Question 1

Transcendental Meditation was brought to the U.S. by Herbert Benson.

Accepted Answer

Transcendental Meditation was actually brought to the U.S. by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 1950s. Herbert Benson is known for his work on the relaxation response and promoting mindfulness meditation.

Question 2

The term "hysteria" derives from the Greek word for "testicle."

Accepted Answer

The term "hysteria" derives from the Greek word for "uterus," not "testicle."

Question 3

Psychodynamic theory and learning theory concur that the symptoms in conversion disorders
relieve anxiety.

Accepted Answer

Both psychodynamic theory and learning theory suggest that the physical symptoms seen in conversion disorders serve to relieve underlying psychological anxiety or distress.

Question 4

Meditation should be performed once or twice daily.

Accepted Answer

Meditation is most effective when performed regularly, ideally once or twice daily. Consistency is key when it comes to developing a meditation practice and experiencing the benefits.

Question 5

According to psychodynamic theory, hysterical systems are not functional.

Accepted Answer

According to psychodynamic theory, hysterical symptoms are seen as serving a function, such as expressing repressed emotions or conflicts that cannot be dealt with directly.

Question 6

Psychodynamic theory does not explain how energies from unconscious conflicts become
transformed into physical symptoms.

Accepted Answer

While psychodynamic theory explores the role of unconscious conflicts in the development of certain symptoms, it does not offer a clear explanation for how these conflicts translate into physical sensations or illnesses.

Question 7

Factitious disorder is classified as a mental disorder because it serves an individual's underlying psychological need through assuming a sick role.

Accepted Answer

Factitious disorder involves intentionally producing or exaggerating physical or psychological symptoms in order to assume the role of a sick person. This behavior is driven by underlying psychological needs, and is therefore classified as a mental disorder.

Question 8

Many Indian males believe that preservation of semen guarantees health and longevity.

Accepted Answer

This belief, known as "brahmacharya" in Hinduism, promotes abstaining from sexual activity as a means of conserving vital energy and promoting overall health and well-being. However, there is little scientific evidence to support this belief.

Question 9

Ulcers are psychosomatic.

Accepted Answer

Ulcers are primarily caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria or the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), not by psychological factors.

Question 10

Clenching teeth can be a part of the progressive muscular relaxation technique.

Accepted Answer

Clenching teeth is not a part of the progressive muscular relaxation technique. In fact, this technique involves consciously tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups in the body in order to reduce overall muscle tension and promote relaxation.

Question 11

People with factitious disorder reduced their symptoms through the use of antidepressants in a research
study.

Accepted Answer

According to a research study, individuals with factitious disorder experienced reduced symptoms through the use of antidepressants.

Question 12

Empirical evidence supports the psychodynamic view of hysteria.

Accepted Answer

Empirical evidence does not support the psychodynamic view of hysteria, which is based on the idea that psychological conflicts and repressed emotions can manifest as physical symptoms. Instead, research has shown that hysteria (now called conversion disorder) is more likely to occur in people who have experienced real or perceived trauma or stress. Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying psychological or social factors contributing to the symptoms.

Question 13

There was an epidemic in China in the 1980s affecting more than 2,000 people who fell prey
to the belief that their genitals were shrinking and retracting into their bodies.

Accepted Answer

This is true. The epidemic was called "shuk yang" or "shrinking penis" syndrome and affected mostly young men in Guangdong province. It was later determined to be a psychological disorder caused by anxiety and stress.

Question 14

Tension headaches result from changes in blood flow to the brain.

Accepted Answer

Tension headaches are primarily caused by muscle contractions in the head and neck regions, not by changes in blood flow to the brain.

Question 15

Ulcers are caused solely by stress.

Accepted Answer

While stress can exacerbate symptoms of ulcers, they are primarily caused by a bacterial infection called H. pylori or by long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Question 16

In the DSM-5, Munchausen syndrome by proxy is now called "factitious disorder on another."

Accepted Answer

The DSM-5 replaced the term "Munchausen syndrome by proxy" with "factitious disorder on another" to reflect the fact that the condition involves the fabrication or induction of physical or psychological symptoms in another person rather than in oneself.

Question 17

Persons with factitious disorders are motivated to feign physical illness in order to avoid work or to qualify for disability benefits.

Accepted Answer

Persons with factitious disorders feign physical illness not for external gains such as avoiding work or obtaining disability benefits, but rather for the internal gratification of being seen as sick and receiving medical attention.

Question 18

Munchausen syndrome is a somatic symptom and related disorder.

Accepted Answer

Munchausen syndrome is a type of somatic symptom disorder in which a person intentionally feigns or causes physical or psychological symptoms to gain attention and sympathy from others.

Question 19

Hormonal changes during menstruation can trigger migraine headaches.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Hormonal changes during menstruation can trigger migraine...

Question 20

People can relieve the pain of migraine headaches by raising the temperature in a finger.

Accepted Answer

A study published in the journal Neurology found that applying heat to the fingers can provide relief to migraine headaches. This is based on the theory that by increasing the blood flow to the hands, it can redirect the blood flow away from the head and relieve the pain. However, more research is needed to fully understand and confirm the effectiveness of this method.

Quiz 6: Dissociative Disorders, Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders, and Psychological Factors Affecting Physical Health