AP Psychology : AP Psychology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Psychology

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Example Questions

Example Question #22 : Defining Abnormalities And Disorders

According to the DSM-V, which of the following is not classified as an anxiety disorder?

Possible Answers:

Generalized anxiety disorder

Specific phobia

Agoraphobia

Panic disorder

Anorexia nervosa

Correct answer:

Anorexia nervosa

Explanation:

"Anorexia nervosa" is an eating disorder characterized by a low weight, a fear of gaining weight, a strong desire to be thin, and food restriction. Although anorexia nervosa involves symptoms of anxiety (e.g. worried about gaining weight), it is not classified as an anxiety disorder. 

Example Question #23 : Defining Abnormalities And Disorders

A 6-year-old child, Lucas, is referred to psychological professional by his pediatrician. Lucas presents symptoms characterized by excessive anxiety and worry that occurs across a wide range of contexts and environments (e.g. school and home). He has difficulty falling asleep, is often irritable, and has trouble concentrating on classwork. Which of the following is the best diagnosis for Lucas?

Possible Answers:

Depression

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Separation anxiety disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder

Autism

Correct answer:

Generalized anxiety disorder

Explanation:

"Generalized anxiety disorder" (GAD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by chronic anxiety and excessive worry and tension, even when nothing seems to be wrong. Lucas' symptoms best fit a diagnosis of GAD. Since Lucas' anxiety does not only occur during a separation from his primary caregiver, he should not receive a diagnosis of separation anxiety disorder (SAD). All of the other answer choices do not accurately represent Lucas' symptomology.

Example Question #24 : Defining Abnormalities And Disorders

_________________ disorders are a class of mental illnesses marked by feelings of excessive apprehension, nervousness, or worry.

Possible Answers:

Anxiety

Psychotic

Mood

Dissociative

Correct answer:

Anxiety

Explanation:

 Anxiety disorders are marked by excessive anxiety such as apprehension, nervousness, or worry. Mood disorders have to do with severe changes in one's mood (e.g., depression). Psychotic disorders are characterized by losing touch with reality through hallucinations or delusions. Dissociative disorders involve losing contact with portions of their consciousness or memory.

Example Question #25 : Defining Abnormalities And Disorders

A(n) __________________ is a(n) _________________ disorder that is characterized by a persistent and irrational fear of an object or situation that presents no realistic danger.

Possible Answers:

phobia . . . anxiety

panic attack . . . mood

phobia . . . mood

panic attack . . . anxiety

Correct answer:

phobia . . . anxiety

Explanation:

Phobias are anxiety disorders that are characterized by a strong fearfulness of an object (e.g., snakes, spiders, cars) or situation (being in an elevator, being in small spaces) that presents no realistic danger. A panic attack is not a disorder.

Example Question #26 : Defining Abnormalities And Disorders

Martha suffered a terrible car accident three years ago and was injured. Since that time, she has had difficulty returning to normal life and is distressed in her everyday life. Specifically, she often has frightening dreams about the incident, avoids driving/riding in cars as much as possible, and she can't seem to shake feelings of irritability and anger that started after the accident. Based on this scenario, Martha most likely suffers from _________________.
Possible Answers:

depression

no mental illness

bipolar disorder

post-traumatic stress disorder

Correct answer:

post-traumatic stress disorder

Explanation:
Martha is distressed in her everyday life and has behaviors and mood changes that deviate from normality for the past three years. Based on these facts, it is most likely that Martha meets criteria for a mental disorder. Her symptoms started after a traumatic event and she has intrusive dreams, avoidance, and mood changes since the event. Put together, it is most likely that she has post-traumatic stress disorder. She could have depression or bipolar, but the only symptom that fits is the irritability and anger. Post-traumatic stress disorder is the best answer.

Example Question #231 : Ap Psychology

What is the most commonly diagnosed type of eating disorder?

Possible Answers:

All of these

Binge eating disorder

Other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED)

Bulimia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa

Correct answer:

Other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED)

Explanation:

The majority of eating disorders fall under the category “other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED). Previously, the percentage of cases was between 62.3 to 72.9%. With the current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) the projected rate has gone down to 32.6 to 50.8%. It is difficult to get exact statistics for a variety of reasons, and this is also one of the reasons that many eating disorders are diagnosed in the "other" category.

Example Question #232 : Ap Psychology

What is the difference between bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder?

Possible Answers:

Bipolar I disorder is a diagnosis given to adults, whereas bipolar II disorder is a diagnosis given to children and adolescents

Bipolar I disorder has symptoms that last more than two years, whereas bipolar II disorder has symptoms that dissipate before the two-year mark

In bipolar I disorder, a person will experience full depressive episodes; in bipolar II disorder, a person will experience only mild depressive episodes

In bipolar I disorder, a person will experience full manic episdoes; in bipolar II disorder, a person will experience only mild manic episodes

None of the other answers

Correct answer:

In bipolar I disorder, a person will experience full manic episdoes; in bipolar II disorder, a person will experience only mild manic episodes

Explanation:

Bipolar I disorder is classified as a type of bipolar disorder that is marked by full manic and major depressive episodes.

Bipolar II disorder is classified as a type of bipolar disorder that is marked by mild manic and major depressive episodes.

Example Question #2 : Bipolar Disorder

In bipolar disorders, individuals exhibit signs of mania and depression. Which of the following answers is not a symptom of mania?

Possible Answers:

Feelings of remarkable energy

Decreased desire to and need for sleep

Poor judgement, planning, and foresight about the potential consequences of their actions

Feelings of euphoria and joy that are out of proportion to the actual happenings in a person's life

All of these answers are symptoms of mania

Correct answer:

All of these answers are symptoms of mania

Explanation:

People experiencing mania swing to the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of symptoms from people experiencing depression. Those in a manic state typically experience dramatic and inappropriate rises in mood and activity. These symptoms span all areas of functioning—emotional, motivational, behavioral, cognitive, and physical. A person in a manic state has powerful emotions of euphoric joy. This intense euphoria drives them to want constant excitement, be very active, act flamboyantly, make hasty and impulsive decisions, experience feelings of inflated self-esteem, and remain active even when getting very little sleep.

Example Question #3 : Bipolar Disorder

Which of the following is a difference between a manic episode and a hypomanic episode?

Possible Answers:

Hypomanic episodes do not happen to people with bipolar disorder, while manic episodes do

A hypomanic episode lasts longer than a manic episode

Hypomanic episodes only occur in children and adolescents

A hypomanic episode is not severe enough to require inpatient hospitalization

A hypomanic episode has more depressive symptoms than a manic episode

Correct answer:

A hypomanic episode is not severe enough to require inpatient hospitalization

Explanation:

A hypomanic episode is a period of persistently elevated or irritable mood that lasts for at least four days. This episode is markedly different from the person's usual mood, and it is not severe enough to cause occupational hazards or require hospitalization.

Example Question #31 : Defining Abnormalities And Disorders

How many manic or depressive episodes do those with rapid cycling bipolar disorder experience in one year?

Possible Answers:

At least 2

At least 10

At least 50

At least 20

At least 4

Correct answer:

At least 4

Explanation:

Those with rapid cycling bipolar disorder are classified as such when they have at least four manic or depressive episodes in one year.

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