Question 1

Many clinicians diagnose disorders using the detailed "diagnostic criteria and codes" in the

Accepted Answer

The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) is a widely used manual for diagnosing mental disorders. It includes detailed diagnostic criteria and codes for a wide range of mental health conditions.

Question 2

Today's psychologists assume that disordered behavior is influenced by

Accepted Answer

Today's psychologists assume that disordered behavior is influenced by social circumstances, such as childhood experiences or cultural factors, as well as inner psychological dynamics, such as personality traits and maladaptive thought patterns. Additionally, there is growing evidence that genetics and physiological states play a role in the development and manifestation of mental disorders. Therefore, the best choice is D, all of these factors.

Question 3

Marshall has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Because this disorder is included as a diagnosis in DSM-5,

Accepted Answer

Because autism spectrum disorder is included as a diagnosis in DSM-5, individuals with this diagnosis are eligible for treatment, including behavioral therapy and medication management.

Question 4

Some of the new diagnoses in the DSM-5 concern many physicians and mental health workers because

Accepted Answer

The fear that DSM-5 will extend the pathologizing of everyday life is a common concern among physicians and mental health workers. They worry that the new diagnoses will label behaviors and experiences as disorders that were previously considered normal variations of human experience. This could lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment of individuals, as well as stigmatization of those who have been diagnosed with a disorder.

Question 5

Researchers have attributed the development of ADHD to

Accepted Answer

Multiple studies have shown that ADHD has a strong genetic component, with estimates ranging from 70-90% heritability. While environmental factors may play a role in exacerbating or alleviating symptoms, they are not considered the primary cause of ADHD. There is no conclusive evidence linking sugar intake, school quality, or antisocial personality disorder to the development of ADHD.

Question 6

Dr. Garcia emphasizes that psychological disorders result from the interactive influences of individual genes, mood-related perceptions, and cultural definitions of normality and disorder. The doctor's emphasis best illustrates

Accepted Answer

Dr. Garcia's emphasis on individual genes (biological), mood-related perceptions (psychological), and cultural definitions of normality and disorder (social/cultural) represents a biopsychosocial approach, which recognizes the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in the development and treatment of psychological disorders.

Question 7

The conception of psychological disorders as biologically based sicknesses is known as the

Accepted Answer

The medical model views psychological disorders as biologically based sicknesses and promotes treatment through medical interventions such as medications and surgery.

Question 8

In discovering that certain psychological disorders occur only in particular cultures, we are providing evidence for the

Accepted Answer

The biopsychosocial approach recognizes the importance of biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding and treating psychological disorders. Discovering that certain disorders occur only in particular cultures provides evidence for the social and cultural factors that influence the development and expression of these disorders, supporting the biopsychosocial approach. The psychoanalytic perspective is a specific theory of personality and psychotherapy, not a broader approach to understanding psychological disorders. The medical model focuses primarily on biological factors and medical treatments for psychological disorders, and is not as inclusive of social and cultural factors as the biopsychosocial approach. The DSM-5 is a diagnostic manual used to classify and diagnose psychological disorders, but provides limited information on cultural and social factors that may influence the presentation of these disorders.

Question 9

Mira claims that alcohol use disorder is a disease that, like pneumonia, can be cured or prevented with proper treatment. Her belief is most clearly consistent with

Accepted Answer

Mira's belief that alcohol use disorder is a disease that can be cured or prevented with proper treatment is consistent with the medical model, which views addiction as a disease that requires medical intervention to treat. The medical model emphasizes the importance of identifying and treating the underlying physical and psychological factors that contribute to addiction, much like how pneumonia is treated through medical intervention.

Question 10

To call psychological disorders "sicknesses" is especially likely to encourage research supporting the

Accepted Answer

The term "sickness" is associated with the medical model, which views psychological disorders as illnesses that can be diagnosed, treated, and cured. This perspective emphasizes the importance of biomedical factors and often promotes research on biological treatments, such as medication. Therefore, referring to psychological disorders as "sicknesses" is most likely to encourage research supporting the medical model.

Question 11

ADHD is most clearly characterized by

Accepted Answer

ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is primarily characterized by symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. Distractibility is one of the key symptoms associated with this disorder. Delusions, dissociation, and catatonia are not typical symptoms of ADHD.

Question 12

If research indicated that phobias result from a chemical imbalance in the central nervous system, this would most clearly give added credibility to

Accepted Answer

The medical model emphasizes the physical and biological aspects of psychological disorders, and a chemical imbalance in the central nervous system would fall under this framework. This information would provide additional evidence that phobias have a biological basis and therefore lend credibility to the medical model.

Question 13

A psychotherapist is most likely to use the DSM-5 in order to ________ various psychological disorders.

Accepted Answer

The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition) is a diagnostic tool used by mental health professionals to identify and classify various psychological disorders. It provides a common language and set of criteria for diagnosing mental disorders, which can be useful in creating treatment plans and communicating with other professionals. However, it is not typically used for the purpose of curing or preventing disorders, and its primary function is to identify and classify them.

Question 14

In a study by David Rosenhan, researchers were admitted as patients into various mental hospitals after they falsely claimed to be "hearing voices." This study best illustrated the negative effects of

Accepted Answer

The study by David Rosenhan showed how diagnostic labels can have negative effects on how patients are perceived and treated. The researchers were labeled with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and were not able to convince the hospital staff that they were not actually mentally ill, even though they were behaving normally. This study highlights the potential harm that can come from diagnostic labeling and the importance of careful evaluation and diagnosis in mental health treatment.

Question 15

A biopsychosocial approach to substance abuse would be most likely to emphasize

Accepted Answer

A biopsychosocial approach to substance abuse recognizes that substance abuse is influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. Therefore, it would emphasize the interactive influences of nature (biological) and nurture (psychological and social) on substance abuse. It would not emphasize the distinction between consciously and unconsciously motivated substance abuse (A), nor would it view substance abuse as simply a lifestyle choice (D). While there may be some similarities between substance abuse and personality disorders (B), a biopsychosocial approach would not necessarily emphasize this aspect over others.

Question 16

The most likely people to be diagnosed with ADHD are

Accepted Answer

ADHD is typically diagnosed in childhood, with symptoms presenting as early as preschool age. While some individuals may continue to experience symptoms into adulthood, the diagnosis is most commonly made during childhood.

Question 17

Matt is restless and often jumps out of his seat or interferes with ongoing class activities in response to the sound of outside traffic. Matt most clearly exhibits symptoms of

Accepted Answer

Matt's behavior is consistent with symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), specifically the hyperactive-impulsive subtype, as he is restless and exhibits impulsive behavior that interrupts the class activities. The other disorders listed do not fit Matt's symptoms as closely.

Question 18

To facilitate diagnostic reliability, the DSM-5 typically bases diagnoses on

Accepted Answer

The DSM-5 utilizes detailed diagnostic criteria and codes to improve diagnostic reliability, allowing for more consistent and accurate diagnoses across clinicians and settings. While biopsychosocial factors may be taken into account in the diagnostic process, chemical analyses of bodily samples are not typically used in diagnosing mental health disorders.

Question 19

Mental health workers are most likely to consider socially unusual behavior as disordered if it is

Accepted Answer

Socially unusual behavior is generally considered disordered if it leads to personal distress, which is often the case with various types of mental disorders. While conscious motivation or biological influences can contribute to mental health issues, they are not the sole criteria for determining disordered behavior. Additionally, although some behaviors may be difficult to change, this alone does not make them disordered.

Question 20

Mental health workers would be likely to identify alcohol misuse as a psychological disorder because it is

Accepted Answer

Alcohol misuse can be seen as personally dysfunctional because it can cause significant problems and impairments in a person's functioning, including social, occupational, and psychological aspects. It can lead to mood disturbances, cognitive problems, and behavioral issues. Consequently, mental health workers may view alcohol misuse as a psychological disorder that requires intervention and treatment. It is not primarily seen as socially unacceptable, ethically unjustifiable, or unconsciously motivated, although these factors may contribute to and be influenced by alcohol misuse.

Quiz 47: A: Introduction to Psychological Disorders