AP Psychology : Defining Abnormalities and Disorders

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Psychology

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Example Questions

Example Question #38 : Schizophrenia

Can schizophrenia be passed down genetically?

Possible Answers:

None of these

Schizophrenia is strictly related to genetics

No, schizophrenia is strictly related to nurture

All of these

Yes, though it will often take environmental factors for schizophrenia to develop

Correct answer:

Yes, though it will often take environmental factors for schizophrenia to develop

Explanation:

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that can be passed down genetically though is more often inherited by men. Symptoms are often seen in adolescence to early adulthood and are sometimes triggered by environmental stressors such as the death of a family member, physical illness or other trauma. Much research has been done on the disease and the exact causes and origins are largely unknown though nature and nurture play a huge role.  

Example Question #1 : Other Psychological Disorders

Which is not a type of anxiety disorder?

Possible Answers:

Depression

Obsessive compulsive disorder

Post traumatic stress disorder

Phobias

Panic disorder

Correct answer:

Depression

Explanation:

Depression is a mood disorder. All of the other choices represent anxiety disorders.

Example Question #2 : Other Psychological Disorders

What is hypochondriasis?

Possible Answers:

A disorder characterized by hallucinations and delusions

A disorder triggered when someone experiences/witnesses a terrifying event

A disorder where someone fears having a certain illness when no illness is present

A disorder characterized by chronic anxiety, even when there is little or nothing to worry about

A disorder where someone is plagued with irrational and specific fears even when no danger is present

Correct answer:

A disorder where someone fears having a certain illness when no illness is present

Explanation:

Hypochondriasis is a disorder in which people perceive the presence of an illness when there is none. This is a type of somatoform disorder.

Example Question #131 : Defining Abnormalities And Disorders

Body dysmorphic disorder and pain disorders are both examples of __________.

Possible Answers:

mood disorders

trauma disorders

personality disorders

somatoform diseases

phobias

Correct answer:

somatoform diseases

Explanation:

A somatoform disorder is a condition in which a patient experiences physical symptoms that cannot be explained by a medical or neurological diagnosis. Individuals with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) become fixated upon their actual or imagined physical flaws. Individuals with pain disorders experience physical pain that is triggered by psychological distress. These physical manifestations of psychological symptoms constitute somatoform disorders.

Example Question #4 : Other Psychological Disorders

John randomly falls asleep for periods of time.  From which of the following disorders does John suffer?

Possible Answers:

Narcolepsy

Insomnia

Night terrors

Sleep apnea

Correct answer:

Narcolepsy

Explanation:

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by sudden sleep attacks, as well as overwhelming drowsiness.

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or infrequent breathing during sleep. Night terrors are episodes of screaming, intense fear, and flailing while still asleep. Often compared to nightmares, night terrors are much more intense. Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling and/or staying asleep.

Example Question #5 : Other Psychological Disorders

Which one of the following disorders does not fall under autism spectrum disorder?

Possible Answers:

Autism

Childhood disintegrative disorder

Pervasive developmental disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder

Asperger's syndrome

Correct answer:

Generalized anxiety disorder

Explanation:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is unrelated to autism spectrum disorder. GAD is an anxiety disorder characterized by chronic anxiety with no known triggers. 

Example Question #6 : Other Psychological Disorders

Morphine and heroin are two examples of __________.

Possible Answers:

Anti-psychotics

Opiates

Tranquilizers

Hallucinogens

Depressants

Correct answer:

Opiates

Explanation:

Derived from the opium poppy, opiates, including heroin and morphine, are used to relieve pain and elevate moods. While heroin is strictly an illegal, recreational drug, morphine is often used in medical treatment for patients in intense physical distress.

Example Question #7 : Other Psychological Disorders

Someone suffering from agnosia has problems with __________.

Possible Answers:

remembering things

emotional regulation

processing sensory information

language

making decisions

Correct answer:

processing sensory information

Explanation:

While people suffering from agnosia are still capable of hearing, seeing, feeling, smelling and tasting new stimuli, their brains are unable to process that information into a recognizable experience.

Example Question #241 : Psychological Abnormalities

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of a patient with autism?

Possible Answers:

They have difficulty paying attention due to hyperactivity

They have delusional thinking about the world

They seek less emotional and social contact

They do not need as much emotional and social contact

Correct answer:

They seek less emotional and social contact

Explanation:

While autism presents as a relative indifference to emotional and social context, those that display autistic tendencies can still benefit from exposure to social normality and emotional closeness. Many people with autism may prefer and enjoy their own company, it is not a universal characteristic of those diagnosed with autism. In fact, they may need more social or emotional support than their peers in order to learn how to interact with people and enjoy a more connected life in society.

A general characteristic of autism is that those diagnosed are much less likely to seek out emotional or social support, as compared to those without the disorder.  

Example Question #132 : Defining Abnormalities And Disorders

Which of these psychological disorders is not diagnosed in children under the age of 18?

Possible Answers:

Autism

Separation anxiety disorder

Antisocial personality disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Depression

Correct answer:

Antisocial personality disorder

Explanation:

Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a long-standing disregard for the rights and feelings of others. Although this disorder has roots in childhood and adolescence, only adults over the age of eighteen can be given an official diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder. The other answer choices can all be diagnosed in children as young as three years old.

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