PSYCH 111: Introduction to Psychology: Week 3: Chapter 15 Quizzes: Psychological Disorders

Correct Answer:

B. Psychological disorders should only be considered problematic when symptoms become extreme and disruptive

Explanation:

The compassionate view emphasizes that psychological disorders represent extremes of normal experiences, such as sadness, worry, or stress. These only become disorders when they reach levels that significantly disrupt daily functioning. Importantly, people should not be reduced to diagnostic labels like “schizophrenic” or “depressive.” Instead, psychological disorders are conditions that people have, not what they are. Like other medical conditions such as cancer or diabetes, they are not chosen and require compassion, dignity, and understanding.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A. Psychological disorders are labels that define the entire identity of a person

This is incorrect because labeling individuals by their disorder promotes stigma and overlooks their full humanity.

C. People with psychological disorders choose their condition and can overcome it through willpower alone

This is false. Psychological disorders are not chosen, nor are they simply matters of willpower. They require professional diagnosis, treatment, and support.

D. Individuals with psychological disorders should be described primarily by their diagnosis

This is stigmatizing and contrary to the compassionate view, which stresses that people are more than their diagnoses.

Correct Answer:

B. Because mental illnesses require diagnosis, treatment, and support, just like physical illnesses

Explanation:

Mental health issues are real medical conditions that cannot be reduced to personal weakness or a lack of willpower. Like physical illnesses, they require accurate diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and ongoing support. Stigma and blame make recovery more difficult, which is why mental illnesses must be treated with respect and sensitivity. Addressing them properly helps individuals function effectively in relationships, education, and work, and improves overall quality of life.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A. Because mental illnesses are always the result of poor attitude or weak willpower

This is false and contributes to stigma. Mental illnesses are medical conditions influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors.

C. Because mental health challenges can always be solved with positive thinking alone

This is incorrect because positive thinking cannot replace professional diagnosis and treatment. Support and care are essential.

D. Because only physical illnesses have long-term impacts on education, work, and relationships

This is untrue since mental illnesses can deeply affect functioning in all areas of life if not properly addressed.

Correct Answer:

B. A neurodevelopmental disorder involving deficits in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors or interests

Explanation:

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that appears early in life and causes impairments across three core domains: social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors or restricted interests. Children with ASD may avoid eye contact, prefer solitary play, have limited or echolalic speech, and struggle with understanding nonverbal cues. These deficits result in significant functional impairment and are consistent with the description first outlined by Leo Kanner in 1943 as early infantile autism.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A. A mood disorder characterized by alternating episodes of depression and mania

This describes bipolar disorder, not ASD.

C. A disorder marked by short-term anxiety and panic attacks triggered by stress

This refers to panic disorder or other anxiety disorders, not autism spectrum disorder.

D. A learning disorder that only affects academic performance without social or communication impairments

ASD affects social interaction and communication, not just academic performance, making this option incorrect.

Correct Answer:

A. Symptoms such as flashbacks, avoidance, and hyperarousal lasting at least one month

Explanation:

PTSD is diagnosed when an individual experiences intrusive memories, flashbacks, avoidance of trauma reminders, negative emotional states, detachment, irritability, and heightened startle responses following a traumatic event. These symptoms must persist for at least one month to meet DSM-5 criteria. If symptoms occur for less than a month, the condition may be classified as acute stress disorder instead. PTSD can significantly disrupt daily life, relationships, and emotional well-being.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

B. Excessive worry about routine life events for a minimum of six months

This describes generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), not PTSD.

C. Recurrent panic attacks followed by concern about future attacks for at least one month

This characterizes panic disorder, not PTSD.

D. Persistent fear of specific objects or situations lasting at least six months

This defines specific phobias, not PTSD, which requires trauma exposure and a distinct symptom pattern.

Correct Answer:

C. Intrusive, unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors or mental acts that interfere with daily life

Explanation:

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is defined by the presence of obsessions—repetitive, intrusive, and distressing thoughts—and compulsions—ritualistic behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessions. For example, compulsive handwashing or constant checking consumes excessive time and disrupts functioning. Although individuals often recognize their behaviors as irrational, the compulsion to perform them is overwhelming. The disorder greatly interferes with daily activities, relationships, and overall well-being.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A. Excessive, uncontrollable worry about everyday matters without a specific trigger

This describes generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), not OCD.

B. Recurrent panic attacks followed by persistent concern about future attacks

This is panic disorder, not OCD, as it involves sudden episodes of extreme fear rather than obsessions and compulsions.

D. Persistent avoidance of social interactions due to fear of being judged negatively

This characterizes social anxiety disorder, not OCD.

Correct Answer:

B. It removed homosexuality as a disorder but introduced ego-dystonic homosexuality to address distress over same-sex attraction

Explanation:

The DSM-III, published in 1980, did not classify homosexuality itself as a psychological disorder. However, it introduced the diagnosis of ego-dystonic homosexuality, which described individuals who experienced same-sex arousal but found it distressing because it conflicted with their desired heterosexual identity or relationships. This was seen as a compromise that attempted to acknowledge distress without labeling homosexuality itself as disordered, though the diagnosis remained controversial.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A. It classified homosexuality as a primary psychological disorder

This was true in earlier editions of the DSM, but not in DSM-III, which had removed it as a diagnosis.

C. It stated that homosexuality was a biological illness requiring treatment

The DSM-III did not describe homosexuality as a biological illness or recommend treatment on that basis.

D. It avoided any mention of homosexuality in order to remain neutral

This is incorrect because DSM-III specifically included ego-dystonic homosexuality, rather than omitting the subject altogether.

Correct Answer:

B. A neutral stimulus becomes paired with something that provokes anxiety, leading to obsessive thoughts and compulsions

Explanation:

Classical conditioning explains the onset of OCD when a neutral stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus that naturally triggers distress. Over time, the previously neutral stimulus itself provokes anxiety, leading to intrusive, obsessive thoughts. The person then develops compulsions—ritualistic behaviors or mental acts—as strategies to relieve this conditioned response. While these compulsions temporarily reduce anxiety, they reinforce the cycle and make the disorder persistent.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A. OCD develops only from inherited genetic factors and is unrelated to learning

This is incorrect because OCD involves both biological and learning mechanisms, including conditioning.

C. OCD arises exclusively from neurotransmitter imbalances in serotonin and dopamine

Although neurotransmitters play a role, learning theories such as classical conditioning also explain OCD symptoms.

D. Compulsions occur randomly without connection to anxiety or learned associations

This is false since compulsions specifically develop as learned behaviors to reduce distress caused by obsessions.

Correct Answer:

B. An intense fear and avoidance of situations where escape or help may be difficult during a panic attack

Explanation:

Agoraphobia, classified as a distinct anxiety disorder in the DSM-5, involves extreme fear of being in places where escape would be difficult or where help may not be available if a panic attack occurs. Commonly feared situations include crowded areas, open spaces, or public transportation. This fear often leads to avoidance behaviors, which can severely limit an individual’s daily life and independence. The term “agoraphobia” literally translates to “fear of the marketplace.”

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A. A persistent fear of specific animals, objects, or environments such as heights or flying

This describes a specific phobia, not agoraphobia.

C. A general sense of worry and unease that occurs in most aspects of daily life

This characterizes generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), not agoraphobia.

D. A fear of social interactions and being negatively judged by others in public

This describes social anxiety disorder, not agoraphobia, which is focused on fear of being trapped or helpless in public situations.

Correct Answer:

C. Extreme fear and avoidance of social situations where one may be negatively judged by others

Explanation:

Social anxiety disorder, formerly called social phobia, is characterized by ongoing fear or anxiety in social settings where evaluation by others is possible. Individuals may avoid public speaking, eating in public, or attending gatherings because they fear embarrassment, humiliation, or negative judgment. It is one of the most common anxiety disorders, affecting about 12% of Americans at some point in their lifetime. This condition can significantly interfere with education, work, and relationships.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A. A disorder marked by excessive worry across many areas of life without a specific trigger

This describes generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), not social anxiety disorder.

B. A persistent fear of situations where escape may be difficult during a panic attack

This is agoraphobia, not social anxiety disorder.

D. Intense fear of a specific object or situation, such as heights or animals

This describes a specific phobia, not social anxiety disorder, which focuses on social evaluation.