Question 1

Kristofer shows a pattern of instability in his relationships, self-image, and feelings. As such, he most likely has __________ personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

The symptoms described are consistent with borderline personality disorder, which is characterized by instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions. Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a disregard for others' rights and can involve criminal behaviors, while dependent and avoidant personality disorders involve different patterns of anxious or fearful behavior in relationships.

Question 2

Which of the following statements represents the cognitive-behavioral theorist's view of personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral theorists believe that personality disorders are a type of learned behavior, shaped by environmental factors such as early childhood experiences and reinforcement history. They emphasize the role of dysfunctional thought patterns and maladaptive behaviors in the development and maintenance of these disorders. The other answer options (A, C, and D) do not reflect the cognitive-behavioral perspective on personality disorders.

Question 3

Which of the following people suffers from a personality disorder whose primary symptom type involves dramatic, erratic, or emotional behaviors?

Accepted Answer

The primary symptom type of histrionic personality disorder involves dramatic, erratic or emotional behaviors. Therefore, of the options provided, Richard, who has been diagnosed with histrionic personality disorder, is the one who suffers from this type of personality disorder.

Question 4

Which of the following people would be most likely to receive a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a disregard for the rights of others, impulsivity, aggression, and lacking remorse. The person who enjoys stealing cars and going for joy rides (Jared) fits this description, while the other options do not.

Question 5

The television talks to Evelyn. It tells her the police are out to get her. Evelyn actually hears these voices, even though they are really a figment of her own mind. Because Evelyn has schizophrenia, she is most likely experiencing a(n) __________.

Accepted Answer

Evelyn is experiencing a hallucination, which is a false perception of objects or events involving the senses. In this case, she hears voices that are not real, which is a common symptom of schizophrenia.

Question 6

False beliefs held by a person who refuses to accept evidence of their falseness are known as __________.

Accepted Answer

Delusions are false beliefs that are firmly held despite evidence to the contrary. They are different from hallucinations, which are sensory experiences that are not real. Obsessions and compulsions are symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder and involve repetitive, intrusive thoughts or behaviors.

Question 7

Which of the following is an accurate statement regarding schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Schizophrenia is a long-lasting psychotic disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disordered thinking and behavior, and a lack of motivation and emotion. It is not the same thing as split personality, multiple personality disorder, or dissociative identity disorder.

Question 8

People with __________ disorders have an excessively rigid, maladaptive pattern of behavior and ways of relating to others.

Accepted Answer

Personality disorders fit the description of having an excessively rigid and maladaptive pattern of behavior and ways of relating to others. Somatoform disorders involve physical symptoms without a medical explanation, affective disorders involve disturbances in mood, and schizophrenic disorders involve disturbances in thought and perception.

Question 9

Hollis has made a career of stealing older people's retirement money by taking advantage of their trust and selling them phony retirement investments. Hollis explains that he has done nothing wrong-if these people were not so greedy, they would not be so eager to invest in his phony schemes. In his mind, his victims got exactly what they deserved. Hollis's behavior and attitude are typical of someone with __________ personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

Hollis's behavior of stealing and taking advantage of others shows a lack of empathy, disregard for the law and other people's rights, and a pattern of deceit and manipulation, which are all characteristics of someone with antisocial personality disorder.

Question 10

A patient in a psychiatric hospital exhibits disordered thinking, bizarre behavior, and hallucinations. This person is probably suffering from __________.

Accepted Answer

The symptoms described (disordered thinking, bizarre behavior, hallucinations) are characteristic of schizophrenia, a serious mental disorder that affects a person's ability to think, feel, and behave clearly.

Question 11

Which of the following is a condition in which a person shows little or no emotion?

Accepted Answer

Flat affect is a condition in which a person shows little or no emotion. Hallucinations (A) are false perceptions that occur without an external stimulus, delusions (B) are false beliefs that are not based in reality, and inappropriate affect (C) is the display of emotions that are unsuited to the situation.

Question 12

Delusions of __________ are false beliefs held by people who are convinced that others are trying to hurt them in some way.

Accepted Answer

Delusions of persecution are false beliefs held by individuals that others are trying to harm, spy on, or hurt them in some way. These delusions can lead to extreme paranoia, social withdrawal, and other negative consequences. Delusions of grandeur, reference, and influence are different types of delusions.

Question 13

Caitlin is impulsive, has an unstable sense of self, and is intensely fearful of abandonment. She wants to have close relationships, but her emotions are often inappropriate and excessive with a pattern of self-destructiveness, chronic loneliness, and disruptive anger. Caitlin is suffering from __________ personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

Caitlin's symptoms align with those of borderline personality disorder, which is characterized by instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions. People with this disorder often fear abandonment, can engage in self-destructive behaviors, and have intense and inappropriate emotional reactions. Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by disregard for others' rights and laws, while avoidant personality disorder is characterized by a fear of rejection and social isolation. Dependent personality disorder involves a pervasive fear of separation and reliance on others for decision-making. None of these disorders fully capture Caitlin's symptoms.

Question 14

A person who is suffering from disordered thinking, bizarre behavior, and hallucinations and who is unable to distinguish between fantasy and reality is likely suffering from __________.

Accepted Answer

The symptoms described in the question (disordered thinking, bizarre behavior, hallucinations, inability to distinguish between fantasy and reality) are classic symptoms of schizophrenia.

Question 15

Ann, who has schizophrenia, believes that she was sent by God to one day rule the world. Her belief is an example of a(n) __________.

Accepted Answer

Ann's belief that she was sent by God to one day rule the world is a delusion, which is a fixed, false belief that is not based in reality.

Question 16

Of the five known human sensory systems, which type of hallucination is the most common?

Accepted Answer

Auditory hallucinations, such as hearing voices or sounds, are the most common type of hallucination experienced by humans.

Question 17

Edward is admitted to a mental institution because he hears voices talking to him that no one else can hear, and he sees demons attacking him, though no one else can see anything near him. Edward's symptoms are known as __________.

Accepted Answer

Edward's symptoms of hearing voices and seeing things that are not physically present are examples of hallucinations, which are sensory experiences that are not based in reality.

Question 18

False sensory perceptions that often take the form of hearing voices are called __________.

Accepted Answer

The false sensory perceptions that often take the form of hearing voices are called hallucinations. Delusions are false beliefs, obsessions are intrusive thoughts or impulses, and compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts.

Question 19

Antisocial, paranoid, and schizoid are all types of __________ disorders.

Accepted Answer

Antisocial, paranoid, and schizoid are all types of personality disorders, which are characterized by enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and emotions that deviate from cultural expectations and cause distress or impairment in functioning. Mood disorders typically involve disturbances in mood, such as depression or bipolar disorder. Dissociative disorders involve disruptions in consciousness, memory, and identity. Anxiety disorders involve excessive and persistent fear or anxiety.

Question 20

Melissa is diagnosed with schizophrenia. She believes that she is a powerful person who can save the world. Melissa is experiencing delusions of __________.

Accepted Answer

Melissa's belief that she is a powerful person who can save the world points towards delusions of grandeur, which is a common symptom of schizophrenia characterized by a false sense of exceptionalism, power, and importance. Delusions of persecution (A) involve a false belief that others are plotting against, spying on, or trying to harm the sufferer, while delusions of reference (C) involve a false belief that random events or stimuli have a special meaning or significance for the sufferer. Delusions of influence (D) involve a false belief that external factors, like magnetic fields or radio waves, are controlling one's thoughts, feelings, or behaviors.

Quiz 14: Psychological Disorders