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

Correct Answer:

B. MDD affects about 6.6% of the U.S. population annually and 16.9% over a lifetime, with higher rates in women than men

Explanation:

Major depressive disorder is widespread and often referred to as the “common cold” of psychiatric disorders due to its high prevalence. Each year, about 6.6% of U.S. adults experience MDD, and around 16.9% will develop it at some point in their lives. Women are more likely to experience depression than men, with approximately 20% of women and 13% of men affected. These differences are not fully explained by reporting tendencies but may reflect biological and environmental influences.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A. MDD affects less than 1% of the population and occurs equally among men and women

This underestimates prevalence and ignores gender differences.

C. MDD is extremely rare, occurring mostly in older adults with physical illnesses

This is false because MDD is common across age groups, not just among older adults.

D. MDD is equally common in men and women, with no evidence of gender differences

This is incorrect since women show significantly higher rates than men.

Correct Answer:

B. Recurrent unexpected panic attacks followed by at least one month of concern or behavior change related to the attacks

Explanation:

Panic disorder is diagnosed when a person experiences recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and spends at least one month in persistent concern about additional attacks, fears of their consequences, or engages in maladaptive avoidance behaviors. Panic attacks are defined as sudden surges of intense fear or discomfort that peak within 10 minutes and include symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, trembling, dizziness, choking sensations, and fear of dying. Importantly, the attacks cannot be explained by drugs, medical conditions, or other mental disorders.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A. Intense worry and tension across multiple areas of life without a clear cause

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

C. Fear of specific objects or environments such as animals, elevators, or airplanes

This characterizes specific phobia, not panic disorder.

D. Anxiety limited to social situations where negative judgment may occur

This describes social anxiety disorder, not panic disorder.

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:

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:

B. Schizophrenia results from an overabundance of dopamine or an excessive number of dopamine receptors

Explanation:

The dopamine hypothesis suggests that schizophrenia is linked to excessive dopamine activity in the brain, particularly in areas associated with reward, motivation, and cognition. Overactive dopamine signaling or too many dopamine receptors may contribute to the onset and persistence of symptoms, such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. This theory is supported by the effectiveness of antipsychotic medications, which reduce dopamine activity and alleviate symptoms in many patients.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A. Schizophrenia is caused exclusively by serotonin deficiency in the brain

While serotonin may play a role, the primary focus of the dopamine hypothesis is dopamine dysregulation, not serotonin.

C. Schizophrenia is caused solely by environmental stressors with no biological basis

Environmental stress can contribute, but dopamine dysregulation provides a biological explanation central to the hypothesis.

D. Schizophrenia arises only from structural brain damage without neurotransmitter involvement

This ignores the critical role of neurotransmitters, especially dopamine, in producing core symptoms of schizophrenia.

Correct Answer:

B. Excessive, uncontrollable worry about routine, everyday matters without a justified reason

Explanation:

Generalized anxiety disorder is marked by chronic, excessive, and uncontrollable worry about everyday life events. Individuals with GAD often feel tense, irritable, and fatigued due to the constant state of anxiety. The worries are typically about health, finances, work, or family safety, even when there is little or no real cause for concern. This state of ongoing apprehension disrupts decision-making and daily functioning, making GAD one of the most impairing anxiety disorders.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A. Recurrent panic attacks accompanied by persistent concern about future attacks

This describes panic disorder, not generalized anxiety disorder.

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

This refers to specific phobias, not GAD, which involves broad and nonspecific worries.

D. Persistent avoidance of social situations due to fear of negative evaluation

This describes social anxiety disorder, not GAD.

Correct Answer:

B. A disorder in which individuals show no regard for others’ rights or feelings, acting impulsively, deceitfully, and irresponsibly

Explanation:

Antisocial personality disorder is marked by a pervasive disregard for the rights, feelings, and safety of others. Individuals with ASPD often engage in illegal acts, deceitful or manipulative behavior, impulsivity, irresponsibility, and aggression without remorse. They may display superficial charm and an inflated sense of self. The disorder can be identified in adulthood, though signs often appear earlier in life. Traits include antagonism (disregard for others, manipulativeness) and disinhibition (impulsivity, risk-taking), leading to harmful and socially disruptive behavior.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A. A disorder characterized by instability in relationships, self-image, and mood

This describes borderline personality disorder, not antisocial personality disorder.

C. A disorder involving recurrent panic attacks and persistent worry about future attacks

This characterizes panic disorder, not ASPD.

D. A disorder marked by excessive fear or anxiety about specific objects or social situations

This describes specific phobias or social anxiety disorder, not antisocial personality disorder.

Correct Answer:

B. A condition that develops after exposure to traumatic events, leading to persistent distressing symptoms

Explanation:

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) arises following exposure to traumatic events such as combat, natural disasters, or sexual assault. It was historically called “shell shock” or “combat neurosis” because it was first recognized in soldiers. Later, it became clear that anyone exposed to severe trauma could develop the disorder. PTSD symptoms include intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and avoidance of trauma-related reminders. These symptoms cause significant distress and impairment in daily life.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A. A disorder characterized by excessive worry about everyday matters without a specific trigger

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

C. A phobia involving intense fear of specific objects or situations, such as animals or flying

This refers to specific phobias, not PTSD, which is tied to trauma.

D. A disorder involving recurrent panic attacks unrelated to trauma

This describes panic disorder, not PTSD, which specifically develops after traumatic experiences.