AP Psychology : Psychological Abnormalities

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Psychology

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Example Questions

Example Question #121 : Psychological Abnormalities

Which is not a physiological response of anxiety?

Possible Answers:

Increased blood pressure

Increased salivation

Increased heart rate

Sweating

Rapid breathing

Correct answer:

Increased salivation

Explanation:

Increased salivation is not a physiological response to anxiety. The other four choices are examples of physiological responses that are commonly caused by anxiety.

Example Question #12 : Defining Abnormalities And Disorders

Liz frequently experiences unexpected periods of intense fear and discomfort accompanied by increased heart rate and respiration, shakiness, sweating, and fear of losing control. Liz most likely suffers from which of the following disorders?

Possible Answers:

Social anxiety disorder 

Panic disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

Derealization 

Depersonalization 

Correct answer:

Panic disorder

Explanation:

Liz frequently experiences unexpected periods of intense fear and discomfort accompanied by increased heart rate and respiration, shakiness, sweating, and fear of losing control. These are the symptoms of a panic attack. Panic can be defined as an extreme sense of fear with an extreme stress response. Panic attacks are periods in which the person feels extreme fear and discomfort and may experience a pounding heart, shortness of breath, shakiness, and sweating. Many times, the person is also afraid that they will lose control. A panic disorder is characterized by frequent, unexpected panic attacks and social limitations to avoid the onset of such attacks.

Example Question #19 : Defining Abnormalities And Disorders

In America, social anxiety stems from our fear of public humiliation and embarrassment. In Korea and Japan, taijin kyofusho refers to social anxiety caused by which of the following?

Possible Answers:

Inappropriate emotional response 

Body odor and blushing 

Messy hair 

Unwanted body contact 

Public embarrassment 

Correct answer:

Body odor and blushing 

Explanation:

Taijin kyofusho refers to a culture specific social anxiety in Korea and Japan. A person with social anxiety in these cultures is most likely going to fear that their body odor or the act of blushing will be offensive to others.

Example Question #21 : Defining Abnormalities And Disorders

Which neurotransmitter inhibits excitation, and can promote a decrease in anxiety?

Possible Answers:

Acetylcholine

Norepinephrine

Serotonin

Dopamine

GABA 

Correct answer:

GABA 

Explanation:

"GABA" (Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, and is found throughout the neurons of the cortex. GABA deficiencies have been linked to anxiety disorders, and some anxiolytics (anxiety medications) work by increasing quantities of GABA available at neuron receptor sites.

The other choices are incorrect. "Serotonin" is primarily associated with regulating mood, appetite, and sleep, and is also implicated in nociception (sensation of pain). This neurotransmitter plays a major role in depression, but not necessarily anxiety. "Dopamine" is a major component of the reward system, and plays a role in arousal, motivation, motor control. "Norepinephrine" is mainly involved in preparing the body for action, for instance the 'flight or fight' response. It increases vigilance and alertness, focuses attention and improves memory recall and formation. Raised levels of norepinephrine can result in anxiety by way of increased stress. Last, "acetylcholine" is associated with motor neurons, and provides signals for the body to contract muscles. Drugs affecting this neurotransmitter thus may lead to paralysis or convulsions. In the brain acetylcholine plays a role in attention, arousal, and motivation.

Example Question #21 : Types Of Disorders

According to the DSM-V, which of the following is not classified as an anxiety disorder?

Possible Answers:

Generalized anxiety disorder

Anorexia nervosa

Specific phobia

Agoraphobia

Panic disorder

Correct answer:

Anorexia nervosa

Explanation:

"Anorexia nervosa" is an eating disorder characterized by a low weight, a fear of gaining weight, a strong desire to be thin, and food restriction. Although anorexia nervosa involves symptoms of anxiety (e.g. worried about gaining weight), it is not classified as an anxiety disorder. 

Example Question #22 : Types Of Disorders

A 6-year-old child, Lucas, is referred to psychological professional by his pediatrician. Lucas presents symptoms characterized by excessive anxiety and worry that occurs across a wide range of contexts and environments (e.g. school and home). He has difficulty falling asleep, is often irritable, and has trouble concentrating on classwork. Which of the following is the best diagnosis for Lucas?

Possible Answers:

Autism

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Depression

Separation anxiety disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder

Correct answer:

Generalized anxiety disorder

Explanation:

"Generalized anxiety disorder" (GAD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by chronic anxiety and excessive worry and tension, even when nothing seems to be wrong. Lucas' symptoms best fit a diagnosis of GAD. Since Lucas' anxiety does not only occur during a separation from his primary caregiver, he should not receive a diagnosis of separation anxiety disorder (SAD). All of the other answer choices do not accurately represent Lucas' symptomology.

Example Question #24 : Defining Abnormalities And Disorders

_________________ disorders are a class of mental illnesses marked by feelings of excessive apprehension, nervousness, or worry.

Possible Answers:

Psychotic

Anxiety

Mood

Dissociative

Correct answer:

Anxiety

Explanation:

 Anxiety disorders are marked by excessive anxiety such as apprehension, nervousness, or worry. Mood disorders have to do with severe changes in one's mood (e.g., depression). Psychotic disorders are characterized by losing touch with reality through hallucinations or delusions. Dissociative disorders involve losing contact with portions of their consciousness or memory.

Example Question #23 : Types Of Disorders

A(n) __________________ is a(n) _________________ disorder that is characterized by a persistent and irrational fear of an object or situation that presents no realistic danger.

Possible Answers:

panic attack . . . mood

phobia . . . mood

panic attack . . . anxiety

phobia . . . anxiety

Correct answer:

phobia . . . anxiety

Explanation:

Phobias are anxiety disorders that are characterized by a strong fearfulness of an object (e.g., snakes, spiders, cars) or situation (being in an elevator, being in small spaces) that presents no realistic danger. A panic attack is not a disorder.

Example Question #26 : Defining Abnormalities And Disorders

Martha suffered a terrible car accident three years ago and was injured. Since that time, she has had difficulty returning to normal life and is distressed in her everyday life. Specifically, she often has frightening dreams about the incident, avoids driving/riding in cars as much as possible, and she can't seem to shake feelings of irritability and anger that started after the accident. Based on this scenario, Martha most likely suffers from _________________.
Possible Answers:

post-traumatic stress disorder

no mental illness

bipolar disorder

depression

Correct answer:

post-traumatic stress disorder

Explanation:
Martha is distressed in her everyday life and has behaviors and mood changes that deviate from normality for the past three years. Based on these facts, it is most likely that Martha meets criteria for a mental disorder. Her symptoms started after a traumatic event and she has intrusive dreams, avoidance, and mood changes since the event. Put together, it is most likely that she has post-traumatic stress disorder. She could have depression or bipolar, but the only symptom that fits is the irritability and anger. Post-traumatic stress disorder is the best answer.

Example Question #27 : Defining Abnormalities And Disorders

What is the most commonly diagnosed type of eating disorder?

Possible Answers:

Other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED)

All of these

Binge eating disorder

Bulimia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa

Correct answer:

Other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED)

Explanation:

The majority of eating disorders fall under the category “other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED). Previously, the percentage of cases was between 62.3 to 72.9%. With the current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) the projected rate has gone down to 32.6 to 50.8%. It is difficult to get exact statistics for a variety of reasons, and this is also one of the reasons that many eating disorders are diagnosed in the "other" category.

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