Question 1

Compare and contrast the three traditional models of abnormal behavior: supernatural, psychological, and biological. Mention significant events and persons in the historical development of each model.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compare and contrast the three traditional models...

Question 2

Helen has been in therapy with Dr. Block for dependent personality disorder for the past three years. When she first came to therapy, she was in an abusive marriage and complained that her adult children treated her poorly and that people in her life "walked all over her." Helen has attended therapy religiously, been a "model" patient, and generally done everything that Dr. Block has suggested. At this time in her life, she is divorced, more assertive with her children, and generally feeling better about herself. Her current therapy sessions are often centered on everyday decisions for which she anxiously seeks Dr. Block's advice. The most appropriate next therapy step is

Accepted Answer

It is important to work towards reducing Helen's reliance on Dr. Block as she has been in therapy for three years and has made progress. It is likely that Helen has developed a dependency on Dr. Block and needs to learn how to make decisions on her own. However, it is also important to continue exploring the issues that made Helen seek therapy initially, as they may still be impacting her decision-making abilities. It may also be helpful to incorporate a behavioral plan to increase Helen's socialization skills, but this should not be the primary focus at this time. Immediate termination is not appropriate as Helen is still benefiting from therapy.

Question 3

According to the DSM-5, the features of dependent personality disorder include

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to the DSM-5, the features of...

Question 4

Of the following, the most accurate statement regarding the research for treatment of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is that

Accepted Answer

The answer of Of the following, the most accurate statement...

Question 5

Describe the basic features of antisocial personality disorder. Why is psychotherapy with this population so likely to fail?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the basic features of antisocial personality...

Question 6

What is the difference between personality disorders and other psychological disorders (e.g., mood disorders)? Why is there disagreement in the mental health profession regarding the categorization of personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the difference between personality disorders...

Question 7

Explain the inadequacies of the various perspectives, and explain why the concept of a multidimensional integrative approach to psychopathology appears to be the more logical choice.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the inadequacies of the various perspectives,...

Question 8

In the categorical vs. dimensional classification debate, supporters of the dimensional view of personality disorders believe this system is superior because

Accepted Answer

The dimensional view is considered superior because of the high overlap among symptoms of different disorders, lack of scientific evidence behind the cluster categories, and high comorbidity among personality disorders. Therefore, all of the above options are correct.

Question 9

One of the major differences between individuals with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder and obsessive- compulsive disorder is that patients with the personality disorder generally

Accepted Answer

Individuals with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder do not have obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, unlike those with obsessive-compulsive disorder. OCPD is a personality disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control rather than the obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors seen in OCD. Additionally, individuals with OCPD may have a limited capacity for flexibility, openness, and spontaneity. They may be very rigid in their thinking and behavior, resistant to change, and have difficulty adapting to new situations. They may also have a tendency to be critical of themselves and others. In contrast, individuals with OCD experience intrusive, unwanted, and distressing thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that they attempt to neutralize or alleviate through repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions).

Question 10

One unusual finding discussed in your text is that behavior of several serial killers. personality disorder may have played a role in the

Accepted Answer

The answer of One unusual finding discussed in your text...

Question 11

Henry is viewed by many as a workaholic and not very social. He is at his desk every morning at 7:30 a.m. and takes few breaks (although these breaks are always at the same time every day). Henry is known to be a perfectionist. The problem is that he does not seem to get much accomplished, since he spends so much time making sure that everything is perfect before moving on to the next task. Henry appears to suffer from ____ personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

Henry's behavior aligns with the traits of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. This disorder is characterized by a preoccupation with perfectionism and a rigid adherence to rules and schedules at the expense of flexibility and productivity. People with this disorder often have trouble delegating tasks or completing projects efficiently, as they become bogged down in details and a need for control. The other options do not fit as well with Henry's specific behaviors and traits.

Question 12

Of the following, the most accurate statement regarding the cause of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is that it appears to

Accepted Answer

The cause of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is multifactorial, involving genetic predispositions, individual personality traits such as a strong inclination towards structure and order, and environmental factors including parental reinforcement of conformity and neatness.

Question 13

Discuss the gender differences found in personality disorders. Give specific examples of disorders where gender differences occur. Do the disparities indicate differences between men and women in certain basic experiences that are genetic, sociocultural, or both, or do they represent biases on the part of the clinicians who make the diagnoses?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the gender differences found in personality...

Question 14

The personality disorder that is characterized by an insistence that things have to be done "the right way" is personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

The personality disorder that is characterized by an insistence that things have to be done "the right way" is obsessive-compulsive disorder. People with this disorder have an overwhelming need for order, symmetry, and control in their lives and may experience significant distress when things do not go according to plan or when they are not able to maintain their desired level of control.

Question 15

Describe the process of becoming a mental health professional. Include a discussion of the differences among the following: psychiatrist, psychologist, psychiatric social worker, psychiatric nurse. For each profession, list the credentials, the educational background, and the professional responsibilities.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the process of becoming a mental...

Question 16

Describe the three clusters of DSM-5 personality disorders and provide an explanation of each personality disorder that belongs to each cluster. What adjectives are generally used to describe each cluster?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the three clusters of DSM-5 personality...

Question 17

Discuss why the following criteria are not completely satisfactory in defining abnormality: psychological dysfunction, digress, and "culturally expected" behavior.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss why the following criteria are not...

Question 18

A recent theory suggests that the psychological profiles of many serial killers point to the role of which psychological disorder?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A recent theory suggests that the psychological...

Question 19

Describe the characteristics and causes of borderline personality disorder, and discuss possible treatment approaches and their efficacy.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the characteristics and causes of borderline...

Question 20

Explain psychoanalytic theory. Refer to concepts such as anxiety, defense mechanisms, and psychosexual development. Use examples to illustrate these concepts.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain psychoanalytic theory. Refer to concepts such...

Quiz 1: Abnormal Behavior in Historical Context