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

Correct Answer:

C. The current diagnostic system published by the American Psychiatric Association that describes disorders, criteria, prevalence, and risk factors

Explanation:

The DSM-5 is the most widely used classification system for psychological disorders in the United States. Published by the American Psychiatric Association in 2013, it provides detailed descriptions of each disorder, including diagnostic features, specific criteria for diagnosis, prevalence rates, and risk factors. It allows professionals to have a common framework for diagnosing and treating mental disorders. The DSM has evolved through multiple editions since its first release in 1952.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A. A manual created during World War II by the U.S. Army that is no longer used in modern psychology

The DSM’s first edition was influenced by military classification systems, but it has been revised extensively and remains in active use today.

B. A classification system published by the American Psychological Association that focuses only on anxiety and mood disorders

This is incorrect because the DSM is published by the American Psychiatric Association, not the American Psychological Association, and it covers a wide range of disorders.

D. A research guide that lists rare psychological traits but does not provide diagnostic criteria

This is false because the DSM-5 provides detailed diagnostic criteria, not just listings of unusual traits.

Correct Answer:

B. Psychological disorders are linked to genetics, brain abnormalities, and chemical imbalances

Explanation:

The biological perspective explains psychological disorders in terms of biological processes, such as heredity, neurotransmitter imbalances, and structural or functional abnormalities in the brain. This perspective is supported by evidence showing strong genetic links in conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Chemical imbalances, like low serotonin levels in depression, and brain abnormalities further support this view. The biological perspective has gained wide acceptance for highlighting the medical and physiological aspects of mental illness.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A. Psychological disorders result solely from negative thinking patterns and poor coping skills

This reflects the cognitive-behavioral perspective, not the biological perspective.

C. Psychological disorders are caused entirely by cultural influences and learned behaviors

This describes the sociocultural or behavioral perspectives, not the biological one.

D. Psychological disorders cannot be explained scientifically and are only matters of personal choice

This is incorrect and stigmatizing. Research clearly shows that psychological disorders have biological and medical bases.

Correct Answer:

A. They believe alcohol or drugs will prevent negative judgment from others in social settings

Explanation:

Individuals with social anxiety disorder often experience overwhelming fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations. To reduce these symptoms, some turn to self-medication strategies, such as consuming alcohol or drugs, because these substances may temporarily lower anxiety and make social interactions feel more manageable. However, this coping mechanism is unhealthy and may increase the risk of substance use disorders, creating further complications in mental health.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

B. They want to avoid social interactions altogether by staying at home

Avoidance is a common behavior in social anxiety disorder, but it does not explain self-medication with substances.

C. They use substances to temporarily reduce their fear of specific objects, such as heights or animals

This describes coping with specific phobias, not social anxiety disorder, which centers on social evaluation fears.

D. They are attempting to control physical illness symptoms unrelated to anxiety

This is incorrect because self-medication in this context is aimed at reducing psychological, not physical, symptoms.

Correct Answer:

B. A set of behaviors, thoughts, or feelings that are atypical, distressful, dysfunctional, and possibly dangerous

Explanation:

Psychological disorders are identified not just by atypicality, but by whether the behaviors, thoughts, or feelings cause distress, dysfunction, or danger. For example, normal sadness after rejection differs from severe depression with hopelessness, loss of interest, and suicidal thoughts. While being rare may make something atypical, rarity alone is not enough to qualify as a disorder. The key criteria are the impact on daily functioning and well-being.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A. Any atypical behavior or trait that deviates from what is considered normal in society

Atypicality alone does not define a disorder. Many atypical traits (like creativity or athletic talent) are not pathological.

C. Any characteristic that is rare in the population, such as red hair

Rarity alone is not a disorder. Red hair is statistically uncommon but not distressful, dysfunctional, or dangerous.

D. Any temporary sadness or frustration experienced after rejection or disappointment

This reflects normal emotional experience, not a disorder. Disorders involve patterns that are severe, persistent, and disruptive to daily life.

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:

B. Difficulty relating to others

Explanation:

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors or restricted interests. One of the hallmark features is difficulty relating to others, which may manifest as limited eye contact, lack of social reciprocity, preference for solitary activities, or difficulty understanding social cues. These social deficits appear early in life and significantly impact daily functioning and relationships.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A. Bed-wetting

Bed-wetting is not a core feature of ASD and may occur independently of the disorder.

C. Short attention span

While attention difficulties may co-occur with ASD, they are not a defining characteristic.

D. Intense and inappropriate interest in others

ASD typically involves reduced or atypical social interest, not heightened or inappropriate interest in others.

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. 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:

B. Preoccupation with imagined or minor physical flaws, leading to repetitive behaviors and distress

Explanation:

Body dysmorphic disorder involves obsessive concern with perceived defects in appearance that are not noticeable or are minor to others. Individuals may believe they look ugly or deformed and engage in behaviors like mirror checking, hiding body parts, or seeking cosmetic surgery. These preoccupations cause significant distress and impair functioning. Prevalence is estimated at about 2.4% in U.S. adults, slightly higher in women than men, making it an important but often overlooked mental health condition.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A. Excessive fear of gaining weight, leading to food restriction and weight loss

This describes anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder, not body dysmorphic disorder.

C. Persistent worry across many areas of life without a specific trigger

This characterizes generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), not body dysmorphic disorder.

D. Intense fear of specific objects or situations, such as flying or heights

This is a specific phobia, not body dysmorphic disorder, which is focused on perceived appearance flaws.