Accepted Answer

Most psychotherapies for intermittent explosive disorder are derived from cognitive-behavioral perspective, which emphasizes identifying and changing maladaptive behaviors and thoughts. This approach may involve relaxation and anger management techniques, cognitive restructuring, and social skills training. Psychodynamic therapy may also be used, but it is less commonly used and may focus more on exploring underlying emotional conflicts and unresolved issues from the past. Humanistic and existential perspectives may be less applicable to specific treatment of intermittent explosive disorder.

Question 12

Malachi is playing baseball when the umpire calls a strike. He explodes, starts screaming at the umpire, and threatens to hit him with the bat. He appears to be "out of control" because of his anger. This is typical of Malachi's aggressive reactions to frustration and stress. He may well meet the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for:

Accepted Answer

Malachi's explosive and threatening behaviors in response to frustration and stress indicate a difficulty with impulse control, which is a key characteristic of intermittent explosive disorder. Conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder may involve aggression or defiance, but they typically involve a pattern of behavior that violates the rights of others or societal norms, whereas Malachi's behavior in this scenario is isolated and situational. Antisocial personality disorder involves a pervasive disregard for the rights of others and often involves criminal behavior, which is not necessarily evident in this scenario.

Question 13

A child diagnosed with intermittent explosive disorder is most likely to perform which of the following behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Intermittent explosive disorder is a behavioral disorder characterized by recurrent outbursts of aggressive and violent behavior, which may include destroying property. The other options (torturing small animals, blaming others for their own mistakes, and engaging in stealing and lying) are not necessarily associated with this disorder.

Question 14

Some studies estimate that as much as _____percent of the population meets the DSM-5 criteria for intermittent explosive disorder.

Accepted Answer

Some studies estimate that up to 7 percent of the population meets the DSM-5 criteria for intermittent explosive disorder. This disorder is characterized by recurrent, sudden episodes of impulsive, aggressive, violent behavior or angry verbal outbursts, out of proportion to the situation.

Question 15

Because of his father's antisocial behaviors, Jake's has had difficulties keeping good jobs. His family moves to a poor neighborhood and has much financial difficulty. Jake begins to hang out with the other young men who display aggression and antisocial behaviors. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Downward social drift refers to the phenomenon where individuals with mental illness or other disabilities experience a decline in socioeconomic status, making it more difficult to maintain good jobs and access to resources. In Jake's case, his family's move to a poor neighborhood and his own association with antisocial peers illustrates this phenomenon. None of the other choices adequately explain Jake's situation.

Question 16

Describe the diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder, according to the DSM-5.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder,...

Question 17

The age of onset for intermittent explosive disorder is:

Accepted Answer

The age of onset for intermittent explosive disorder is typically during adolescence. However, it can also start in early adulthood. There is no evidence to suggest that it begins in early or middle childhood.

Question 18

Jack's parents are involved in illegal and antisocial activities. As a result, they lose their jobs and Jack and his siblings drop out of school. Now, Jack shows symptoms of conduct disorder. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Downward social drift refers to the phenomenon of individuals with mental disorders being more likely to experience social and economic hardship, leading to a decline in their social status over time. In this case, Jack's parents' illegal and antisocial activities likely led to their job loss and subsequent drop out of school for their children, which ultimately resulted in Jack's conduct disorder. There is no clear evidence of genetic or neurobiological factors in this scenario.

Question 19

Which of the following statements is true regarding treatment for antisocial personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Antisocial personality disorder is a challenging condition to treat, and most people with this disorder do not recognize their need for help. They tend to take little responsibility for their actions and may blame others, which can make therapy difficult. However, some approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), may be effective in reducing symptoms, such as anger and impulsivity, and improving empathy. Therapy may also focus on developing coping strategies to manage stress and improve relationships. Medication may help with co-occurring conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse.

Question 20

Which of the following is true regarding treatments for antisocial personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Lithium and atypical antipsychotics have shown some success in controlling impulsive and aggressive behaviors in individuals with antisocial personality disorder, offering a potential treatment option for managing symptoms.

Quiz 11: Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders