AP Psychology : Bipolar Disorder

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Psychology

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Example Questions

Example Question #31 : Types Of Disorders

Which of the following is a treatment for bipolar disorder?

Possible Answers:

MAO inhibitors

NMDA antagonists

Lithium

Benzodiazepines

Correct answer:

Lithium

Explanation:

Lithium is used to treat bipolar disorder. The primary function of Litium in the treatment of bipolar disorder is to help control the frequency and severity of manic episodes.

MAO inhibitors are used to treat depression, benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders, and NMDA antagonists are used as anesthetics.

Example Question #31 : Types Of Disorders

At dinner, Jerry was overly enthusiastic about his plan to use all of his savings to purchase a new car. He kept talking about how he was the smartest guy in his class and that he would easily be able to make the money back at any job. Which of the following best describes Jerry’s behavior?

Possible Answers:

Depressive episode

Disordered thought

Hypomanic episode

Grandiose delusion

Hallucination

Correct answer:

Hypomanic episode

Explanation:

In individuals with bipolar disorder, hypomanic episodes cause symptoms such as excessive elation, impulsiveness, and inflated self-esteem. Jerry’s dinnertime behavior exhibits all of these symptoms.

Example Question #32 : Types Of Disorders

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

Possible Answers:

None of the other answers is accurate.

Bipolar I disorder means at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but no full-blown manic episodes, while Bipolar II disorder means at least one manic episode.

Bipolar I disorder and Bipolar II disorder are only different in that in Bipolar II disorder, hypomanic episodes occur more often.

Bipolar I disorder means at least one major depressive episode and at least one manic episode, while Bipolar II disorder means at least one hypomanic episode.

Bipolar I disorder means at least one manic episode, while Bipolar II disorder means at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but no full-blown manic episodes.

Correct answer:

Bipolar I disorder means at least one manic episode, while Bipolar II disorder means at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but no full-blown manic episodes.

Explanation:

The correct answer provides the definition of the two differing Bipolar I and Bipolar II disorders.

Example Question #41 : Types Of Disorders

Which of the following psychological disorders is characterized by periods of depression alternating with periods of mania?

Possible Answers:

Schizophrenia 

Bipolar disorder

Depressive disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Dissociative disorder

Correct answer:

Bipolar disorder

Explanation:

Bipolar disorder involves periods of depression alternating with periods of mania, which can involve unusually elevated mood reckless behavior. Historically, bipolar disorder has been known as manic depression. Periods of mania do not occur in a depressive disorder.

Example Question #42 : Types Of Disorders

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 manic episode

Presence or history of at least one major depressive 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 #43 : Types Of Disorders

Which of the following is not symptomatic of mania?

Possible Answers:

Hallucinating

Being more creative

Talking a lot

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 #42 : Types Of Disorders

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:

Depression

Bipolar disorder

Borderline personality disorder

Schizophrenia

Generalized anxiety disorder

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.

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