Psychological Disorders / Practice Multiple Choice 2

Jimmy's symptoms of anxiety associated with everything he does, even activities that should not cause anxiety, suggest that he may be experiencing Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). GAD is characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry and anxiety about various aspects of life. People with GAD often find it difficult to control their anxiety and may experience physical symptoms such as restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances.

The DSM-IV-TR provides a common language for diagnosing disorders. This means that psychologists and psychiatrists can use the DSM-IV-TR as a standardized reference to communicate and understand each other's diagnoses. It helps to ensure consistency and accuracy in the diagnosis process, allowing for better collaboration and treatment planning among professionals.

Cyclothymic disorder is a milder form of bipolar disorder, characterized by mood swings between hypomania and mild depression. Similarly, dysthymic disorder is a milder form of depression, characterized by chronic low mood and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. Both cyclothymic disorder and dysthymic disorder represent less severe versions of their respective mood disorders.

The correct answer is "less severe form of autism often engaging in repetitive behaviors like counting or memorizing." Asperger's disorder is a condition on the autism spectrum characterized by difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication, as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. Individuals with Asperger's often engage in repetitive behaviors such as counting or memorizing, which can be a way for them to cope with their environment or find comfort. Unlike other forms of autism, individuals with Asperger's typically have average to above-average intelligence and do not experience significant delays in language development.

Catatonic schizophrenia is a subtype of schizophrenia characterized by symptoms such as waxy flexibility, which refers to a lack of movement and a tendency to maintain positions for extended periods of time. Additionally, individuals with catatonic schizophrenia may exhibit a stupor, where they display no emotional response or have a flat effect. These symptoms are not specific to any other type of schizophrenia and are distinct features of catatonic schizophrenia.

Increased dopamine neurotransmitter receptors in the brain could be responsible for the onset of schizophrenia. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating mood, motivation, and pleasure. Abnormalities in dopamine function have been implicated in the development of schizophrenia, a severe mental disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Increased dopamine receptor activity or sensitivity may lead to an overstimulation of dopamine signaling, contributing to the symptoms of schizophrenia.

Histrionic personality disorder is characterized by a constant need to be the center of attention. People with this disorder often exhibit attention-seeking behavior, exaggerated emotions, and a desire for approval and praise from others. They may engage in dramatic or provocative behaviors to gain attention and may feel uncomfortable when they are not the focus of others' attention. This disorder is different from borderline, antisocial, paranoid, and dependent personality disorders, which have distinct features and criteria.

Dysthymic depression is a milder form of major depression. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in daily activities. Unlike major depression, dysthymic depression may not be as severe and may last for a longer period of time, typically lasting for at least two years. This form of depression may not completely disable a person, but it can still have a significant impact on their quality of life.

The correct answer is Axis II. In the DSM-IV-TR, Axis II is the axis that includes personality disorders and mental retardation. This axis is used to assess and diagnose long-standing patterns of maladaptive behavior, as well as intellectual disabilities. Axis II disorders are considered to be more deeply ingrained and difficult to treat compared to Axis I disorders, which include more acute mental health conditions.

Repression is a defense mechanism that involves pushing unwanted thoughts, memories, or feelings into the unconscious mind. Dissociative identity disorder (previously known as multiple personality disorder) is a psychological disorder characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states. These different personalities often have no awareness of one another, and the disorder is believed to arise as a result of severe trauma or abuse during childhood. Repression may be connected to dissociative identity disorder because it allows the individual to repress or block out traumatic memories or experiences, leading to the development of different personality states.

Schizoid personality disorder is characterized by a detachment from social relationships and a limited range of emotional expression. Individuals with this disorder tend to prefer solitary activities and have difficulty forming close relationships. They often appear indifferent or detached and have a limited range of emotional expression. This aligns with the given description of a personality disorder characterized by a detachment of social relationships, making schizoid the correct answer.