Question 1

Drugs that most successfully treat obsessive-compulsive disorder raise the level of which neurotransmitter in the brain?
A) acetylcholine
B) dopamine
C) serotonin
D) norepinephrine

Accepted Answer

The drugs that are most successful in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder raise the level of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulation of mood, appetite, and sleep, as well as anxiety and obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used to treat OCD because they increase the availability of serotonin in the brain.

Question 2

What is a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder?
A) difficulty controlling intrusive and irrational thoughts
B) thoughts or behaviors are identified by the individual as reasonable and justifiable
C) preoccupation with imagined defects in appearance
D) recurrent picking resulting in lesions

Accepted Answer

Difficulty controlling intrusive and irrational thoughts is a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder. People with OCD experience unwanted and distressing thoughts, images, or impulses that they try to suppress, but can't control.

Question 3

Cognitive-behaviorists propose obsessive-compulsives repeat behaviors in order to ____.
A) reduce anxiety
B) eliminate threats systemically
C) get in touch with their inner self
D) understand the world

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behaviorists propose that obsessive-compulsives repeat behaviors in order to reduce anxiety. This is due to the belief that OCD is caused by faulty thinking patterns and can be treated through behavior modification techniques. By repeating the compulsive behavior, the individual may experience temporary relief from the anxiety caused by their obsessive thoughts.

Question 4

Sharlisa suffers from OCD. What is the first step her therapist will take with her when using exposure therapy with response prevention?
A) education about OCD and the rationale for the treatment
B) development of an exposure hierarchy
C) exposure to the fearful situations
D) flooding

Accepted Answer

The first step in exposure therapy with response prevention is education about OCD and the rationale for the treatment. This helps the patient understand the treatment process and reduces fear and anxiety, making them more willing and able to engage in the therapy.

Question 5

For days after visiting Disneyland, the words and tune for "It's a Small World" keep invading Jessica's thoughts. She cannot get them out of her head. Jessica's experience is similar to the ____.
A) obsessions seen in obsessive-compulsive disorder
B) fear seen in generalized anxiety disorder
C) compulsions seen in obsessive-compulsive disorder
D) avoidance seen in social phobias

Accepted Answer

Jessica's experience of the "It's a Small World" tune repeatedly invading her thoughts is similar to the obsessions seen in obsessive-compulsive disorder. Obsessions are intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that repeatedly enter a person's mind against their will. These obsessions can cause significant distress and can be difficult to control or get rid of. Jessica's experience fits this description as she cannot get the tune out of her head and it is causing her distress.

Question 6

When her boyfriend asks her about today's therapy session, Jamie responds, "It wasn't very fun. My therapist had me sit right next to her trash can, which was brimming full of garbage and half-eaten food. I could almost see the germs jumping right out at me. Now she wants me to touch something I think is contaminated at least once a day every day this week." Jamie has probably been diagnosed with ____ and is being treated using ____.
A) a specific phobia; exposure
B) obsessive-compulsive disorder; exposure
C) a specific phobia; systematic rational restructuring
D) obsessive-compulsive disorder; systematic rational restructuring

Accepted Answer

Jamie's response indicates symptoms associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder, particularly contamination fears and the need to perform repetitive behaviors (such as touching something she believes is contaminated). The treatment mentioned, exposure, is a common treatment for OCD where the patient is gradually exposed to the source of their anxiety (in this case, germs and contamination) in a safe and controlled way to reduce their fear response. Specific phobias may also involve exposure therapy, but Jamie's symptoms are more in line with OCD. Systematic rational restructuring is not mentioned in the scenario.

Question 7

Cheryl spends four hours every day in the shower, scrubbing her skin raw with a loofa brush for fear that she is contaminated with urine or feces. She sees a cognitive-behavioral therapist for treatment. The cognitive-behavioral therapist is most likely to write which note about Cheryl's case?
A) "Guarding against own unacceptable urges; uses reaction formation as a general defense."
B) "Engages in superstitious behavior; probably associating hand washing with some previous situation where it led to reinforcement."
C) "Neurotransmitters not functioning properly; needs medication."
D) "Need to correct dysfunctional beliefs in order to reduce anxiety over cleanliness."

Accepted Answer

Cheryl's excessive cleanliness behaviors are most likely due to dysfunctional beliefs and anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a treatment approach that aims to correct these beliefs and reduce anxiety through exposure therapy, which involves gradually exposing the individual to their fears in a controlled environment. Therefore, the therapist is likely to write a note about the need to correct dysfunctional beliefs in order to reduce anxiety over cleanliness.

Question 8

GAD is most likely to occur among which group?
A) married white males
B) Asian females with higher socioeconomic status
C) African American females living in poverty
D) white males working in jobs they hate

Accepted Answer

Studies have consistently shown that individuals living in poverty, particularly females and minorities, have higher rates of GAD. Therefore, African American females living in poverty are most at risk for developing GAD. The other groups listed may still experience GAD, but are not considered the most at risk.

Question 9

V.J. suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder. According to the biological perspective, he is likely to show ____.
A) preparedness in the objects he uses for compulsive behavior
B) abnormally low levels of metabolism in the locus ceruleus
C) an excess of the neurotransmitter serotonin
D) increased metabolic activity in the frontal lobe of the left hemisphere

Accepted Answer

The biological perspective on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) suggests abnormalities in brain function, particularly in the frontal lobes. Increased metabolic activity in the frontal lobe of the left hemisphere is consistent with findings in individuals with OCD, indicating a biological basis for the disorder.

Question 10

David has been diagnosed with OCD. It is likely that David ____.
A) is overconfident about the accuracy of his memory and judgment
B) has no problems with his memory or his judgment
C) does not trust his memory or his judgment
D) trusts his memory, but not his judgment

Accepted Answer

OCD is characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts and repetitive, compulsive behaviors or mental acts that are intended to reduce the anxiety caused by those thoughts. As a result, people with OCD commonly have doubts about their own memory or judgment and may engage in checking behaviors to ensure that they did not overlook or miss anything important. Therefore, option C is the most likely choice.

Question 11

Before Hannah can leave the house, she must turn all four gas burners on her stove on and off 24 times, each in sequence. She performs this ritual because she does not trust her memory and fears she can't be sure the burners are actually off without doing this. Hannah is demonstrating which cognitive characteristic of OCD?
A) probability bias
B) disconfirmatory bias
C) morality bias
D) confirmatory bias

Accepted Answer

The answer of Before Hannah can leave the house, she...

Question 12

Which statement is a cognitive characteristic of individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder?
A) "I have to be absolutely certain that I turned off the computer."
B) "Thinking about throwing little Timmy under the bus isn't as bad as actually doing it."
C) "If I just find a way to relax, then everything will be okay."
D) "My thoughts are always rational."

Accepted Answer

Individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder often experience intrusive, persistent, and distressing thoughts, which lead to anxiety and the development of compulsive behaviors. Cognitive characteristics associated with OCD include a need for certainty, perfectionism, and excessive concern with cleanliness and order. Option A exemplifies the need for certainty, which is a typical cognitive component of OCD.

Question 13

Judy is in therapy for her compulsive hand washing. Her therapist conjures up several images of filthy clothes and digging in dirt. Judy gets the feeling of being "contaminated" but is not allowed to resort to the usual ritual of hand washing. This therapy is called ____.
A) desensitization and relapse prevention
B) exposure with response prevention
C) systematic desensitization
D) cognitive restructuring

Accepted Answer

The therapy described involves exposing the patient to the feared stimulus (dirt and filth) without allowing them to engage in the usual compulsive behavior (hand washing). This is known as exposure with response prevention. Desensitization and relapse prevention involve gradually exposing the patient to the feared object or situation, while cognitive restructuring involves challenging and changing negative thought patterns. Systematic desensitization is a type of desensitization that involves relaxation techniques while gradually introducing the feared stimulus.

Question 14

Aisha is plagued with obsessions about locking her door so that someone does not break in and kill her. What cognitive characteristic is she demonstrating?
A) morality bias
B) disconfirmatory bias
C) control
D) exaggerated probability of harm

Accepted Answer

Aisha is demonstrating an exaggerated probability of harm, as she has an irrational fear of someone breaking in and killing her.

Question 15

Which individual has the highest risk for developing OCD?
A) Samantha, a 45-year-old married woman who hates her job
B) Sam, a 45-year-old married man who hates his job
C) Dylan, a 20-year-old married man who is unemployed
D) Darren, a 20-year-old divorced man who is unemployed

Accepted Answer

OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) risk factors include personal or family history of OCD, stressful life events, and other mental health disorders. Divorce and unemployment are significant stressors that can increase the risk of developing mental health issues, including OCD. Darren's situation combines these stress factors, potentially making him the most at risk.

Question 16

Wanda is obsessed with thinking about washing her hands and cannot stop these intrusive thoughts. This demonstrates which cognitive characteristic of OCD?
A) control
B) probability bias
C) exaggerated estimates
D) lack of confidence bias

Accepted Answer

Control is the correct answer because OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) involves obsessions (intrusive thoughts that are difficult to control, such as an excessive worry about cleanliness) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors driven by these thoughts).

Question 17

As Sheldon learns about obsessive-compulsive disorder, he is likely to learn that it ____.
A) is an extremely rare disorder
B) may be under diagnosed
C) is one of the most common anxiety disorders
D) is most common among middle-aged married people

Accepted Answer

Sheldon is likely to learn that obsessive-compulsive disorder may be under diagnosed, as many people with the disorder may not seek treatment or may be misdiagnosed.

Question 18

When explaining the cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder, a psychologist who supports a cognitive-behavioral approach would be likely to make which statement?
A) "Excessive use of defense mechanisms helps the person redirect his or her unacceptable impulses into more acceptable behaviors."
B) "Thoughts and actions that reduce anxiety are done repetitively."
C) "Some individuals' personalities need high levels of autonomic nervous system arousal, and repetitive thoughts and behaviors satisfy that need."
D) "Certain thoughts and actions are the result of abnormal activity in particular brain centers."

Accepted Answer

A cognitive-behavioral approach to explaining obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) focuses on how certain thoughts and behaviors that initially reduce anxiety become repetitive because the reduction in anxiety reinforces the behavior, making it more likely to occur again. This explanation aligns with choice B, which emphasizes the role of thoughts and actions in reducing anxiety through repetition.

Question 19

Dr. Stanley is a behavioral therapist. We would therefore expect that he attributes the maintenance of anxious behaviors to ____.
A) unconscious feelings of guilt
B) a chemical imbalance
C) social factors
D) their ability to reduce anxiety

Accepted Answer

As a behavioral therapist, Dr. Stanley's approach focuses on how behavior is learned and maintained, rather than on unconscious or chemical factors. Anxious behaviors are often reinforced by the temporary relief of anxiety that they provide, which would lead Dr. Stanley to attribute their continued occurrence to their ability to reduce anxiety in the short-term.

Question 20

Angel is worried that her intrusive, unacceptable thoughts are signs of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Research suggests that ____.
A) unless the thoughts are bizarre, she does not have the disorder
B) she probably has the disorder because it is defined by intrusive thoughts
C) she cannot have the disorder unless she engages in compulsive behaviors
D) such thoughts are common unless they cause her discomfort or are uncontrollable

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that intrusive thoughts are common and normal, and only become a disorder if they cause significant discomfort or the individual is unable to control them. Therefore, unless Angel's thoughts are causing her significant distress or she feels unable to control them, she may not have obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Quiz 4: Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders

Drugs that most successfully treat obsessive-compulsive disorder raise the level of which neurotransmitter in the brain?

What is a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Cognitive-behaviorists propose obsessive-compulsives repeat behaviors in order to ____.

Sharlisa suffers from OCD. What is the first step her therapist will take with her when using exposure therapy with response prevention?

For days after visiting Disneyland, the words and tune for "It's a Small World" keep invading Jessica's thoughts. She cannot get them out of her head. Jessica's experience is similar to the ____.

Cheryl spends four hours every day in the shower, scrubbing her skin raw with a loofa brush for fear that she is contaminated with urine or feces. She sees a cognitive-behavioral therapist for treatment. The cognitive-behavioral therapist is most likely to write which note about Cheryl's case?

GAD is most likely to occur among which group?

V.J. suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder. According to the biological perspective, he is likely to show ____.

David has been diagnosed with OCD. It is likely that David ____.

Which statement is a cognitive characteristic of individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Judy is in therapy for her compulsive hand washing. Her therapist conjures up several images of filthy clothes and digging in dirt. Judy gets the feeling of being "contaminated" but is not allowed to resort to the usual ritual of hand washing. This therapy is called ____.

Aisha is plagued with obsessions about locking her door so that someone does not break in and kill her. What cognitive characteristic is she demonstrating?

Which individual has the highest risk for developing OCD?

Wanda is obsessed with thinking about washing her hands and cannot stop these intrusive thoughts. This demonstrates which cognitive characteristic of OCD?

As Sheldon learns about obsessive-compulsive disorder, he is likely to learn that it ____.

When explaining the cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder, a psychologist who supports a cognitive-behavioral approach would be likely to make which statement?

Dr. Stanley is a behavioral therapist. We would therefore expect that he attributes the maintenance of anxious behaviors to ____.

Angel is worried that her intrusive, unacceptable thoughts are signs of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Research suggests that ____.