Question 1

Which of the following best describes the diathesis-stress model in abnormal psychology?

Accepted Answer

It proposes that a mental disorder results from the interaction between a genetic predisposition and life stress.

Question 2

A patient is experiencing intense fear of being judged by others and avoids public speaking. Which disorder does this scenario most likely illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Social Anxiety Disorder

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter is most closely associated with the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Question 4

A person with which personality disorder is most likely to avoid social interactions due to a fear of rejection?

Accepted Answer

Avoidant Personality Disorder

Question 5

Which of the following is a criticism of the DSM-5-TR as discussed in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

It may lead to unnecessary diagnoses due to the large number of possible disorders.

Question 6

A patient is prescribed a medication that blocks the reuptake of serotonin. Which class of drug is this?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

Question 7

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of maladaptive behavior?

Accepted Answer

A person who avoids all social contact due to fear, resulting in job loss.

Question 8

A therapist uses gradual exposure to help a client overcome a fear of flying. Which therapeutic technique is being used?

Accepted Answer

Systematic desensitization

Question 9

Which of the following is a negative symptom of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Flat emotional reactions

Question 10

A patient with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. What is the primary purpose of this medication?

Accepted Answer

To stabilize mood swings

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the medical model of psychological disorders?

Accepted Answer

It treats psychological conditions similarly to physical illnesses, focusing on symptoms, causes, and outcomes.

Question 12

A person is experiencing brief moments of extreme anxiety that occur unexpectedly. Which disorder does this most likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

Panic Disorder

Question 13

Which of the following is a key difference between dissociative identity disorder (DID) and schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Schizophrenia involves a split between emotion and thought, while DID involves a split in identity.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the function of antianxiety drugs?

Accepted Answer

They affect the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to reduce neural activity.

Question 15

A patient is prescribed an atypical antipsychotic. What is a key advantage of this class of drugs?

Accepted Answer

They are less likely to produce side effects like movement disorders.

Question 16

Which of the following best illustrates the systems approach in therapy?

Accepted Answer

Viewing the individual's symptoms as influenced by multiple interacting systems, such as family and community.

Question 17

A person with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is most likely to:

Accepted Answer

Be plagued by unwanted, inappropriate thoughts and engage in repetitive behaviors to reduce anxiety.

Question 18

Which of the following is a potential downside of applying diagnostic labels from the DSM-5-TR?

Accepted Answer

It can cause people to misinterpret normal behaviors as pathological.

Question 19

A therapist encourages a client to talk without censoring their thoughts in order to uncover unconscious conflicts. Which technique is being used?

Accepted Answer

Free association

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why MDMA-assisted therapy may be effective for treating PTSD?

Accepted Answer

MDMA increases serotonin, making patients more open to social contact and talk-based therapy.

Abnormal Psychology and Psychological Therapies: Key Concepts and Approaches

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards