Question 1

Where does a great deal of what we know about the risk factors for suicide come from?

Accepted Answer

A great deal of what we know about the risk factors for suicide comes from psychological autopsies, which involve conducting an in-depth investigation into the circumstances surrounding a person's suicide in order to identify potential contributing factors. These investigations may involve interviewing family members, reviewing medical and psychiatric records, and analyzing toxicology reports. While clinical experience, neurochemical analyses, and twin and adoption studies may also provide insights into suicide risk factors, psychological autopsies are generally considered the most informative source of information.

Question 2

Compare and contrast the clinical symptoms of major depression and mania.Explain what is meant by dysphoric (or mixed)mania.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compare and contrast the clinical symptoms of...

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a goal achieved by psychosocial treatments used for bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Psychosocial treatments for bipolar disorder aim to manage the impact of the disorder on daily life, such as marital and job difficulties, improve family understanding of the condition, and increase compliance with medication. However, they do not directly prevent manic symptoms from developing; rather, they focus on managing symptoms and improving overall functioning.

Question 4

Who would be at the greatest risk for committing suicide?

Accepted Answer

People who have depression and substance abuse disorders are at higher risk for suicide. Studies have found that individuals with substance abuse disorders are up to six times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. Additionally, depression is a major risk factor for suicide. Therefore, Mark is at the highest risk for committing suicide out of the options given.

Question 5

Although the mood-stabilizing drug lithium is the preferred treatment for bipolar disorder,patient compliance has been a problem.Why do patients often stop taking their lithium,even though it is effective in stabilizing their moods?

Accepted Answer

Patients with bipolar disorder may stop taking lithium because they miss the euphoric highs of mania, which the medication helps to stabilize.

Question 6

Which of the following was dropped as an exclusion for a diagnosis of depression when the DSM 5 was published?

Accepted Answer

A recent stressful event, such as the death of a loved one, is no longer an exclusion for a diagnosis of depression in the DSM 5.

Question 7

Recent research suggests that it might be possible to "psychologically immunize" at-risk children against depression.What intervention was provided to form the basis of this position?

Accepted Answer

The intervention provided was teaching children who were at risk for depression cognitive and social problem-solving skills before they entered puberty. This suggests that by equipping at-risk children with these skills, they may be less likely to develop depression in the future, thus "psychologically immunizing" them against it. Art therapy, family counselling, and psychoanalytic therapy were not mentioned as part of this research.

Question 8

Which of the following puts you at the greatest risk for committing suicide if you are an Inuit in Nunavik?

Accepted Answer

Being male puts individuals at a greater risk for committing suicide, especially in the context of Inuit communities in Nunavik, where suicide rates are significantly higher among males.

Question 9

What was one step taken in Canada that was associated with long-lasting reductions in suicide rates?

Accepted Answer

Restrictive gun-control legislation in the 1970s was associated with a long-lasting reduction in suicide rates in Canada. Research has shown that access to firearms is strongly associated with suicide rates, and the legislation may have limited access to guns for those at risk of suicide.

Question 10

Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT)helps depressed patients resolve relationship problems.Which of the following issues is NOT a likely focus of IPT?

Accepted Answer

IPT focuses on current relationship issues rather than delving into problems in past relationships. It aims to address present interpersonal problems and their impact on depression, rather than analyzing historical relationship issues.

Question 11

Although electroconvulsive therapy has been a controversial issue for decades,it is an effective treatment for depression.In which of the following cases is it especially effective?

Accepted Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is generally considered as a second-line treatment for depression when other treatments such as medication or therapy have not been successful. Therefore, it is especially effective when patient response to antidepressant medication is poor. ECT may also be considered when the patient is severely depressed, has psychotic symptoms, or is at risk for suicide. It is not typically used for mild depression or when a bipolar patient is experiencing a manic episode.

Question 12

Dr.Klein studies suicide and is interested in cultural and gender differences in suicide rates.She is collaborating with a researcher from a country where suicide rates are higher for women than for men.Where is her colleague from?

Accepted Answer

In China, suicide rates are historically higher for women than for men, which is contrary to the trend observed in most other countries.

Question 13

Although glorifying and romanticizing suicide in the media contributes to copycat suicides,which of the following is more likely?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that individuals who attempt or complete suicide are often struggling with a mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety. Therefore, it is more likely that the person copying the suicide is vulnerable due to an existing psychological disorder. While the other options (trying to impress others, cry for help, not serious about attempt) may also play a role, they are less likely to be the primary reason for copycat suicides.

Question 14

Which personality disorder is impulsive suicidal behaviour often a symptom of?

Accepted Answer

Impulsive suicidal behavior is often a symptom of borderline personality disorder. People with this disorder may struggle with intense emotional fluctuations, fear of abandonment, unstable relationships, and impulsive behavior, including self-harm and suicide attempts. It is important to note that not all individuals with borderline personality disorder engage in suicidal behavior, and suicidal behavior can also be a symptom of other disorders.

Question 15

Assuming that the prescribed medication is effective,what is the advantage of combining medication and psychosocial treatments for patients with depression?

Accepted Answer

Combining medication and psychosocial treatments can provide a dual benefit for patients with depression. The medication can provide rapid relief of symptoms, while the psychosocial treatment can provide protection against recurrence or relapse. This combined approach is often referred to as "blended" or "integrated" treatment and is considered to be more effective than either treatment alone.

Question 16

Despite having many successes,which of the following people struggles with depression but is determined to decrease the high rates of suicide among young people in many Canadian Aboriginal communities?

Accepted Answer

James Bartleman, a former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, has publicly shared his struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts. He has dedicated his time to advocating for mental health awareness and suicide prevention in Aboriginal communities.

Question 17

Seligman and his colleagues conducted a course in which university students at risk for depression were taught cognitive and social problem-solving skills.What criterion was used to determine whether students in the study were at risk for depression?

Accepted Answer

The article states that the students at risk for depression were identified based on a "pessimistic cognitive style," suggesting that a person's negative thoughts and beliefs about themselves, the world, and the future can increase their risk for depression. A low score on a test of learned helplessness (A) may also be an indicator of risk for depression, but this was not mentioned in the article. A poor response to antidepressant medication (B) is not necessarily an indicator of risk for depression, as not all people with depression respond to medication. A family history of depression (D) may increase a person's risk for depression, but this was not mentioned as a criterion for this particular study.

Question 18

In a randomly assigned,controlled study,previously suicidal,hospitalized young adults were helped to develop social competence and more adaptive coping skills,and to recognize the emotional triggers that precipitate suicide attempts.A two-year follow-up indicated continued reductions in suicidal ideation and behaviour.What is the significance of this study?

Accepted Answer

The significance of this study is that it established social competence and adaptive coping skills as important factors in reducing suicidal ideation and behavior. Additionally, the study led to the development of the first empirically supported psychological treatment for suicidal behavior, which is a major advancement in mental health treatment. The other options are not significant findings of the study.

Question 19

Darren wants to help reduce suicides in his town.He decides to try to find ways to tackle something that is associated with approximately one-quarter to one-half of all suicides.What might Darren's plan be?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol use is associated with approximately one-quarter to one-half of all suicides, making efforts to reduce alcohol consumption a relevant strategy for suicide prevention.

Question 20

Research has found that low levels of a neurotransmitter may be related to increased risk of suicide. What is that neurotransmitter?

Accepted Answer

Research has consistently shown that low levels of serotonin are associated with an increased risk of suicide. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, emotions, and behavior. Low levels of serotonin are linked to depression, anxiety, and impulsivity, which are all risk factors for suicidal behavior. Drugs that increase serotonin activity, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have been shown to reduce suicidal ideation and behavior.

Quiz 7: Mood Disorders and Suicide