Question 1

Danika has been sad and downcast for the last three years. She feels worthless and has difficulty making decisions, although she is able to manage her responsibilities for the most part. Danika is most likely to be diagnosed with ____.

Accepted Answer

Danika has been experiencing symptoms of depression for at least 3 years, which is more indicative of persistent depressive disorder than major depressive disorder. Additionally, she is still able to manage her responsibilities, which is not as common in major depressive disorder. Neither of the other options (bipolar disorder and cyclothymic disorder) fit her symptoms as they involve periods of manic or hypomanic episodes, which are not mentioned in the scenario.

Question 2

A person who dies by suicide most likely ____.

Accepted Answer

Statistically, males have a higher suicide rate than females, making choice A the correct answer.

Question 3

John has been extremely depressed to the point that his close friends are concerned that he is suicidal. But after spring break, John seems to be in a much better mood. He is thinking more clearly and seems more energetic. Based on the information in your text on suicide, John's risk for suicide ____.

Accepted Answer

When a person who has been extremely depressed suddenly appears to be in a much better mood, it can sometimes indicate that they have made a decision to commit suicide, which can paradoxically improve their mood and energy levels. This is a warning sign that the risk for suicide may have increased, not decreased.

Question 4

Major depression is to ____, as dysthymic disorder is to ____.

Accepted Answer

Major depression is characterized by more severe symptoms that typically last for a shorter period of time (at least two weeks), while dysthymic disorder is characterized by less severe symptoms that last for a longer period of time (two years or more).

Question 5

The rate at which people die by suicide is higher among ____.

Accepted Answer

The rate of suicide is notably higher among European Americans and Native Americans compared to other ethnic groups. This is supported by statistical data and research findings that highlight the disparities in suicide rates among different ethnicities, with European Americans and Native Americans often showing higher rates.

Question 6

Which symptom is not characteristic of major depression?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms of major depression include dysphoria (persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness), changes in appetite (either significant weight gain or loss), inability to concentrate, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and a lack of interest in pleasurable activities. Mania, on the other hand, is a symptom of bipolar disorder and is not typically present in major depression.

Question 7

Illness anxiety disorder is a type of ____.

Accepted Answer

Illness anxiety disorder is classified as a somatic symptom disorder, which involves excessive and persistent thoughts and worries about having a serious illness, despite little or no physical symptoms or evidence of illness.

Question 8

Research on the biological causes of mood disorders suggests that ____.

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that bipolar disorder has a stronger genetic component than major depression, suggesting that individuals with a family history of bipolar disorder are at a higher risk of developing the condition themselves.

Question 9

Major depression is more common among ____ and bipolar disorder is ____.

Accepted Answer

Major depression is more commonly diagnosed in women than men. Bipolar disorder, on the other hand, is equally common in men and women.

Question 10

In any given year, ____ of adult Americans experience a mood disorder.

Accepted Answer

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 7% to 9% of adult Americans experience a mood disorder in any given year. This range captures the prevalence of mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder among the adult population in the United States.

Question 11

Somatic symptom disorders involve ____.

Accepted Answer

Somatic symptom disorders involve physical complaints without an identifiable physical cause.

Question 12

Janice's sister has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Janice would ____.

Accepted Answer

Bipolar disorder has a genetic component, meaning that individuals with a close family member (such as a sibling) with the disorder have an increased likelihood of also developing the disorder. While environmental factors can also play a role in the development of bipolar disorder, the genetic component is significant enough to increase the likelihood of developing the disorder. Therefore, Janice would be expected to have an increased probability of having the same disorder.

Question 13

Research on bipolar disorder suggests that one's likelihood of having the disorder ____.

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that having relatives with bipolar disorder increases one's likelihood of having the disorder. However, it is not solely caused by genetics and there are also environmental factors that can contribute to its development.

Question 14

Within the United States, which individual is most likely to die by suicide?

Accepted Answer

In the United States, White males make up the majority of individuals who die by suicide. According to data from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, in 2018, White males accounted for 69.67% of suicide deaths. Factors that contribute to this include cultural and societal expectations, access to firearms, and mental health stigma. It is important to note, however, that suicide affects individuals of all races, genders, and ethnicities and should be addressed as a public health issue for all.

Question 15

Which symptom is associated with major depression?

Accepted Answer

A major symptom of depression is a change in sleep and appetite. People with major depression may experience either insomnia or excessive sleeping, as well as changes in appetite such as overeating or undereating. Exaggerated sense of self-esteem (A) is associated with bipolar disorder. Compulsions (B) are associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Extreme ability to concentrate or focus (C) may be a positive symptom, however, it is not commonly associated with depression.

Question 16

Mania ____.

Accepted Answer

Mania can include delusional thinking or hallucinations, and it is a symptom of bipolar disorder, not major depression. Cyclothymic disorder includes hypomanic symptoms but not full manic episodes. Mania is characterized by an elevated or irritable mood, not a sad mood state.

Question 17

Jeanette believes she has leukemia, but her doctors can find no physical evidence to suggest she has this blood disorder. Jeannette is most likely to be diagnosed with ____.

Accepted Answer

Jeannette's belief that she has leukemia despite the lack of physical evidence suggests that she may be experiencing illness anxiety disorder (formerly known as hypochondriasis). This disorder involves excessive worry and fear about having a serious illness, even in the absence of medical evidence supporting such a diagnosis. Both dissociative identity disorder and schizophrenia involve significant disturbances in one's sense of reality and perception, but Jeannette's symptoms do not suggest either of these conditions. While generalized anxiety disorder can cause physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches, it does not typically involve a persistent belief in having a specific illness.

Question 18

As a suicide prevention counselor, it may be helpful to know that ____.

Accepted Answer

Studies show that while men are more likely to die by suicide, women are more likely to attempt suicide. Women are more likely to choose methods such as poisoning, cutting, or overdosing on prescription drugs. However, men are more likely to choose more lethal methods such as firearms, hanging, or jumping from high places. Knowing these gender differences can help suicide prevention counselors tailor prevention strategies to their clients' specific needs.

Question 19

The relationship between major depression and persistent depressive disorder is similar to the relationship between ____.

Accepted Answer

Major depression and persistent depressive disorder are both types of depressive disorders, with the difference being in the duration and severity of symptoms. Similarly, bipolar disorder and cyclothymic disorder are both types of mood disorders, with the difference being in the duration and severity of manic and depressive episodes.

Question 20

Based on the suicide information presented in the textbook, if a friend talks about suicide, you should ____.

Accepted Answer

Asking direct questions about your friend's plan for suicide can help assess the seriousness of the situation and is a crucial step in getting them the help they need.

Quiz 13: Mental Health Disorders