Psych Study Guide: Chapter 15

Alexis experiences the symptoms of major depressive disorder only during midwinter, indicating a pattern of depression that occurs seasonally. This type of depression is known as seasonal pattern depression. It is characterized by the onset of depressive symptoms during specific seasons, typically during the winter months when there is less sunlight. The symptoms usually resolve during other seasons.

Seasonal pattern is the correct answer because it refers to a subtype of depression where an individual experiences symptoms of major depressive disorder only during a specific time of the year. This condition is commonly known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and is typically associated with the changing seasons, particularly during the winter months when there is less sunlight. People with SAD may experience symptoms such as low mood, fatigue, increased sleep, and weight gain during these specific times of the year.

Yuri experiences excessive, distressing, and persistent fear or anxiety about heights, which is a characteristic symptom of a phobia. A phobia is an intense and irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity. In this case, Yuri's fear of heights is causing significant distress and impairment in their daily life, indicating the presence of a phobia.

Cordelia is experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder. This is evident from her symptoms such as being jumpy, irritable, avoiding talking about her friend, and experiencing flashbacks to the explosion. These symptoms are common in individuals who have experienced a traumatic event, such as witnessing the death of a loved one in a war zone. Posttraumatic stress disorder is characterized by these symptoms and can significantly impact a person's daily life and well-being.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive, unpleasant thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Individuals with OCD experience distressing and unwanted thoughts or images that cause anxiety and engage in repetitive behaviors or mental acts to reduce the anxiety caused by these thoughts. This answer accurately describes the key features of OCD, highlighting the presence of intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors as defining characteristics of the disorder.

The diathesis-stress model suggests that individuals who have a predisposition or vulnerability for a disorder are more likely to develop the disorder when they experience adverse environmental or psychological events. This model emphasizes the interaction between genetic or biological factors (diathesis) and environmental factors (stress) in the development of psychopathology. It suggests that both factors are necessary for the disorder to manifest, with the presence of a diathesis increasing the susceptibility to stressors.

A panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by panic attacks, along with at least one month of worry about panic attacks or self-defeating behavior related to the attacks. This means that individuals with panic disorder experience sudden and intense episodes of fear, accompanied by physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and shortness of breath. These panic attacks can be debilitating and cause significant distress, leading to ongoing worry and avoidance behaviors. Therefore, the correct answer is anxiety.

Bipolar disorder is the correct answer because it is a type of mood disorder characterized by severe mood swings. People with bipolar disorder experience periods of intense euphoria or mania, followed by periods of depression. This disorder is different from other mood disorders like psychogenic, dysphoric, or autistic disorders, as it specifically involves extreme shifts in mood.

People who experience mood problems during the months of December, January, and February suffer from Major Depressive Disorder with Seasonal Pattern. This is a type of depression that occurs at a specific time of the year, typically during the winter months. The symptoms may include sadness, lack of energy, changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping, and loss of interest in activities. This condition is thought to be related to the decrease in sunlight during the winter months, which can disrupt the body's internal clock and lead to changes in mood and behavior.

Mood disorders have been shown to have a strong genetic and biological basis. This means that there is a higher likelihood of developing a mood disorder if there is a family history of it. Since Juanita's mother took medicine to combat depression, it suggests that there may be a genetic predisposition for depression in their family. This is why Juanita worries that her daughter will also experience depression. Additionally, the mention of Juanita also suffering from social anxiety disorder further supports the idea that there may be a genetic and biological vulnerability to mood disorders in their family.

The given answer best exemplifies a symptom of paranoid personality disorder because it describes Rafe's extreme suspicion of the people around him and his mistrust of them for no identifiable reason. This symptom is characteristic of paranoid personality disorder, where individuals have a pervasive distrust and suspicion of others, often interpreting their actions as malevolent or threatening. This excessive mistrust can significantly impact their relationships and daily functioning. The other options do not specifically indicate symptoms of paranoid personality disorder.

The correct answer is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This classification system is widely used by mental health professionals in the United States of America to diagnose and classify mental disorders. It provides a standardized criteria and classification system for various mental health conditions, allowing for consistent diagnosis and treatment.

Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive, persistent fear and apprehension and by related disturbances in behavior. These disorders involve feelings of intense worry, nervousness, or unease, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, trembling, and sweating. People with anxiety disorders may experience difficulties in daily functioning and may engage in avoidance behaviors to try to alleviate their anxiety. Common types of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

The correct answer is "must remain in one's present location" because it is not a symptom or characteristic typically associated with a panic attack. Panic attacks are often characterized by symptoms such as sweating, breathing struggles, and feeling closed-in or losing control. However, the need to remain in one's present location is not directly related to panic attacks.

People with obsessive-compulsive disorders experience thoughts and urges that are intrusive and unwanted and/or the need to engage in repetitive behaviors or mental acts. These individuals may have persistent and distressing thoughts, images, or impulses that they cannot control. They may feel compelled to perform certain rituals or behaviors to alleviate anxiety or prevent a feared outcome. This disorder can significantly interfere with daily functioning and cause significant distress.

Edwina's constant worry and inability to relax without being able to identify a specific reason suggests that she may have generalized anxiety disorder. This disorder is characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worrying about various aspects of life, even when there is no apparent reason for concern. People with generalized anxiety disorder often experience physical symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and muscle tension. Therefore, generalized anxiety disorder is the most fitting explanation for Edwina's symptoms.

Mae believes her daughter may have a body dysmorphic disorder because Natalie is extremely preoccupied with the freckles on her nose, spending hours in front of the mirror and feeling that her nose is deformed and she is ugly. Natalie's obsession with her appearance, her efforts to eliminate the freckles, and her plans for plastic surgery suggest a distorted perception of her own body, which is characteristic of body dysmorphic disorder.

This answer is the best example of a flashback because it describes Eugene experiencing a sensory trigger (a sudden loud noise) that causes him to mentally relive the traumatic event (the motorcycle accident) and feel as if it is happening all over again. This is a clear depiction of a flashback, where a person's past traumatic experience is vividly and involuntarily replayed in their mind.

The belief that you can perform miracles on demand is an example of a delusion because it is a false and irrational belief that goes against the laws of nature and the limitations of human abilities. Delusions are often characterized by a strong conviction in something that is not based on reality or evidence. In this case, the belief in being able to perform miracles on demand is an unrealistic and unfounded belief, making it a delusion.

The given answer best exemplifies a symptom of autism spectrum disorder because it describes deficits in social interaction, such as not initiating conversations with other children and turning her head away when spoken to. These behaviors are commonly observed in individuals with autism spectrum disorder, who often struggle with social communication and interaction.

Hoarding disorder is characterized by an excessive difficulty in discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value. People with this disorder have a strong attachment to their possessions and experience distress at the thought of getting rid of them. They often accumulate a large number of items, leading to clutter and difficulties in their living space. Therefore, individuals who cannot bear to part with possessions are most likely to suffer from hoarding disorder.

A psychological disorder is a condition characterized by abnormal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This means that individuals with psychological disorders experience thoughts, emotions, and actions that deviate from what is considered normal or expected in society. These abnormalities can cause distress and impairment in various aspects of their lives.

The correct answer is "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders". The abbreviation DSM-5 stands for this manual, which is a widely used classification system for mental disorders. It provides criteria for the diagnosis of various mental health conditions and serves as a reference for clinicians, researchers, and other professionals in the field.

Jerry's behavior of allowing others to take over and run his life, being submissive, and lacking self-confidence suggests that he may have dependent personality disorder. This disorder is characterized by an excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clingy behavior. Individuals with dependent personality disorder struggle to make decisions without reassurance from others and feel uncomfortable and helpless when alone. This diagnosis aligns with Jerry's inability to do things on his own and his reliance on others for advice and support.

Nicole's fear of criticism and rejection, her avoidance of social situations, and her anxiety about embarrassing herself are consistent with the symptoms of avoidant personality disorder. This disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation. People with avoidant personality disorder often avoid activities and relationships that involve significant social interaction due to fear of criticism or rejection. This aligns with Nicole's decision to change her career path, her avoidance of dating and meeting new people, and her decision not to go on the kayak trip.

Nathan's personality is best accounted for by narcissistic personality disorder. This disorder is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a preoccupation with fantasies of success, and a belief in entitlement to special treatment from others. These traits align with Nathan's behavior of having an overinflated and unjustified sense of self-importance, as well as his preoccupation with fantasies of success and his belief that he deserves special treatment.

Neurodevelopmental disorders are best described as being diagnosed in early childhood. This means that these disorders are typically identified and diagnosed during the early stages of a child's development. This statement implies that neurodevelopmental disorders are not limited to a specific age group, such as middle-aged patients or the elderly. Additionally, it does not suggest that these disorders are exclusive to a particular gender, such as only being diagnosed in males.

The given answer suggests that Manuel's symptoms align with the criteria for major depressive disorder. The fact that he appears tearful to others and experiences prolonged periods of feeling sad, empty, and hopeless indicates a persistent low mood, which is a key characteristic of major depressive disorder. The other options, such as exhibiting multiple personalities, hating being outside the home alone, or refusing to leave his room due to anxiety, do not necessarily align with the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder.

The correct answer suggests that if Laura has bipolar disorder, she often experiences mood states that vacillate between depression and mania. This means that she goes through periods of intense sadness and low energy (depression) as well as periods of high energy, euphoria, and impulsivity (mania). This is a characteristic symptom of bipolar disorder, where individuals have alternating episodes of depression and mania.

The given description of Kwaku's behavior aligns with the symptoms and characteristics of antisocial personality disorder. This disorder is characterized by a disregard for the rights of others, impulsivity, deceitfulness, and a lack of remorse or empathy for the harm caused to others. Dependent personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, and paranoid personality disorder do not adequately account for Kwaku's behaviors and traits described in the question.

Janice is experiencing mania. This is evident from her abnormally and persistently elevated mood, as well as her impulsive and reckless behaviors such as breaking windows and dishes, buying an unaffordable car, and digging up her yard. These symptoms are characteristic of a manic episode, which is a distinct period of excessively high energy, impulsivity, and grandiosity often seen in bipolar disorder.

The sentence states that a person diagnosed with a specific anxiety experiences excessive, distressing, and persistent fear about a particular object or situation. However, anxiety is a general term that refers to a range of disorders, while a phobia specifically refers to an excessive fear of a specific object or situation. Therefore, changing the word "anxiety" to "phobia" would make the sentence true.

Due to Dominique's obsessive-compulsive disorder, she may wash her hands every 10 minutes throughout the day. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by recurring thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). One common compulsion is excessive handwashing, often driven by a fear of contamination or a need for cleanliness. This behavior helps reduce anxiety and provides temporary relief for individuals with OCD.

Suicidal ideation refers to thoughts or fantasies about taking one's own life. It is often associated with feelings of hopelessness, despair, and a desire to escape emotional pain. While fearing you will die may be a symptom of anxiety or a medical condition, it does not directly relate to suicidal ideation. The other options, such as making a self-harm attempt, spending an unusual amount of time talking about death, or writing self-harm letters, are more indicative of suicidal ideation as they involve deliberate actions or expressions related to self-harm or death.

The given symptoms of being easily distracted, inability to sit still, and poor impulse control are characteristic of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The school counselor suggests that Karl's parents take him to a doctor to have him assessed for ADHD, as it is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects children and can impact their ability to pay attention and control their behavior. Asperger's syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, and schizoid personality disorder do not specifically match the symptoms described.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, and hoarding disorder all have in common the presence of repetitive thoughts and urges, as well as an uncontrollable need to engage in repetitive behavior and mental acts. These disorders are characterized by persistent and intrusive thoughts or obsessions, which lead to the performance of compulsions or repetitive behaviors in an attempt to alleviate anxiety or distress. This common feature of repetitive thoughts and urges distinguishes these disorders from other mental health conditions.

The given answer, "Gilbert talks loudly and quickly, switching topics rapidly," best exemplifies flight of ideas. Flight of ideas is a symptom of a manic episode in bipolar disorder, where thoughts are racing and the person jumps from one topic to another without any logical connection. Talking loudly and quickly, along with rapid topic switches, indicate a high level of energy and an inability to maintain a coherent conversation. This behavior is characteristic of flight of ideas.

The given answer best exemplifies hopelessness theory because it describes Rochelle's expectation that terrible things will happen and her belief that she has no control over it. This sense of hopelessness leads her to become depressed. The other options do not specifically address the concept of hopelessness theory.

Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive and persistent fear and anxiety. This means that individuals with anxiety disorders experience intense and prolonged feelings of worry, fear, or unease that are disproportionate to the actual threat or situation. This characteristic is common across all anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. It is important to note that anxiety disorders can vary in their specific symptoms and manifestations, but the presence of excessive and persistent fear and anxiety is a common thread among them.

Popular music that promotes suicide least describes a risk factor for suicide because it is not a direct personal or environmental factor that increases the likelihood of someone attempting suicide. While exposure to certain types of music can influence emotions and attitudes, it is not considered a primary risk factor for suicide. On the other hand, alcohol dependence, history of previous suicide attempts, and substance abuse are well-documented risk factors that significantly contribute to suicidal behavior.

The correct answer is biological; psychological. The biological perspective suggests that psychological disorders result largely from faulty physical processes, such as imbalances in brain chemicals or genetic factors. On the other hand, the psychological perspective emphasizes the importance of factors such as stress, thoughts, and environmental factors in the development of psychological disorders. This means that both biological and psychological factors play a role in the development of psychological disorders.

The sentence is discussing the characteristics of a specific phobia, which is described as being characterized by intense fear, anxiety, and avoidance of situations where it might be difficult to escape or receive help during a panic attack. The question asks what should be changed to make the sentence true, and the correct answer is to change the word "acrophobia" to "agoraphobia." Acrophobia is the fear of heights, while agoraphobia is the fear of being in situations where escape may be difficult or help may not be available. Therefore, changing the word to "agoraphobia" accurately reflects the characteristics described in the sentence.

Peripartum onset depression is a type of depression that specifically affects women who experience a major depressive episode either during pregnancy or within four weeks after giving birth. This distinguishes it from other forms of depression as it is directly linked to the peripartum period.

Schizophrenia is a psychological disorder characterized by major disturbances in thought, perception, and behavior. Individuals with schizophrenia may experience hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking and speech, and social withdrawal. These symptoms can significantly impair their ability to function in daily life. Unlike anxiety, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders, which have their own distinct symptoms and characteristics, schizophrenia specifically involves disruptions in cognition, perception, and behavior.

Paranoid delusions involve the false belief that other people or agencies are plotting to harm the person. This type of delusion is characterized by extreme suspicion, mistrust, and the belief that others are out to get them. Individuals experiencing paranoid delusions may feel constantly threatened and may take extreme measures to protect themselves from perceived harm.

In schizophrenia, the most common form of hallucinations is auditory. Auditory hallucinations involve hearing sounds or voices that are not actually present. These hallucinations can vary in intensity, frequency, and content, and are often experienced as distressing and intrusive. Auditory hallucinations can contribute to the overall symptomatology of schizophrenia and may significantly impact an individual's daily functioning and quality of life. Other forms of hallucinations, such as visual, olfactory, and tactile, can also occur in schizophrenia, but auditory hallucinations are the most prevalent.

Cole's major depressive disorder is episodic because his symptoms of major depressive disorder reoccur after a period of remission. This pattern of symptoms coming and going in episodes suggests that Cole's depressive episodes are not continuous or chronic, but rather occur in distinct episodes separated by periods of relative wellness.

The sentence states that the "psychological perspective" views disorders as linked to biological phenomena. This implies that the perspective is psychological in nature but focuses on biological factors. To make the sentence true, the word "psychological" should be changed to "biological" to align with the idea that the perspective itself is biological.

A common characteristic of all dissociative disorders is becoming split off, or dissociated, from one's core sense of self. This means that individuals with dissociative disorders experience a disruption in their perception of themselves, feeling detached or disconnected from their own identity, memories, or experiences. This dissociation can manifest in various ways, such as amnesia, identity confusion, or feeling like an outside observer of one's own life. It is a defining feature of dissociative disorders and distinguishes them from other mental health conditions.

Comorbidity refers to the co-occurrence of two or more disorders in an individual. It means that a person is diagnosed with multiple disorders simultaneously. This could include physical or mental health conditions. The term comorbidity is used to describe the presence of two or more disorders in addition to the primary disorder being treated. It is important to consider comorbidity when diagnosing and treating individuals as it can impact the course and outcome of their conditions.