Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main difference between generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

GAD is characterized by frequent, prolonged periods of anxiety about everyday events, while panic disorder involves sudden, intense episodes of fear known as panic attacks.

Question 2

A student avoids eating in the cafeteria and instead buys food 'to go' to avoid crowds. This behavior is most consistent with which psychological disorder?

Accepted Answer

Social anxiety disorder (social phobia)

Question 3

Which brain circuit is most implicated in the compulsive behaviors seen in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) \u003e basal ganglia \u003e thalamus loop

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of a 'pessimistic explanatory style' commonly seen in major depressive disorder (MDD)?

Accepted Answer

Believing that a single failure means you will always fail in all areas of life.

Question 5

Which neurotransmitter is most directly targeted by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the treatment of depression?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin (5-HT)

Question 6

A person with agoraphobia is most likely to avoid which of the following situations?

Accepted Answer

Going to a crowded shopping mall for fear of having a panic attack in public.

Question 7

Which of the following best explains the role of the amygdala in anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

The amygdala is hypersensitive to stressors, leading to excessive fear and anxiety responses.

Question 8

Which of the following is a negative symptom of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Catatonia

Question 9

According to the neurodevelopmental hypothesis, which prenatal factor increases the risk of developing schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Maternal malnutrition during pregnancy

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the relationship between dopamine (DA) and the positive symptoms of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Increased dopamine activity is associated with positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.

Question 11

A patient presents with repetitive hand-washing rituals and intrusive thoughts about contamination. Which brain regions are most likely to show abnormal activity?

Accepted Answer

Orbitofrontal cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex

Question 12

Which of the following is a real-world example of a specific phobia?

Accepted Answer

A person who refuses to swim in lakes due to an intense fear of large bodies of water.

Question 13

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'anhedonia' in major depressive disorder?

Accepted Answer

A loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable.

Question 14

Which of the following is a common comorbidity with anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Depressive disorders

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of the hippocampus in depression?

Accepted Answer

The hippocampus inhibits the HPA axis, and reduced neurogenesis in the hippocampus is associated with depression.

Question 16

A person believes that their mistakes are due to their own inherent flaws, will never change, and affect all areas of their life. This thinking pattern is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Pessimistic explanatory style: internalizing, stabilizing, and globalizing

Question 17

Which environmental factor has been linked to an increased risk of developing schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Urban living

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the prodromal phase of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

A period characterized by negative symptoms such as social withdrawal and reduced emotional expression.

Question 19

Which of the following statements about the heritability of schizophrenia is supported by research?

Accepted Answer

The risk of developing schizophrenia is highest in monozygotic twins and offspring of two schizophrenic parents.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why SSRIs are effective in treating depression?

Accepted Answer

They increase the availability of serotonin in the synaptic cleft by inhibiting its reuptake.

Psychological Disorders II: Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive, Depressive Disorders, and Schizophrenia

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