AP Psychology : AP Psychology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Psychology

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Example Questions

Example Question #251 : Ap Psychology

Which of the following is found in people diagnosed with Bipolar I but not Bipolar II disorder? 

Possible Answers:

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

Correct answer:

Presence or history of at least one manic episode

Explanation:

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?

Possible Answers:

Being more creative

Talking a lot

Hallucinating

Being sexually promiscuous

Not sleeping

Correct answer:

Hallucinating

Explanation:

"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?

Possible Answers:

Schizophrenia

Borderline personality disorder

Bipolar disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder

Depression

Correct answer:

Bipolar disorder

Explanation:

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?

Possible Answers:

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

Correct answer:

Preoccupation with maintaining a rigid, productive schedule

Explanation:

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.

Possible Answers:

Learned helplessness

Learned hopelessness

Denial

Attribution-thinking

Negative thoughts

Correct answer:

Learned helplessness

Explanation:

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?

Possible Answers:

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

Correct answer:

Dsythymia is a pervasive "low level" depression that lasts numerous years, while major depressive disorder is a single episode of severe depression

Explanation:

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?

Possible Answers:

Major depressive disorder

Seasonal affective disorder

Panic disorder

Dysthymia

Postpartum depression

Correct answer:

Panic disorder

Explanation:

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?

Possible Answers:

Schizophrenia

Dysthymia

Somatoform disorder

Bipolar disorder

Parkinson's disease

Correct answer:

Dysthymia

Explanation:

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?

Possible Answers:

Bipolar disorder

Minor depressive disorder

Dysthymia

Major depressive disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Correct answer:

Dysthymia

Explanation:

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?

Possible Answers:

Minor depressive disorder

Bipolar disorder

Major depressive disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Dysthymic disorder

Correct answer:

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Explanation:

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.

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