Question 1

Major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern seems to be related to

Accepted Answer

Major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is linked to low levels of sunlight, particularly during the winter months. This can disrupt circadian rhythms and decrease serotonin levels, which can contribute to symptoms of depression.

Question 2

The tendency for women to ________ accounts for their increased vulnerability to depression.

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that women are more likely to ruminate or dwell on their problems, which can lead to a higher risk of depression. This is often due to socialization and expectations for women to be caregivers and emotional supporters. Therefore, option D is the most appropriate choice.

Question 3

The key symptom of mania is the presence of

Accepted Answer

The key symptom of mania is periods of extreme elation, often described as euphoria or feeling on top of the world. This symptom is accompanied by other symptoms such as racing thoughts, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, and impulsive behavior.

Question 4

A person who suffers from bipolar disorder alternates between periods of

Accepted Answer

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental disorder characterized by periods of depression and manic episodes. During depressive episodes, individuals can experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest, and lack of energy. Manic episodes, on the other hand, involve elevated, euphoric, or irritable moods, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, and impulsive or risky behavior. An anxiety and mania combination is possible, but not specific to bipolar disorder. Schizophrenia is a different disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking. Psychosis and neurosis are not specific disorders, but umbrella terms that can encompass a range of mental health conditions.

Question 5

Which cognitive event is hypothesized as contributing to the development and maintenance of major depression?

Accepted Answer

Learned helplessness is a cognitive event hypothesized to contribute to the development and maintenance of major depression. This theory suggests that individuals who experience uncontrollable negative events may develop a sense of helplessness and passivity, leading to the onset and perpetuation of depression symptoms.

Question 6

Bipolar disorder used to be known as

Accepted Answer

Bipolar disorder was previously known as manic-depressive disorder as it involves cycles of high manic episodes and low depressive episodes. The other answer choices are not accurate descriptions of bipolar disorder.

Question 7

A person suffering with major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern would be expected to be most depressed when

Accepted Answer

Major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is characterized by episodes of depression that occur during specific seasons, typically during the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight. Therefore, the person would be most depressed during winter, making option E the best choice.

Question 8

Depression is related to reduced brain activity within the

Accepted Answer

Depression has been linked to reduced activity in the left frontal lobe, which is associated with goal-oriented behavior, the ability to feel pleasure, and motivation. This area of the brain is crucial for emotional regulation and decision-making, both of which can be impaired in depression.

Question 9

Which neurotransmitters are most important in the development of depressive disorders?

Accepted Answer

While there are multiple neurotransmitters involved in the development of depressive disorders, research suggests that dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine play a particularly important role. These neurotransmitters are involved in regulating mood, emotion, and motivation, and their dysregulation has been implicated in the development of depression. Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are often used to treat depression by targeting these neurotransmitters.

Question 10

Which neurotransmitter is implicated in the development of depressive disorders?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin is often described as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter and is involved in regulating mood, appetite, and sleep. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to the development of depressive disorders, and medications used to treat depression often target the serotonin system.

Question 11

__________is a depressive disorder that is caused by the body's reaction to low levels of light present in the winter months.

Accepted Answer

Major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is characterized by the onset of depressive symptoms during the winter months, when there is less sunlight.

Question 12

The tendency for some depressed persons to perpetuate depression by blaming themselves for negative events is termed ________ by Martin Seligman.

Accepted Answer

Martin Seligman coined the term "learned helplessness" to describe the tendency for some depressed individuals to blame themselves for negative events and perceive themselves as unable to change their situation, leading to a sense of helplessness and perpetuation of their depression. Observer discomfort refers to the discomfort experienced by an observer witnessing someone else's distress, unconventionality refers to behavior that deviates from social norms, narcissism refers to excessive self-love or self-centeredness, and rumination refers to the tendency to repeatedly dwell on negative thoughts and emotions.

Question 13

Padma is extremely confident and feels that lately she needs very little sleep. In addition, she reports that her thoughts seem to be going fast-similar to watching three television shows at once. Padma most likely is experiencing

Accepted Answer

Padma's symptoms are consistent with a manic episode, which is characterized by elevated or irritable mood, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, and an increase in goal-directed behavior.

Question 14

Which of the following is Mayberg's explanation for depressive disorders?

Accepted Answer

Mayberg's explanation of depressive disorders is that it results from the brain's mood-regulating circuitry, external stresses, and biological vulnerability.

Question 15

Major depression, and major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern are examples of ________ disorders.

Accepted Answer

The question specifically mentions "major depression" and "major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern," which are both types of depressive disorders.

Question 16

Depression is related to

Accepted Answer

Depression is a complex condition that can be influenced by neurotransmitter imbalances, genetic factors, brain activity patterns, and sometimes even infections, making all the options potentially relevant.

Question 17

Cross-cultural studies of depression indicate that

Accepted Answer

Cross-cultural studies have shown that the level of depression varies greatly from country to country. This suggests that cultural factors play a significant role in the development and expression of depression. For example, some cultures may view depression as a weakness or stigmatize mental illness, which may discourage people from seeking help or expressing their symptoms. Other cultures may have more supportive or communal structures that buffer against depression.

Question 18

________ involves changes in the hormone melatonin.

Accepted Answer

Major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is characterized by recurring depressive episodes that start and end around the same time each year, usually in winter. It is believed to be caused by changes in the circadian rhythm and levels of the hormone melatonin, which affects sleep and mood. Light therapy, medication, and psychotherapy are common treatments for SAD.

Question 19

Which of the following is a characteristic of major depression?

Accepted Answer

Diminished interest in daily activities is a characteristic of major depression. Hallucinations and delusions are more closely associated with psychotic disorders. A depressed mood that comes and goes frequently may be indicative of a mood disorder, but not necessarily major depression. Heightened interest in sexual activity and an enhanced sense of creativity are not typically associated with major depression.

Question 20

A person who feels euphoric and hyperactive may be experiencing

Accepted Answer

The symptoms of feeling euphoric and hyperactive are characteristic of a manic episode, which is a part of bipolar disorder. A panic attack typically involves intense fear or discomfort, while dementia and fugue are not characterized by euphoria or hyperactivity. Illness anxiety disorder, also known as hypochondriasis, involves excessive preoccupation with the possibility of having a serious illness.

Quiz 12: Psychological Disorders