All AP Psychology Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #251 : Ap Psychology
Which of the following is found in people diagnosed with Bipolar I but not Bipolar II disorder?
Presence or history of at least one hypomanic episode
Presence or history of hallucinations
Presence or history of at least one major depressive episode
Presence or history of at least one manic episode
Presence or history of at least one manic episode
Individuals with Bipolar I disorder must have at least one manic episode. Bipolar II is characterized by major depression and hypomania, a state of slightly less agitation than mania, but cannot have had a manic episode.
Example Question #252 : Ap Psychology
Which of the following is not symptomatic of mania?
Being more creative
Talking a lot
Hallucinating
Being sexually promiscuous
Not sleeping
Hallucinating
"Hallucinating" is the correct answer. Hallucinating is not a common attribute of a manic state. It is more commonly paired with schizophrenia. During a manic state, bi-polar patients are elated, often talking a lot, not sleeping, engaging in promiscuous activities, and being more creative.
Example Question #253 : Ap Psychology
Sarah alternates between periods of sadness—where she has little interest in life and low energy—and periods of excessive energy—where she has little need for sleep and engages in reckless behavior. Given what you know about her symptoms, what is Sarah's most likely diagnosis?
Schizophrenia
Borderline personality disorder
Bipolar disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder
Depression
Bipolar disorder
Sarah's symptoms are consistent with “bipolar disorder,” which includes alternating between periods of depression and mania. By definition, a manic episode must last at least one week and not be induced by drugs or alcohol. Even though Sarah experiences periods of “depression,” bipolar disorder is the more appropriate diagnosis due to her manic episodes. “Borderline personality disorder” includes symptoms related to instability in relationships, emotions, and self-image. “Generalized anxiety disorder” is characterized by excessive anxiety regarding a number of things that induces impaired functioning. Last, “schizophrenia” is a psychotic disorder that involves at least two of the following symptoms: hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, disorganized behavior, and emotional flattening.
Example Question #1 : Depressive Disorders
Which of the following is not a symptom of major depressive disorder?
Disturbances in appetite and sleep
Lack of drive, initiative, and spontaneity
Preoccupation with maintaining a rigid, productive schedule
Ahnedonia (an inability to experience any pleasure at all)
Pessimism due to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
Preoccupation with maintaining a rigid, productive schedule
People with major depressive disorder typically give up their productivity and their motivation to complete daily tasks. Below is a comprehensive list of some of the most common symptoms of major depressive disorder.
When people are living with major depressive disorder, they experience emotional symptoms (feeling sad and dejected), motivational symptoms (loss of desire to pursue usual activities and duties), behavioral symptoms (feeling less active and less productive), cognitive symptoms (holding negative views of self, like feeling inadequate, undersireable, inferior, worthy of blame), and physical symptoms (experiencing headaches, indigestion, constipation, dizzy spells, and general pain).
Preoccupation with schedules and productivity is more indicative of an obsessive-compulsive disorder than a depressive disorder.
Example Question #2 : Depressive Disorders
What is the term for the perception that an individual has no control over the rewards and punishments that he/she earns in life? This is a contributing factor to feelings of depression.
Learned helplessness
Learned hopelessness
Denial
Attribution-thinking
Negative thoughts
Learned helplessness
Learned helplessness is the perception that, based on past experiences, an individual has no control over reinforcements (rewards, punishments) in his/her life. These individuals also tend to believe that they themselves are entirely responsible for this helpless state.
Example Question #254 : Ap Psychology
What is the main difference between dsythymia and major depressive disorder?
Dsythymia is an anxiety disorder, while major depressive disorder is a mood disorder
Dsythymia is a pervasive "low level" depression that lasts numerous years, while major depressive disorder is a single episode of severe depression
Dsythymia includes bipolar symptoms, while major depressive disorder does not
Dsythymia includes hallucinations, while major depressive disorder does not
Dsythymia occurs in children, while major depressive disorder occurs in teenagers and adults
Dsythymia is a pervasive "low level" depression that lasts numerous years, while major depressive disorder is a single episode of severe depression
Dsythymia and major depressive disorder are both mood disorders, specifically focused on depressive symptomology. The main difference between them is that dsythymia is a low grade depression that lasts multiple years, while major depressive disorder is a single, severe depressive episode.
Example Question #255 : Ap Psychology
Which of these is not a depressive disorder?
Major depressive disorder
Seasonal affective disorder
Panic disorder
Dysthymia
Postpartum depression
Panic disorder
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder, not a depressive disorder. All other listed answer options are depressive disorders.
Example Question #256 : Ap Psychology
What disorder is considered to be a milder, but more chronic, form of depression?
Schizophrenia
Dysthymia
Somatoform disorder
Bipolar disorder
Parkinson's disease
Dysthymia
Dysthymia (also known as dysthymic disorder) is a mild, but long-term, form of depression. Symptoms usually last for at least two years, and cause significant interference in aspects of daily life and work.
Example Question #257 : Ap Psychology
If someone has had constant symptoms of depression for five years, what disorder would they most likely be diagnosed with?
Bipolar disorder
Minor depressive disorder
Dysthymia
Major depressive disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Dysthymia
Major depressive disorder is the most common mood disorder and is characterized by a depressed mood and physical symptoms such as loss of appetite and fatigue for 2 or more weeks in the absence of a clear cause. SAD has the symptoms of major depressive disorder but the episodes occur seasonally, typically during winter. Dysthymia is similar to major depressive disorder but it is less severe and lasts longer (at least 2 years). Bipolar disorder involves episodes of both depression and mania. Minor depressive disorder is still being researched and you do not have to know it for the AP Psychology exam.
Example Question #258 : Ap Psychology
If someone has excessive loss of appetite and fatigue but only during the months of November through March, what might they be diagnosed with?
Minor depressive disorder
Bipolar disorder
Major depressive disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Dysthymic disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Major depressive disorder is the most common mood disorder and is characterized by a depressed mood and physical symptoms such as loss of appetite and fatigue for 2 or more weeks in the absence of a clear cause. SAD has the symptoms of major depressive disorder but the episodes occur seasonally, typically during winter. Dysthymia is similar to major depressive disorder but it is less severe and lasts longer (at least 2 years). Bipolar disorder involves episodes of both depression and mania. Minor depressive disorder is still being researched and you do not have to know it for the AP Psychology exam.