Question 1

Two years after surviving a natural disaster,Brianna still experiences jumpy anxiety and has trouble sleeping and vivid flashbacks of the disaster.Brianna is most clearly showing signs of

Accepted Answer

Brianna's symptoms of jumpy anxiety, trouble sleeping and vivid flashbacks of the disaster are characteristic symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which commonly occurs after experiencing a traumatic event such as a natural disaster. Panic disorder is characterized by sudden and unexpected panic attacks, while generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive and pervasive worry about various events and situations. Social anxiety disorder involves intense fear of social situations and being evaluated negatively by others.

Question 2

Most political dissidents who survive dozens of episodes of torture do not later exhibit PTSD.This best illustrates

Accepted Answer

Survivor resiliency refers to the ability of some individuals to endure and recover from traumatic experiences without developing significant mental health problems such as PTSD. This is likely the case for political dissidents who are able to survive multiple episodes of torture without exhibiting PTSD, suggesting that they possess a high degree of survivor resiliency. Free-floating anxiety refers to a state of generalized anxiety that is not tied to any particular stimulus or event, while stimulus generalization refers to the spreading of a conditioned response from the original stimulus to other similar stimuli. Epigenetics refers to the study of how genes are turned on or off by environmental factors and experiences, and while it may play a role in determining an individual's susceptibility to PTSD, it is not directly related to the absence of PTSD in this context.

Question 3

Mrs.Swift is alarmed by her own intrusive and irrational thoughts that her house is contaminated by germs.Her experience best illustrates the agitating effects of

Accepted Answer

Mrs. Swift's intrusive and irrational thoughts about contamination suggest an obsession, which is a key symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Question 4

People who are more vulnerable to PTSD have a more sensitive ________ than those who do not develop this disorder.

Accepted Answer

The limbic system, which is responsible for processing emotions and memory, is believed to play a crucial role in the development of PTSD. Studies have shown that individuals with PTSD have an overactive and hypersensitive limbic system, which makes them more likely to experience traumatic events as well as to have a harder time recovering from them.

Question 5

The social withdrawal and haunting nightmares of war veterans best illustrate symptoms of

Accepted Answer

Social withdrawal and haunting nightmares are both characteristic symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is commonly experienced by war veterans. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involves persistent and excessive worry, while social anxiety disorder (SAD) involves fear and avoidance of social situations. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves intrusive and repetitive thoughts or actions.

Question 6

What percentage of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan have been diagnosed with a psychological disorder?

Accepted Answer

Studies indicate that approximately 25% of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan have been diagnosed with a psychological disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders.

Question 7

The billionaire aviator Howard Hughes insisted that his assistants carry out elaborate hand-washing rituals and wear white gloves when handling any document he would later touch.His behavior best illustrated the symptoms of

Accepted Answer

Howard Hughes' behavior of insisting on elaborate hand-washing rituals and requiring his assistants to wear white gloves when handling documents suggests symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, a mental health condition characterized by repetitive, persistent, and intrusive thoughts or behaviors that individuals feel compelled to perform.

Question 8

Omar is so preoccupied by his fear of germs that he always keeps his car and apartment windows sealed tightly,he refuses to allow anyone into his apartment,he carries his own silverware whenever he eats away from home,and he washes his hands every time he touches anything that has been touched by someone else.Omar would most likely be diagnosed with

Accepted Answer

Omar's behavior is indicative of obsessive-compulsive disorder, as he exhibits obsessions (such as fear of germs) and compulsions (such as washing his hands excessively and carrying his own silverware) that interfere with his daily life. The other options do not fit Omar's described symptoms as well.

Question 9

Kevin and Andrew both served in the military overseas.Upon returning home,Kevin developed PTSD but Andrew did not.Why might this be the case?

Accepted Answer

This question suggests that Kevin and Andrew were exposed to similar trauma during their military service, yet only Kevin developed PTSD upon returning home. The key difference between them may be their ability to cope with emotional distress. Option A suggests that Andrew actually experienced higher levels of emotional distress than Kevin, which contradicts the question. Option C suggests that Andrew is actually growing as a result of the trauma, which also contradicts the question. Option D suggests that Kevin is actually growing as a result of the trauma, which may be a possibility but is not the most reasonable explanation given the information provided, as Kevin is specifically noted to be experiencing PTSD. Therefore, option B is the most reasonable answer, suggesting that Kevin experienced higher levels of emotional distress than Andrew, leading to his development of PTSD.

Question 10

Frequent,intrusive recollections of a traumatic event,social withdrawal,nightmares,and the increased physical arousal associated with anxiety are the major symptoms associated with

Accepted Answer

The symptoms described are all associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that develops after exposure to a traumatic event. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by obsessions and compulsions that interfere with daily functioning, while generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive fear and worry about a variety of everyday situations. Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is characterized by fear and avoidance of social situations. None of these conditions include the specific symptoms mentioned in the question stem.

Question 11

A Swedish study examined the progression of obsessive-compulsive disorder.The researchers found that as people aged,the symptoms of the disorder lessened.However,only ________ completely recovered.

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is 1 in 5, indicating that only 20% of individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) experienced complete recovery as they aged, according to the Swedish study.

Question 12

As a child,Brenda was punished for every little misbehavior.As an adult,Brenda has recovered from the severe stress she experienced as a child,although she does not have a close relationship with her parents.She is displaying

Accepted Answer

Brenda's ability to recover from the severe stress she experienced as a child and move on with her life is an example of survivor resiliency. The fact that she does not have a close relationship with her parents may suggest some ongoing effects of the trauma she experienced, but it does not necessarily indicate a specific anxiety disorder like social anxiety, free-floating anxiety, or a specific phobia.

Question 13

Repeatedly thinking about your own death is to ________ as repeatedly washing your hands is to ________.

Accepted Answer

Repeatedly thinking about one's own death is a form of obsession, while repeatedly washing one's hands is a compulsion. Therefore, the best choice is D - obsession; compulsion.

Question 14

The incidence of OCD is greatest among

Accepted Answer

OCD typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood, and the incidence is highest among these age groups. While the disorder can occur earlier or later in life, B is the best answer choice as it reflects the most common age range for the onset of OCD.

Question 15

The long-lasting disorder that develops in response to being exposed to a severe and often life-threatening trauma is

Accepted Answer

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the disorder that develops in response to being exposed to a severe and often life-threatening trauma. Symptoms include intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, and hyperarousal.

Question 16

Judy has collected figurines,newspapers,and glass jars over the past five years.Her garage is now full of these items,as are the spare bedrooms in her home.When her daughter suggested that she discard some of the items to clear out her house,Judy became upset.Judy may be suffering from

Accepted Answer

Judy's behavior of collecting and being upset when it is suggested that she discard some of the items suggests that she may be suffering from hoarding disorder, which is characterized by the persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value.

Question 17

Positive psychological changes that result from struggling with extremely challenging life crises demonstrate

Accepted Answer

Posttraumatic growth refers to positive psychological changes that result from struggling with extremely challenging life crises, such as becoming more resilient, having a greater appreciation for life, and developing deeper personal relationships. This is not related to stimulus generalization, conditioning, or epigenetics.

Question 18

Jayne was in a fast-food restaurant when a man walked in and committed an armed robbery of the restaurant.Although Jayne was not injured in the armed robbery,she has since been unable to return to work.She can't seem to stop thinking about the event.She has recurrent nightmares,is unable to sleep,and does not want to leave her home.It is most likely that Jayne is suffering from

Accepted Answer

Jayne's symptoms match those of posttraumatic stress disorder, which is often caused by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event such as an armed robbery. Symptoms include recurrent nightmares, sleep disturbances, and avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event.

Question 19

A preoccupation with perceived body defects is associated with

Accepted Answer

A preoccupation with perceived body defects is a hallmark symptom of body dysmorphic disorder, a mental disorder characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors related to one's appearance. Hoarding disorder is characterized by difficulties discarding possessions, panic disorder is characterized by recurrent panic attacks, and excoriation disorder is characterized by recurrent skin-picking.

Question 20

Some people are more vulnerable to PTSD because they have a more sensitive ________,which floods the body with stress hormones.

Accepted Answer

The limbic system is responsible for regulating emotions and the stress response. Individuals with a more sensitive limbic system may be more susceptible to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) because their body floods with stress hormones in response to trauma. The other options, motor cortex, cerebellum, and frontal lobe, are not directly related to the regulation of emotions or the stress response.

Quiz 14: Psychological Disorders