Which of the following statements about comorbidity is true?

• A. Comorbidity refers to the presence of two or more disorders occurring in the same individual at the same time.
• B. Comorbidity is rare and occurs in less than 1% of clinical populations.
• C. Comorbidity is only observed in physical illnesses, not psychological disorders.
• D. Comorbidity means that one disorder causes another disorder directly.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of comorbidity in psychology. Comorbidity refers to the presence of two or more disorders occurring simultaneously in the same individual.
2. Step 2: Evaluate the statement that comorbidity is rare and occurs in less than 1% of clinical populations. Consider research evidence showing that comorbidity is actually quite common in psychological disorders.
3. Step 3: Assess the claim that comorbidity is only observed in physical illnesses and not psychological disorders. Reflect on clinical observations and studies that demonstrate comorbidity frequently occurs in mental health conditions.
4. Step 4: Analyze the idea that comorbidity means one disorder causes another directly. Understand that comorbidity indicates co-occurrence but does not necessarily imply a direct causal relationship between disorders.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the true statement is the one defining comorbidity as the presence of two or more disorders occurring in the same individual at the same time.