AP Psychology : Psychological Abnormalities

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Psychology

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Defining And Diagnosing Disorders

Which of the following is NOT an axis of the DSM used for diagnosis?

Possible Answers:

Axis 5: global assesment of functioning (GAF)

Axis 4: psychosocial disorders

Axis 1: assessment of insanity

Axis 3: physical disorders

Axis 2: personality disorders

Correct answer:

Axis 1: assessment of insanity

Explanation:

There are 5 axes used in the DSM for diagnosis: 

Axis 1- clinical disorders (developmental, learning, etc.)

Axis 2-personality disorders

Axis 3- physical disorders

Axis 4- psychosocial disorders

Axis 5- global assessment of functioning

Even if you didn't know these exact axes, it is important to remember that "insanity" is not a clinical term ever used in the DSM or by therapists. 

Example Question #12 : Defining And Diagnosing Disorders

Although diagnosis is necessary for treatment, what is one possible negative consequence of labeling someone as having a particular disorder?

Possible Answers:

Stigma

Social acceptance

Diathesis-stress model

Comorbidity

The placebo effect

Correct answer:

Stigma

Explanation:

When someone is diagnosed as having a particular disorder, there is sometimes stigma (shame or disgrace) associated with this labeling, which is the opposite of the answer choice "social acceptance."

As for the other answer choices, comorbidity is the concurrence of multiple psychological disorders in one person. The placebo effect occurs when someone believes that they are being treated for something (when they are really not) and subsequently improves as a function of that belief. The diathesis-stress model explains the interaction of genetic and environmental factors in terms of disorders-- the diathesis is the predisposition to a disorder that is triggered by some sort of stress.

Example Question #13 : Defining And Diagnosing Disorders

Which of the following does not act as a risk factor for developing a psychological disorder?

Possible Answers:

Gender

Race

Family size

Family mental health history

Socioeconomic status

Correct answer:

Family size

Explanation:

Race, gender, SES, and family history all play roles in the development (or non-development) of a disorder. For example, women are more likely to develop most psychological disorders, especially mood and anxiety disorders, but men are more likely to develop substance abuse disorders. Race can also impact vulnerability for certain disorders and low SES is associated with higher rates of many disorders, such as anxiety disorders. Family history is perhaps the most significant risk factor because genetics play a large role in whether someone is likely to develop a specific disorder. 

If there is any connection between family size and psychopathology, it has not been researched or documented and is therefore has not been directly indicated as a strong risk factor. 

Example Question #15 : Defining And Diagnosing Disorders

Which of the following is true about the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF)?

Possible Answers:

It is on Axis 2 of the DSM criteria

It is on Axis 5 on the DSM criteria

Higher numbers correspond to lower levels of functioning

A patient uses the GAF to determine their own diagnosis and treatment plan

The GAF does not take social functioning into account

Correct answer:

It is on Axis 5 on the DSM criteria

Explanation:

The GAF is included on Axis 5 in the DSM in order for psychologists/therapists to classify a patient's overall level of functioning, including physical, social, occupational, and psychological functioning. It is a 1 to 100 scale and higher numbers correspond to higher levels of functioning. All of the other answer options are true statements about the GAF.

Example Question #16 : Defining And Diagnosing Disorders

Mark frequently goes on nature walks after work, but whenever he encounters certain kinds of rocks, he feels compelled to ingest them. Which of the following eating disorder diagnoses best describes this behavior?

Possible Answers:

Pica

Bulimia nervosa

Binge eating disorder

Anorexia nervosa

Correct answer:

Pica

Explanation:

Pica refers to persistent and excessive intake of substances with no nutritional value. Pica cannot be explained by other factors, like developmental stage (e.g. a six-month-old putting a rock in her mouth) or cultural norms (e.g. religious or ritual ingestion of a certain substance). Since Mark apparently has a job (“after work”) he is not a child young enough to accidentally eat rocks. Assuming that this behavior has been occurring for over a month and it is not related to Mark’s cultural beliefs, he meets the diagnostic criteria for pica.

Example Question #14 : Defining And Diagnosing Disorders

The "syndrome" where one tends to see the characteristics of disorders about which one is learning as being applicable to themselves is __________.

Possible Answers:

The Patient's Syndrome

The Intern's Syndrome 

The Doctor's Syndrome

None of these

The Therapist's Syndrome 

Correct answer:

The Intern's Syndrome 

Explanation:

The Intern's Syndrome is the the tendency to see in oneself the characteristics of disorders about which one is learning. It is not a disease for which one requires treatment. It is simply a form of warped or fallacious thinking where one starts to think of themselves as similar to the object of their study. Someone who is studying post-traumatic stress might, for instance, that their lack of sleep is due to post-traumatic stress instead of drinking too much coffee at night.

Example Question #15 : Defining And Diagnosing Disorders

Is insanity a medical or legal term? 

Possible Answers:

Both

Neither; insane is considered an offensive derogatory remark. 

Medical

Neither; insane is a slang term

Legal

Correct answer:

Legal

Explanation:

"Insanity" is not a medical term used to diagnose a patient, it is purely a legal term. It serves a very important purpose in legal affairs, since it is used to differentiate between what a person can be held responsible for. A person who is legally adjudicated as "insane" is, in the opinion of the court, unable to understand the consequences of their actions and, usually, unable to effectively assist their counsel in their legal defense.

Example Question #18 : Defining And Diagnosing Disorders

Which of the following is not considered to be a common trait of an individual with a psychological abnormality?

Possible Answers:

Traits not shared by many members of the population

Talking to onself

Disturbing others

Harmful, disturbing behavior

Behaviors that do not make sense to the average person

Correct answer:

Talking to onself

Explanation:

"Talking to oneself" is the correct answer. While some individuals who suffer abnormalities do indeed talk to themselves, this is not considered one of the common traits. This answer is an example of finding the answer that is most correct. 

Example Question #15 : Defining And Diagnosing Disorders

Name some of the modes of diagnosis for various types of dementia:

I. fMRIs

II. brain tissue sample

III. DNA test

IV. conversation analysis

V. CT scans

Possible Answers:

II only

I & V

I, IV & V

I, III & V

I, II & III

Correct answer:

I, IV & V

Explanation:

Although brain tissue samples are the most accurate way to determine diagnosis, this is only done during autopsies. Brain scans, including both fMRIs and CTs, are some of the most accurate and non-invasive modes of diagnosis. Combined with conversation analysis, specialists are able to connect particular neurological degeneration with inappropriate social behavior and cognition.

Example Question #21 : Defining And Diagnosing Disorders

What is the leading cause of death in Alzheimer's patients?

Possible Answers:

Organ failure

Internal bleeding

Heart attack

Infection

Stroke

Correct answer:

Infection

Explanation:

Infection, especially pneumonia, is the leading cause of death in Alzheimer's patients. In the late stages of the disease the body's immune system and overall health is severely compromised, putting the individual at risk for infection and other types of illness. It is almost impossible for disease to progress enough that the brain shuts down before some type of ailment has occurred.

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