Question 1

Jack worries constantly that he is teeming with germs. He has tried to distract himself by playing video games, but this has not stopped him from showering seven or eight times a day. Which of the following statements is true in Jack's case?

Accepted Answer

Showering multiple times a day due to worries about being contaminated with germs is a compulsion, a repetitive behavior driven by anxiety, typically seen in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The obsession in this case is the constant worry about germs.

Question 2

Benzodiazepines

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines boost the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits the activity of neurons in the brain, leading to its calming and relaxing effects.

Question 3

A therapist has an anxious client run up and down the stairs until his heart is pounding, he is breathing hard, and he feels dizzy. This is likely

Accepted Answer

This is likely a form of exposure therapy for panic disorder, as it involves inducing physical symptoms of anxiety in a controlled setting in order to help the individual learn to tolerate and manage the symptoms when they occur outside of therapy.

Question 4

Riva is so fearful of social judgment that she is unable to speak or make eye contact around new people. A cognitive behavioral psychologist would begin treatment by

Accepted Answer

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety disorders. Relaxation techniques and mindfulness strategies are often used in CBT as a way to help individuals reduce anxiety and develop a sense of control over their thoughts and emotions. Antidepressant medication and anxiolytics may also be used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, but they are typically not the first line of treatment and are often used in combination with therapy. Exploring the early childhood roots of Riva's fears may be helpful in understanding the development of her anxiety, but it is not typically the first step in treatment.

Question 5

Malcolm has been unable to leave his home for five years due to fears that he will become dizzy and unable to breathe, leading to unbearable humiliation. Which of the following medications is most appropriate for Malcolm's treatment?

Accepted Answer

Xanax belongs to the benzodiazepine class of medications and is commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, including panic disorder and agoraphobia. It can help reduce anxiety and feelings of panic, which may be contributing to Malcolm's fear of leaving his home. Lithium is primarily used to treat bipolar disorder and has not been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. Tricyclics and neuroleptics are typically used in the treatment of other mental health conditions, such as depression and schizophrenia, and are not usually the first-line medication for anxiety disorders.

Question 6

Which of the following people is most likely to benefit from SSRI treatment?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms described in option D - inability to concentrate, extreme sadness and loss of appetite - are indicative of depression, which is one of the conditions treated with SSRI medication. Options A and B describe symptoms that are not typical of depression or anxiety disorders, and are more likely to require alternative forms of treatment. Option C describes symptoms that may be treated with SSRI medication, but not all cases of low self-esteem and stress management difficulties require medication.

Question 7

Greg has been deeply unhappy for the past three months. He has lost weight because he has no appetite and is on the verge of losing his job because he cannot concentrate. He is considering suicide. The most appropriate treatment for Greg would be

Accepted Answer

Greg is displaying symptoms of depression, including loss of appetite and concentration, and suicidal thoughts. Exercise has been shown to be an effective treatment for depression. Cognitive behavior therapy can help him address negative thought patterns and behavioral changes. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used to treat depression and can help stabilize Greg's mood. Electroconvulsive therapy and MAO inhibitors are not typically first-line treatments for depression and may not be appropriate in this case. Systematic desensitization is a treatment for anxiety disorders and not effective for treating depression. Tricyclic medications also have potential side effects and risks that make them less desirable than SSRIs.

Question 8

A new medication enhances serotonin and norepinephrine release into synapses. It would most likely be prescribed to a woman who

Accepted Answer

The symptoms described in option A (feeling hopeless, loss of interest in hobbies and friendships) suggest depression, which is often treated with medications that enhance serotonin and/or norepinephrine release into synapses. The other options describe symptoms of mania, narcissism, and psychosis, which would not typically be treated with this type of medication.

Question 9

Research on the timing of depressive episodes indicates that hospital admissions rise in

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that hospital admissions for depressive episodes tend to rise in spring, although the exact reasons for this pattern are not fully understood.

Question 10

An insurance company looking for the least expensive treatment for depression would recommend

Accepted Answer

The answer of An insurance company looking for the least...

Question 11

One reason SSRIs reduce depression is that they

Accepted Answer

The answer of One reason SSRIs reduce depression is that...

Question 12

To what extent do genetic factors increase risk for depression?

Accepted Answer

Studies have found that multiple genetic factors contribute to an increased risk for depression, including genes related to serotonin and dopamine regulation, as well as genes related to stress response and the immune system. While no single gene has been identified as a definitive trigger for depression, the cumulative effects of these genetic factors can increase susceptibility to the disorder.

Question 13

A participant in an fMRI study shows an unusually thin frontal cortex, reduced hippocampal volume, and increased activity in the amygdala. Which of the following diagnoses is most likely?

Accepted Answer

These brain abnormalities are commonly associated with depression. A thin frontal cortex and reduced hippocampal volume are linked to the cognitive deficits and mood disturbances in depression, while increased amygdala activity is related to the heightened emotional responses seen in this disorder.

Question 14

Which of the following statements is true?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can lead to lower relapse rates in depression compared to treatment with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). This is because CBT equips individuals with coping strategies and cognitive skills to manage and prevent depressive symptoms, potentially offering more sustainable long-term benefits.

Question 15

Client 1 has frequent mood swings, acts impulsively, and fears abandonment. Client 2 is charming, lies often, and lacks remorse. Statistically, it is most likely that Client 1 is _______ and Client 2 is _______.

Accepted Answer

Client 1's symptoms are consistent with borderline personality disorder, which is more commonly diagnosed in females. Client 2's symptoms are consistent with antisocial personality disorder, which is more commonly diagnosed in males.

Question 16

Frank is a charming, highly successful businessman who saves his company money by bribing factory inspectors rather than meeting manufacturing regulations. He has shown no guilt about factory injuries that have occurred as a result. Frank would be most likely to meet the criteria for _______ personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

The behavior described is consistent with antisocial personality disorder, which includes a disregard for the rights of others and a lack of remorse for one's actions. It is important to note that a formal diagnosis cannot be made based on a description alone and should only be made by a qualified mental health professional after a comprehensive evaluation.

Question 17

Jake he has no true friendships. He lacks empathy for others but expects their admiration. His arrogance and self-importance drove his boss to fire him. It is most likely that Jake's social and behavioral problems developed

Accepted Answer

Jake's lack of empathy and self-importance suggests that he may have antisocial personality disorder, which is typically diagnosed in adults but develops in childhood. It is unlikely that these problems developed suddenly and will fade quickly, or that they developed rapidly during adolescence and will fade by middle age. Therefore, the best choice is that these problems developed throughout his childhood and are likely to persist.

Question 18

Many theorists suggest that personality disorders should be thought of as _______ rather than _______.

Accepted Answer

Many theorists suggest that personality disorders should be thought of as traits rather than types. This means that instead of categorizing individuals into specific personality disorder labels, it is more accurate to view these individuals as having a collection of maladaptive personality traits. Supporters of this perspective argue that this approach allows for greater flexibility in diagnosis and treatment, as well as a more comprehensive understanding of the individual's personality functioning.

Question 19

An anti-government organization has built a heavily armed, rural compound to defend against a government takeover that they believe could happen at any time. The organization would be most likely to attract people with _______ personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

The answer of An anti-government organization has built a heavily...

Question 20

Brian believes that his employees are disloyal and plotting to undermine him, that his wife is having an affair, and that his bank is attempting to scam him out of his life savings. Others see no evidence to support his concerns. Brian would likely be diagnosed with _______ personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

The symptoms described suggest that Brian may have schizotypal personality disorder, which is characterized by odd beliefs, unusual perceptual experiences, and eccentric behavior patterns. People with this disorder often feel suspicious of others and may have unusual beliefs or magical thinking. Brian’s unfounded suspicions of disloyalty among his employees and infidelity among his wife parallel the paranoid thinking and odd beliefs that are common among individuals with schizotypal personality disorder.

Quiz 16: Clinical Psychology