Question 1

DSM-IV calls for categorical judgments about the diagnosis for personality disorders.Imagine that the new DSM-V appears just as you earn your professional license in a few years,and it calls for dimensional determinations,as many current psychologists suggest.This change would mean

Accepted Answer

The shift from categorical to dimensional determinations in DSM-V would involve assessing the severity or degree of the personality disorder, rather than simply deciding if it is present or absent.

Question 2

In the CD-ROM "Abnormal Psychology Live," George exhibited all of the following behaviors associated with antisocial personality disorder EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the CD-ROM "Abnormal Psychology Live," George...

Question 3

Which of the following statements is NOT true about borderline personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

People with borderline personality disorder often struggle with low self-esteem and a poor self-image.

Question 4

Deceitful,irresponsible,aggressive,irritable,and lacking remorse are characteristics describing

Accepted Answer

The characteristics described are commonly associated with antisocial personality disorder. Bipolar disorder typically involves mood swings between mania and depression, but does not necessarily include deceitful or aggressive behavior. Borderline personality disorder may involve impulsivity and unstable emotions, but is not necessarily associated with lacking remorse. Schizoid personality disorder involves detachment from social relationships, but does not necessarily include deceitful or aggressive behavior.

Question 5

A pervasive pattern of overconcern with orderliness,control,and perfectionism at the expense of openness and flexibility

Accepted Answer

The description provided matches the DSM-IV definition of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, which is characterized by a preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control at the expense of flexibility and openness. This pattern of behavior can interfere with interpersonal relationships and functioning in occupational or social situations. Option A is incorrect as schizotypal personality disorder is characterized by odd beliefs or magical thinking, unusual perceptual experiences, and eccentric behavior. Option C is incorrect as histrionic personality disorder is characterized by excessive emotionally and behavior, a need for attention, and a tendency to be easily influenced by others. Option D is unrelated and seems to be attempting humor or sarcasm.

Question 6

The DSM-IV system of diagnosis is __________,whereas,many theorists propose that personality disorders occur on a continuum,rather than an all-or-none dichotomous fashion.These theorists propose changing to a ______________ system of diagnosis.

Accepted Answer

The first blank requires a description of the DSM-IV system, which is category-based. The second blank requires a description of the proposed alternative system, which is dimension-based. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

Question 7

Many people have fantasies of unlimited power,brilliance,or beauty,but a man who also believes himself grandly unique,entitled to special privileges,is arrogant,and expects to be admired and recognized as superior while envying others who are successful,might find himself with a psychological diagnosis.Which personality disorder would apply?

Accepted Answer

The personality disorder that applies to this description is the one named for the mythological Greek character Narcissus, which is Narcissistic Personality Disorder. People with this disorder have an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. They believe they are special and entitled to privileges and are envious of others who are successful or receive attention.

Question 8

A person identified as exhibiting avoidant personality disorder has just lost a close friend to a rival and is now seeking other friendships as replacements.You know the person

Accepted Answer

The answer of A person identified as exhibiting avoidant personality...

Question 9

Your client displays schizotypal personality disorder.Because you are a well-trained,responsible professional,you know to assess for a likely comorbid disorder,namely,

Accepted Answer

Schizotypal personality disorder is often comorbid with major depressive disorder. This is because both disorders are characterized by social isolation, negative thoughts, and difficulty finding pleasure in activities. It is important to assess for this comorbidity in order to provide appropriate treatment for the client.

Question 10

When clinicians use subjective impressions of clients based on interpersonal interactions,rather than behavioral observations outlined by DSM criteria,more _______________ is likely to enter into diagnostic decisions.

Accepted Answer

When clinicians rely on their subjective impressions rather than objective behavioral observations outlined in the DSM criteria, they are more likely to introduce bias into their diagnostic decisions.

Question 11

In a study described in the text,when a case history of antisocial personality disorder was ascribed to a male client,therapists diagnosed it correctly.When the same behavior was ascribed to a woman,

Accepted Answer

The different diagnosis probably reflects a belief by therapists, accurate or not, that males are more likely to display antisocial behavior. This suggests the presence of gender bias in the diagnostic process. The other options may not necessarily be true based on the given information.

Question 12

In the CD-ROM "Abnormal Psychology Live," before the age of 15,George had

Accepted Answer

According to the CD-ROM "Abnormal Psychology Live," before the age of 15, George had engaged in all of these behaviors - getting drunk, smoking marijuana, and destroying property.

Question 13

A diagnosis of more than one personality disorder in the same client

Accepted Answer

A diagnosis of more than one personality disorder in the same client may indicate that the disorders are poorly defined, that it is comorbidity, or that there is substantial overlap among the disorder categories. Therefore, all of the above options are correct.

Quiz 12: Personality Disorders