Question 1

Which of the following statements is true of light therapy?

Accepted Answer

Light therapy is often used to help reduce symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) by resetting circadian rhythms. SAD is a form of depression that occurs during the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight. Light therapy can help regulate the body's natural sleep-wake cycle to improve mood and energy levels. It does not work by increasing levels of melatonin or decreasing serotonin levels. There is no indication that it leads to abnormal production of hormones and neurotransmitters.

Question 2

When people first begin taking a(n) _____, they sometimes report feeling "jittery" or having a feeling of "crawling out of one's skin."

Accepted Answer

SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) can cause initial side effects such as restlessness or agitation, which may feel like "jitteriness" or a sensation of "crawling out of one's skin." MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), tricyclic antidepressants, and SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) may also have side effects, but they are not typically associated with these particular sensations.

Question 3

_____ can cause diabetes, hypothyroidism, and kidney dysfunction and can contribute to birth defects if taken during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Accepted Answer

Lithium is known to cause diabetes insipidus, hypothyroidism, and renal dysfunction. It is also a teratogenic medication and can contribute to birth defects if taken during the first trimester of pregnancy. MAOIs, SSRIs, and SNRIs do not have these specific risks.

Question 4

Which of the following affects norepinephrine and dopamine systems, has been useful in treating psychomotor retardation, and appears to overcome the sexual dysfunction side effects of SSRIs?

Accepted Answer

Bupropion affects norepinephrine and dopamine systems and has been used to treat psychomotor retardation. It is also known to have fewer sexual dysfunction side effects compared to SSRIs. Effexor and Cymbalta also affect norepinephrine and dopamine, but they may not provide the same benefits as bupropion for treating psychomotor retardation and sexual dysfunction. Remeron affects serotonin and norepinephrine receptors, but not dopamine, and may not be effective for treating psychomotor retardation.

Question 5

Stewart has been warned by his psychiatrist not to miss any of his medication-check appointments. The drug he is taking can be lethal if not monitored regularly. Which of the following drugs is Stewart most likely taking?

Accepted Answer

Lithium is a mood stabilizer commonly used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Regular monitoring of blood levels is required because it can be toxic if levels get too high, making it the drug most likely to require careful monitoring by a psychiatrist.

Question 6

In the treatment of depression, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs):

Accepted Answer

SSRIs have been shown to have positive effects on co-occurring symptoms commonly found in depression, such as anxiety and OCD. While they may cause side effects such as nausea and sexual dysfunction, they are not typically fatal in overdose. Studies comparing the effectiveness of SSRIs with other types of antidepressants have yielded mixed results, with no clear consensus on superiority.

Question 7

Luke is seeking treatment for his depression. His therapist tells him that his treatment will be short-term, will entail identifying the circumstances that precipitate his depressive symptoms, and will involve learning new skills necessary to interact effectively with his environment. Luke is most likely undergoing _____.

Accepted Answer

The therapist's focus on identifying specific behaviors (circumstances that precipitate depressive symptoms) and teaching new skills suggests that Luke is undergoing behavior therapy, which is a short-term form of therapy that aims to change specific behaviors and maladaptive patterns of thinking.

Question 8

Which of the following statements is true of drug treatments for depression?

Accepted Answer

Discontinuing antidepressant use during the first six to nine months after symptoms subside seems to double the risk of relapse in severe depression.

Question 9

In the treatment of mood disorders, which of the following is the first phase of behavior therapy?

Accepted Answer

The first phase of behavior therapy in the treatment of mood disorders is functional analysis, which involves identifying the triggers and reinforcement for maladaptive behaviors. Cohort effect and causal attribution are not part of behavior therapy, and electroconvulsive therapy is a medical treatment option for severe cases of mood disorders.

Question 10

Belinda has been warned not to mix her antidepressant medication with certain over-the-counter drugs. She has also been told to watch her consumption of aged cheese, red wine, and beer. Belinda's is most likely taking _____.

Accepted Answer

The warning against mixing antidepressants with certain over-the-counter drugs and watching consumption of aged cheese, red wine, and beer are specific precautions for individuals taking MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors). These precautions are less stringent for individuals taking other types of antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants, SSRIs, and benzodiazepines.

Question 11

The agitation some people experience while taking an SSRI may contribute to an increase in suicidal thoughts and behavior. This risk may be greatest for:

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that the use of SSRIs may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and adolescents. This risk appears to be lower in adults, although it is still possible. There is also some evidence that the risk may increase in the elderly, although more research is needed to confirm this.

Question 12

What are the goals of cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating depression?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy aims to change negative and hopeless patterns of thinking while helping the individual develop more effective life skills. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that contribute to depression, and promotes more positive thinking and behavior patterns. Building a therapeutic relationship is important, but the ultimate goal is to empower the client to become their own therapist and develop the skills to manage their depression outside of therapy. Option B is incorrect as CBT does not necessarily focus on medication as a primary form of treatment. Option D is incorrect as removing reinforcers and implementing punishers is not a component of CBT and may be harmful.

Question 13

Which of the following anticonvulsants tends to produce the fewest side effects?

Accepted Answer

Valproate tends to have fewer side effects than Carbamezepine and Tegretol. Equetro is simply an extended-release form of Carbamezepine, so it would be expected to have similar side effects.

Question 14

Luke is seeking treatment for his depression. His therapist begins by helping him discover the negative automatic thoughts that he habitually exhibits and how these thoughts are connected to his depression. Luke is encouraged to challenge these thoughts and his therapist helps him to develop skills such as assertiveness to help him cope better in his daily life. The therapy Luke is most likely receiving is _____ therapy.

Accepted Answer

The therapy that Luke is receiving involves identifying and challenging negative automatic thoughts, which are central to cognitive-behavioral therapy. This approach also involves teaching coping skills, such as assertiveness, to help the client manage their daily life.

Question 15

Which of the following statements is true of tricyclic antidepressants?

Accepted Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants can cause cardiac arrhythmia, especially in people with heart problems or those who take other medications that affect the heart. They are not safe if taken in overdose, and their use has decreased in recent years as newer antidepressants with fewer side effects have been developed. The statement about the neurotransmitter secretin is incorrect; tricyclic antidepressants affect levels of other neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine.

Question 16

Anti-epileptics may work by restoring the balance between the neurotransmitter systems in the _____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Anti-epileptics may work by restoring the balance...

Question 17

Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (ISRT) for people with bipolar disorder combines _____ techniques with _____ techniques to help patients maintain regular routines of eating, sleeping, and activity, as well as stability in their personal relationships.

Accepted Answer

Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (ISRT) combines interpersonal therapy techniques to improve social functioning and reduce stressors with behavioral techniques to establish and maintain regular rhythms in daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, and exercise. This combination helps patients with bipolar disorder reduce the likelihood of mood episodes and maintain stability in their personal relationships. Neither psychodynamic nor cognitive techniques are primary components of ISRT.

Question 18

In _____ therapy, therapists look for four types of problems in depressed individuals: grief, role transitions, role disputes, and skill deficits.

Accepted Answer

The description of the therapy and the four types of problems listed indicate that the therapy being referred to is interpersonal therapy.

Question 19

Which of the following statements is true about the newer methods of brain stimulation?

Accepted Answer

In vagus nerve stimulation, a small electronic device is indeed implanted under the patient's skin in the left chest wall. This device sends electrical impulses to the vagus nerve, which carries them up to the brain. A) is false because patients who receive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatments do not require anesthesia. B) is also false because vagus nerve stimulation actually results in increased activity in the hypothalamus and amygdala. C) is false because deep brain stimulation always requires surgery to implant electrodes in the targeted brain area.

Question 20

Which of the following is true of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?

Accepted Answer

Unilateral ECT is typically administered to the right side of the brain and has been associated with fewer cognitive side effects. However, people who undergo unilateral ECT do still experience memory problems, although they are typically less severe than with bilateral ECT. A and D are false statements, and B is misleading because while unilateral ECT is typically administered to the right side of the brain, it can also be administered to the left side depending on the circumstances.

Quiz 7: Mood Disorders and Suicide