Topic 9: Psychological Disorders

In the harmful dysfunction definition of psychological disorders, dysfunction involves ________.

• the inability of a psychological mechanism to perform its function

• the breakdown of social order in one’s community

• communication problems in one’s immediate family

• all the above

Answer explanation

In the harmful dysfunction definition, dysfunction specifically refers to the inability of a psychological mechanism to perform its function, making this the correct choice. The other options do not align with this definition.

Patterns of inner experience and behavior are thought to reflect the presence of a psychological disorder if they ________.

• are highly atypical

• lead to significant distress and impairment in one’s life

• embarrass one’s friends and/or family

• violate the norms of one’s culture

Answer explanation

Patterns of inner experience and behavior are considered indicative of a psychological disorder when they lead to significant distress and impairment in one’s life, as this reflects a serious impact on functioning.

The letters in the abbreviation DSM-5 stand for ________.

• Diseases and Statistics Manual of Medicine

• Diagnosable Standards Manual of Mental Disorders

• Diseases and Symptoms Manual of Mental Disorders

• Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders' as it accurately reflects the full title of DSM-5, which is a key reference for mental health professionals.

A study based on over 9,000 U. S. residents found that the most prevalent disorder was ________.

• major depressive disorder

• social anxiety disorder

• obsessive-compulsive disorder

• specific phobia

Answer explanation

The study indicated that specific phobia was the most prevalent disorder among over 9,000 U.S. residents, surpassing other disorders like major depressive disorder and social anxiety disorder.

The diathesis-stress model presumes that psychopathology results from ________.

• vulnerability and adverse experiences

• biochemical factors

• chemical imbalances and structural abnormalities in the brain

• adverse childhood experiences

Answer explanation

The diathesis-stress model suggests that psychopathology arises from a combination of individual vulnerability and adverse experiences, making 'vulnerability and adverse experiences' the correct choice.

Dr. Anastasia believes that major depressive disorder is caused by an over-secretion of cortisol. His view on the cause of major depressive disorder reflects a ________ perspective.

• psychological

• supernatural

• biological

• diathesis-stress

Answer explanation

Dr. Anastasia's belief that major depressive disorder is caused by over-secretion of cortisol indicates a biological perspective, as it focuses on physiological factors rather than psychological, supernatural, or stress-related causes.

In which of the following anxiety disorders is the person in a continuous state of excessive, pointless worry and apprehension?

• panic disorder

• generalized anxiety disorder

• agoraphobia

• social anxiety disorder

Answer explanation

Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life, unlike other anxiety disorders which have more specific triggers or situations.

Which of the following would constitute a safety behavior?

• encountering a phobic stimulus in the company of other people

• avoiding a field where snakes are likely to be present

• avoiding eye contact

• worrying as a distraction from painful memories

Answer explanation

Avoiding eye contact is a safety behavior as it helps individuals manage anxiety in social situations, often linked to fear or discomfort. The other options do not specifically represent safety behaviors.

Which of the following best illustrates a compulsion?

• mentally counting backward from 1,000

• persistent fear of germs

• thoughts of harming a neighbor

• falsely believing that a spouse has been cheating

Answer explanation

A compulsion is a repetitive behavior performed to reduce anxiety. Mentally counting backward from 1,000 is a classic example of a compulsion, as it is a specific action taken to alleviate distressing thoughts.

Research indicates that the symptoms of OCD ________.

• are similar to the symptoms of panic disorder

• are triggered by low levels of stress hormones

• are related to hyperactivity in the orbitofrontal cortex

• are reduced if people are asked to view photos of stimuli that trigger the symptoms

Answer explanation

Research shows that OCD symptoms are linked to hyperactivity in the orbitofrontal cortex, which is involved in decision-making and emotional responses, making this the correct choice.