Question 1

Many psychologists use the concepts of diagnosis,etiology,and prognosis when describing psychological disorders.Which model of abnormal behaviour does this reflect

Accepted Answer

The concepts of diagnosis, etiology, and prognosis are key components of the medical model, which views psychological disorders as similar to physical illnesses that can be diagnosed, treated, and cured. This model emphasizes the importance of medical interventions, such as medication and therapy, in addressing psychological symptoms.

Question 2

Thomas Szasz would be most critical of which commonly used criterion to diagnose psychological disorders

Accepted Answer

Thomas Szasz was a critic of the medical model for mental illness and believed that many psychological disorders were actually socially constructed rather than an objective biological reality. As such, he would be critical of the diagnostic criterion of deviance which relies on societal norms and expectations to determine what is considered normal or abnormal behavior.

Question 3

Consistent with the medical model,what is the primary use of the DSM-5

Accepted Answer

The primary use of the DSM-5 is diagnosis, which is consistent with the medical model that aims to identify and classify specific disorders based on their symptoms and underlying causes. While treatment, etiology, and prognosis are also important considerations, they are not the primary focus of the DSM-5.

Question 4

In Rosenhan's study using pseudopatients who attempted to be admitted to a mental hospital,which cognitive error was most likely responsible for their incorrect diagnoses

Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias refers to the tendency to only look for information that confirms one's existing beliefs and to ignore information that contradicts them. In the context of Rosenhan's study, it is likely that the hospital staff only sought out information that confirmed their initial diagnoses of the pseudopatients as being mentally ill, rather than considering alternative explanations for their behavior. This led to incorrect diagnoses and prolonged hospitalization for the pseudopatients.

Question 5

Jack is very depressed,and as a result he is not eating properly,bathing,or going to work.Which criterion for abnormality has been met

Accepted Answer

Jack's behavior is maladaptive because it interferes with his ability to function in daily life, such as eating, bathing, and working.

Question 6

While the previous DSM had different labels for different forms of autism,the DSM-5 has autistic spectrum disorder,which includes all the various forms.Which approach does this change represent

Accepted Answer

The DSM-5's inclusion of various forms of autism under the single umbrella term "autistic spectrum disorder" represents a shift towards a dimensional approach. This approach recognizes a continuum of symptoms and severities rather than distinct categories.

Question 7

Dr.Kelley feels that mental disorders each have their own distinct features,and that those features are important for determining which label to apply to a disorder.Which approach does Dr.Kelley endorse

Accepted Answer

Dr. Kelley endorses a categorical approach, which involves assigning a specific label to a mental disorder based on its distinct features. This is in contrast to a dimensional approach, which views mental disorders as existing on a continuum of severity, and a maladaptiveness approach, which focuses on whether the behavior is causing distress or impairment. The deviance approach also does not fully align with Dr. Kelley's views, as it focuses on whether the behavior is deviant or violates social norms.

Question 8

When Gaelen was tested using a personality inventory,his scores for narcissism were in the 95th percentile.Which criteria for diagnosis of psychological disorders would Gaelen meet

Accepted Answer

Gaelen's high score in narcissism, placing him in the 95th percentile, indicates a significant deviation from the average or normative behavior, which aligns with the criterion of deviance for diagnosing psychological disorders.

Question 9

Tom displays very odd behaviour.He wears a heavy parka and mittens during the summer and lectures from the steps of City Hall about upcoming invasions by men from outer space.Which criterion of abnormality does Tom's behaviour meet

Accepted Answer

Tom's behavior meets the criterion of deviance, as it deviates significantly from what is considered socially acceptable or typical behavior.

Question 10

Frequently people call a psychologist for assistance after "deciding for themselves" that they need help.Which two of the commonly used criteria for psychological disorders would people most likely use when deciding to seek treatment

Accepted Answer

Maladaptive behavior and personal distress are the two most commonly used criteria for determining the need for psychological treatment. Maladaptive behavior refers to behaviors that interfere with an individual's ability to function in daily life, while personal distress refers to an individual's subjective experience of emotional pain or discomfort. Together, these criteria can help individuals determine when they need to seek help for psychological issues. Choice A is incorrect because cognitive confusion is not a commonly used criterion for determining the need for psychological treatment. Choice C is partially correct, but only personal distress and maladaptive behavior are both commonly used criteria. Choice D is incorrect because cognitive confusion is not a commonly used criterion for determining the need for psychological treatment.

Question 11

What is the name of the classification system used by psychologists to identify psychological disorders

Accepted Answer

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is the classification system used by psychologists to identify psychological disorders. The APA Clinical Handbook is a resource for practicing clinicians, the Physician's Desk Reference (PDR) is a guide to prescription drugs, and the Encyclopedia of Psychological Disorders is a reference book that describes various psychological disorders.

Question 12

Heather is constantly cleaning her house and is often worried about dirt and germs.Karen can't throw things away,and as a result her house is dangerously full of junk.Which category of disorders includes both types of symptoms

Accepted Answer

Both symptoms described are characteristic of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. Heather's constant cleaning due to worries about dirt and germs is indicative of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), while Karen's inability to throw things away, leading to excessive hoarding, is symptomatic of hoarding disorder, which is also classified under obsessive-compulsive and related disorders.

Question 13

Dr.Turner is interested in determining whether early childhood viral infections increase the likelihood of experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia in adulthood.Which term refers to Dr.Turner's interest

Accepted Answer

Dr. Turner's interest is in determining the cause or origin of schizophrenia, which is referred to as etiology.

Question 14

According to the medical model of psychological disorders,what is prognosis

Accepted Answer

According to the medical model, prognosis refers to a statement concerning the probable course of the disorder, including the likely outcomes and potential for recovery. It is an assessment of the future progression of the disorder based on its nature and severity, as well as the individual's response to treatment.

Question 15

Which disorder is associated with flashbacks,anger,and guilt

Accepted Answer

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by flashbacks, anger, guilt, and other symptoms triggered by a traumatic event. Hoarding disorder is associated with persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, dissociative identity disorder involves a disruption of identity, and bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by fluctuations in mood and energy levels.

Question 16

What is proposed by the medical model of abnormal behaviour

Accepted Answer

The medical model proposes that it is useful to think of abnormal behaviour as a disease, which implies that medical treatment can be used to address it. While the medical model does not suggest that only medical doctors should treat abnormal behaviour, it does propose that medical interventions may be effective in addressing symptoms related to abnormal behaviour. The medical model does not suggest that abnormal behaviour is caused by infectious agents.

Question 17

When a psychologist compares the symptoms an individual is experiencing to the symptoms of various disorders to determine the specific disorder the individual has,what is the psychologist concerned with

Accepted Answer

When a psychologist compares an individual's symptoms to various disorders, they are attempting to make a diagnosis. Diagnosis involves identifying a disorder based on the presence of specific symptoms and ruling out other disorders that may have similar symptoms. This is an important step in developing a treatment plan for the individual.

Question 18

Jason has been diagnosed with depression,as well as a specific phobia.What term is used for this double diagnosis

Accepted Answer

The term used for this double diagnosis is comorbidity, which refers to the co-occurrence of two or more disorders in the same individual. Comorbidity is common in mental health disorders, and individuals with depression often have comorbid anxiety disorders, such as specific phobias. Therefore, choice A (comorbidity) is the correct answer. Choice B (etiology) refers to the cause or origin of a disease or disorder and is not applicable in this context. Choice C (overdiagnosis) refers to the diagnosis of a condition that does not actually exist or the misdiagnosis of a less severe condition as a more severe one, which is not applicable in this context either. Choice D (categorical approach) refers to the classification of mental disorders into categories based on their symptoms, which is not directly related to comorbidity.

Question 19

Which statement best describes psychological disorders

Accepted Answer

This statement acknowledges that even severe psychological disorders can be treated, which is a more accurate and hopeful view than the other options. Option A is incorrect because personal distress and maladaptive behavior are key features of psychological disorders. Option B is incorrect because people with psychological disorders do not necessarily behave in bizarre ways and may be difficult to distinguish from "normal" people. Option D is incorrect because although some people with psychological disorders may exhibit violent behavior, it is not a defining characteristic of psychological disorders as a whole.

Question 20

For several weeks Alia has been experiencing feelings of overwhelming sadness and despair.Alia is very upset by her depression and frequently tells her family and friends how unhappy she is.Which criterion of abnormality does Alia's behaviour meet

Accepted Answer

Alia's behaviour meets the criterion of personal distress as she frequently tells her family and friends how unhappy she is. She is experiencing feelings of overwhelming sadness and despair, which are causing her distress.

Quiz 15: B: Psychological Disorders