AP Psychology : Other Psychological Disorders

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Psychology

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Example Questions

Example Question #21 : Other Psychological Disorders

Which of the following are identifying clues in speech that suggest a person may be a psychopath?

Possible Answers:

A focus on basic needs such as food and drink

All of these

The excessive use of the past as opposed to present tense

Many cause and effect statements ("because", "so that")

An absence of remorse

Correct answer:

All of these

Explanation:

There are many aspects of speech that could indicate a person is a psychopath. A combination of psychological and linguistic research has pointed to several factors that indicate psychopathology. The excess use of causatives in sentences are indicative of a psychopath's need to create a logical justification for their acts. The use of the past tense instead of present indicates a psychological detachment from the world as if they are looking in instead of a participant. Psychological factors such as a lack of remorse or an obsession with basic needs also point to psychopathy. 

Example Question #151 : Defining Abnormalities And Disorders

Which of the following personality disorders possesses the highest suicide rate?

Possible Answers:

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Narcissistic personality disorder

Schizoid personality disorder

Borderline personality disorder

Antisocial/ psychopath disorder

Correct answer:

Borderline personality disorder

Explanation:

While borderline personality disorder (BPD) does not have the highest suicide rate of any psychological disorder, it has the highest of the personality class. Some reports estimate that up to 10% of diagnosed patients carry through with suicide. The exact number depends on the study, but BPD holds the highest rate under any account.

Example Question #152 : Defining Abnormalities And Disorders

What is the most common type of dementia?

Possible Answers:

Vascular dementia

All of these

Dementia with Lewy bodies

Parkinson's disease

Alzheimer's disease

Correct answer:

Alzheimer's disease

Explanation:

Alzheimer's disease accounts for somewhere between 60 to 80% of all dementia cases. "Alzheimer's" and "dementia" are sometimes used interchangeably, but this is an error due to the great overlapping in cases. All Alzheimer's patients have dementia, but not all dementia patients have Alzheimer's disease.

Example Question #153 : Defining Abnormalities And Disorders

Which of the following types of dementia have known causes:

I. Parkinson's disease

II. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

III. Huntington's disease

Possible Answers:

II only

II only

I & III

II & III

III only

Correct answer:

II & III

Explanation:

Exact known causes of Parkinson's disease are still unknown, but researchers are working towards a better understanding. On the other hand, a gene on chromosome 4 has been identified to cause Huntington's, and a thiamine deficiency has been identified to cause Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. These reductionist explanations suggest that Huntington's and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome are caused by singular processes, but it is probably much more complex.

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