1
Q
According to research on medical education, what does “medical student syndrome” refer to?
A. Students intentionally faking disorders for attention
B. Students developing severe psychotic symptoms during training
C. Students believing they have the disorders they are learning about
D. Students becoming less empathetic as they learn more diseases
A
C. Students believing they have the disorders they are learning about
Self-diagnosis is common in medical students—they temporarily believe they have the illnesses they’re studying. This is called nosophobia, health anxiety, or medical student syndrome.
2
Q
In psychopathology, what does the informal standard “more days than not” mean?
A. A disorder must occur every single day
B. Symptoms must appear only once per month
C. Symptom-present days exceed symptom-absent days
D. Symptoms occur only in high-stress situations
A
C. Symptom-present days exceed symptom-absent days
“More days than not” means symptoms happen most of the time, not necessarily every day. Clinicians look for patterns where symptoms appear more frequently than they don’t.
3
Q
Which statement reflects a common misconception about psychological disorders? myth #1
A. People with psychological disorders behave strangely all the time
B. Most individuals with disorders can still function in daily life
C. People with disorders vary widely in severity
D. Psychological disorders often include both emotional and cognitive symptoms
A
A. People with psychological disorders behave strangely all the time
Myth #1: The belief that people with disorders always act bizarre or unpredictable
People with psychological disorders behave in bizarre ways and are very different from “normal people”
4
Q
Which of the following BEST describes Myth #2 about psychological disorders?
A. People with disorders always stay in hospitals
B. People with disorders are often violent and dangerous
C. All psychological disorders are genetic
D. People with disorders cannot tell fantasy from reality
A
B. People with disorders are often violent and dangerous
This is a major myth. Research shows people with mental disorders are no more violent than the general population, and they are more likely to be victims than perpetrators.
5
Q
Myth #3 states that psychological disorders are incurable. What does research actually show?
A. Most disorders naturally disappear without treatment
B. Disorders are rarely treatable but manageable
C. Many disorders improve significantly with therapy and/or medication
D. Only physical illnesses can be treated
A
C. Many disorders improve significantly with therapy and/or medication
Many disorders respond well to evidence-based treatments (CBT, medication, etc.). “Incurable” is a myth—many people recover or learn to manage symptoms effectively.
6
Q
“Insanity” is best understood as which of the following?
A. A clinical diagnosis given by psychologists
B. A medical category used in the DSM-5
C. A legal concept used in court decisions
D. A symptom of severe anxiety
A
C. A legal concept used in court decisions
Myth #4: “Insanity” is NOT a psychological or medical term—it’s a legal term used in courts to judge criminal responsibility.
7
Q
What does the M’Naghten Rule focus on when determining legal insanity?
A. Whether the person understands social norms
B. Whether the person can distinguish right from wrong
C. Whether the person can communicate with a lawyer
D. Whether the person has a mood disorder
A
B. Whether the person can distinguish right from wrong
The M’Naghten Rule states a person is legally insane when a mental disorder makes them unable to know right from wrong at the time of the offense.
In Canada, someone can be held “Not criminally responsible on account of a mental disorder” (although it is rarely used)
8
Q
Which example illustrates the difference between legal insanity and diagnosis?
A. A person with depression avoids work
B. A bear mauls hikers but does not realize its actions
C. A person has anxiety before a job interview
D. A student believes they have a cold during flu season
A
B. A bear mauls hikers but does not realize its actions
he bear doesn’t “know” right from wrong — similar to why “insanity” is about legal responsibility, not a medical diagnosis. (Of course, bears aren’t put on trial—it’s just an analogy.)
9
Q
What do historical examples like “witchcraft,” “demonic possession,” and “drapetomania” demonstrate about psychological disorders?
A. Disorders never change over time
B. Definitions of abnormality are shaped by cultural and historical context
C. Ancient societies understood mental health better than we do
D. All past definitions were scientifically accurate
A
B. Definitions of abnormality are shaped by cultural and historical context
These antiquated labels show that what counts as a “disorder” depends on cultural beliefs of the time. Behaviours once labeled “abnormal” (e.g., homosexuality, gender non-conformity) are now understood very differently.
10
Q
Which of the following best describes the modern understanding of “disordered behaviour”?
A. Behaviour that always violates the law
B. Behaviour that never changes across cultures
C. Behaviour that is evaluated using multiple criteria rather than one strict rule
D. Behaviour that is only deviant but not harmful
A
C. Behaviour that is evaluated using multiple criteria rather than one strict rule
Psychologists use several factors — deviance, dysfunction, distress, danger, and duration — rather than a single simple definition. Disorder is contextual and not absolute.
11
Q
Which of the Four D’s refers to behaviour that violates cultural norms or expectations?
A. Distress
B. Dysfunction
C. Deviance
D. Duration
A
C. Deviance
Deviance = behaviour that is unusual or doesn’t follow social norms.
But deviance alone is not enough to classify something as a disorder.
Is it deviant, or does it follow societal norms?
12
Q
If a behaviour significantly interferes with a person’s ability to work, study, or maintain relationships, which of the Four D’s is being met?
A. Distress
B. Dysfunction
C. Deviance
D. Danger
A
B. Dysfunction
Is it dysfunctional - that is, does it impair a person’s everyday behaviour?
Dysfunction refers to impairment in daily functioning (e.g., can’t work, can’t maintain hygiene, failing school).
13
Q
Which criterion of abnormality focuses on how much suffering the person themselves reports?
A. Deviance
B. Distress
C. Duration
D. Dysfunction
A
B. Distress
Distress = the subjective experience of suffering.
Some disorders cause intense distress (e.g., panic disorder).
14
Q
Which of the Four D’s focuses on the risk of harm to oneself or others?
A. Distress
B. Duration
C. Dysfunction
D. Danger
A
D. Danger
Danger involves potential harm — e.g., suicidal behaviour or aggression.
It is rare but still considered in diagnosis.
15
Q
Duration was added as a proposed “Fifth D.” What does it refer to?
A. How intense symptoms feel
B. How long symptoms persist
C. Whether symptoms are visible
D. Whether symptoms match cultural expectations
A
B. How long symptoms persist
Short time = temporary reaction.
Long time = possible disorder.
Example:
Feeling sad for 2 days → normal reaction
Feeling sad for 2+ weeks almost every day → may be depression
So duration (how long it lasts) helps psychologists decide if something is normal or a mental disorder.
16
Q
The idea that psychological disorders exist on a continuum means that:
A. People are either fully normal or fully abnormal
B. Behaviour changes only in predictable patterns
C. There is a range from mild to severe, and symptoms can fluctuate over time
D. Disorders only occur in extreme cases
A
C. There is a range from mild to severe, and symptoms can fluctuate over time
Mental health is not all-or-nothing.
People may move along the continuum depending on stress, environment, or time.
17
Q
In the video example of the woman who eats bricks from a wall (pica), which of the following D’s does this behaviour meet?
A. Dysfunction
B. Distress
C. Danger
D. All of the above
A
D. All of the above
Pica (eating non-food items) often meets all D’s:
Deviant: not culturally typical
Dysfunctional: interferes with health + daily life
Distress: may cause shame or discomfort
Danger: serious health risks (malnutrition, poisoning)
Duration: ongoing pattern
18
Q
Which of the following is an example of a behaviour that is deviant but NOT necessarily a psychological disorder?
A. Hearing voices that order you to harm others
B. Eating non-food objects like rocks
C. Wearing a Halloween costume in July
D. Being unable to leave the house due to panic
A
C. Wearing a Halloween costume in July
Something can be unusual (deviant) but not dysfunctional, distressing, dangerous, or long-lasting.
Wearing a Halloween costume in July is unusual but not a psychological disorder.
19
Q
What is a “symptom” in the context of psychological disorders?
A. A personal opinion someone has about their health
B. A physical, behavioural, or mental indicator of a disorder
C. A diagnosis confirmed by a psychiatrist
D. A type of treatment used for mental illness
A
B. A physical, behavioural, or mental indicator of a disorder
A symptom is any feature (physical, mental, or behavioural) that suggests a disorder.
Example from your notes: fatigue can be a symptom of depression.
Symptoms: a physical, behavioural, or mental feature that helps indicate a condition, illness, or disorder (ex, fatigue is often a symptom of depression)
Certain symptoms regularly co-occur -> specific disorder (which makes it hard to classify)
20
Q
Why is classifying psychological disorders sometimes difficult?
A. Symptoms are always unique to each disorder
B. Most disorders have no recognizable symptoms
C. Many symptoms overlap and co-occur across different disorders
D. Psychologists never agree on symptoms
A
C. Many symptoms overlap and co-occur across different disorders
Symptoms often show up in multiple disorders (e.g., sleep problems → anxiety, depression, PTSD), making classification more complex.
21
Q
What was the key finding from the “pseudo-patient” studies?
A. Patients can always accurately diagnose themselves
B. Hospitals easily distinguish real patients from fake ones
C. Once someone is labeled mentally ill, normal behaviour may be interpreted as disordered
D. Psychiatric labels never affect treatment decisions
A
C. Once someone is labeled mentally ill, normal behaviour may be interpreted as disordered
A pseudo-patient is a person who pretends to have a mental disorder so they can secretly test or observe a hospital or clinic. revealing problems with diagnosis and stigma.
The study showed that a mental illness label can make people see disorder even when behaviour is normal.
22
Q
The medical model of psychological disorders emphasizes:
A. Disorders are learned entirely through experience
B. Disorders reflect moral weakness
C. Disorders have biological causes, like illness
D. Disorders do not require treatment
A
C. Disorders have biological causes, like illness
The medical model views mental disorders like physical diseases — caused by biology (brain structure, genetics, neurotransmitters).
23
Q
The psychological model of disorders emphasizes:
A. Only brain damage causes disorders
B. Environment, learning, thoughts, and emotions contribute to disorders
C. Disorders cannot be treated
D. People choose to have mental illnesses
A
B. Environment, learning, thoughts, and emotions contribute to disorders
The psychological model focuses on environment, trauma, learning, thinking patterns, and emotional processes — not just biology.
24
Q
Why was the DSM originally created?
A. To promote one single theory of mental illness
B. To standardize diagnoses so clinicians use the same criteria
C. To classify only rare disorders
D. To eliminate all disagreements in psychology
A
B. To standardize diagnoses so clinicians use the same criteria
The DSM created a shared classification system so diagnosis became more reliable.
25
Which of the following best describes how the DSM has changed over time?
A. It has stayed almost identical since the 1950s
B. It now includes fewer disorders
C. It is constantly updated as scientific knowledge grows
D. It now focuses mainly on supernatural causes
C. It is constantly updated as scientific knowledge grows
Each edition added more research-based criteria, removed outdated concepts, and refined categories. The DSM evolves with new evidence.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental DIsorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) by the AMerican Psychiatric Association (APA)
26
Which example best illustrates symptom co-occurrence?
A. A person with anxiety always sleeps perfectly
B. Fatigue only appears in physical illnesses
C. Sleep problems, fatigue, and concentration issues appear together in depression
D. Mental disorders never share overlapping symptoms
C. Sleep problems, fatigue, and concentration issues appear together in depression
Many disorders share symptoms — a major challenge in classification.
Your notes’ example: fatigue often appears with depression, but also with anxiety and medical conditions.
27
What does the term “prevalence” mean in mental health research?
A. The number of new cases that appear each day
B. The total number or percentage of people who have a disorder in a given time period
C. The cost of treating a disorder
D. The likelihood that a disorder will cause death
B. The total number or percentage of people who have a disorder in a given time period
Prevalence = how common a disorder is within a population over a certain time (e.g., yearly).
28
In 2019, what percentage of adult Canadians experienced serious psychological difficulties in a given year?
A. 5%
B. 10%
C. 20%
D. 50%
C. 20%
1 in 5 adults = 20%.
29
Which age group has the highest rate of psychological disorder in Canada?
A. 5–10 years old
B. 60+ years old
C. 20–29 years old
D. 40–49 years old
C. 20–29 years old
Rates are higher (28%) among people aged 20–29.
30
What is the estimated yearly cost of mental illness in Canada?
A. $5 million
B. $500 million
C. $5 billion
D. $50 billion
D. $50 billion
Mental illness places enormous economic burden: $50 billion per year.
31
According to prevalence data, which disorder category affects 6.2% of Canadians?
A. Psychotic disorders
B. Mood disorders
C. Eating disorders
D. Neurodevelopmental disorders
B. Mood disorders
32
According to the data, what is the prevalence of alcohol/substance use disorders in Canada?
A. 1.0%
B. 2.5%
C. 4.0%
D. 10.0%
C. 4.0%
33
What trend occurred in Canada from 2012 to 2022 regarding mood and anxiety disorders?
A. They decreased significantly
B. They remained the same
C. They increased
D. They disappeared in younger populations
C. They increased
Increase in mood disorders (major depressive episodes) and anxiety disorders (social phobia, GAD).
34
In 2022, what percentage of Canadians met the criteria for mood and anxiety disorders within the last 12 months?
A. 5%
B. 10%
C. 18%
D. 40%
C. 18%
18% in 2022, up from 2012 levels.
35
Which category of psychological disorders is the most common across the lifespan?
A. Psychotic disorders
B. Mood disorders
C. Anxiety disorders
D. Personality disorders
C. Anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders affect nearly 30% of people at some point in their lives — the highest of all categories.
36
Which example best illustrates lifetime prevalence?
A. The number of people who develop anxiety for the first time this week
B. The total percentage of people who have had anxiety at any point in their lives
C. The number of therapy sessions available in a city
D. The cost of treating anxiety disorders
B. The total percentage of people who have had anxiety at any point in their lives
Lifetime prevalence = % of people who ever experienced a disorder.
anxiety disorders ≈ 30% lifetime prevalence.
37
What is the common feature across all psychotic disorders?
A. Extreme mood swings
B. A break from reality, including hallucinations or delusions
C. Excessive worry about daily activities
D. Difficulty keeping attention on tasks
B. A break from reality, including hallucinations or delusions
Psychosis = losing connection with reality.
Includes hallucinations (false sensory experiences) and delusions (false beliefs).
38
The term “schizophrenia” comes from the Greek meaning “split mind.” What does this not mean?
A. That thinking and emotion may be disconnected
B. That the person hears voices
C. That the person has multiple personalities
D. That the person may have disorganized thoughts
C. That the person has multiple personalities
Schizophrenia ≠ multiple personality disorder.
The “split” refers to a split between mental processes (thought, emotion).
39
. Which of the following is an example of a hallucination in schizophrenia?
A. Believing the government implanted a chip in you
B. Hearing voices that are not actually present
C. Having trouble concentrating
D. Showing no emotional expression
B. Hearing voices that are not actually present
Hallucinations = false sensory perceptions (hearing, seeing, feeling things that aren’t real).
40
Which symptom of schizophrenia involves believing something that is clearly untrue or impossible?
A. Flat affect
B. Delusion
C. Anhedonia
D. Social withdrawal
B. Delusion
A delusion = a strongly held false belief (e.g., “I can read people’s minds,” “aliens are controlling me”).
Symptoms
Hallucinations
Delusions (believing something is true which is crazy)
DIsordered thoughts
Bizarre behaviours
these are:
“Positive Symptoms” = presence of atypical behaviours (not good) who has schizophrenia
41
Which of the following is a “positive symptom” of schizophrenia?
A. Low energy
B. Social withdrawal
C. Hallucinations
D. Lack of pleasure
C. Hallucinations
Positive symptoms = presence of abnormal behaviours
Symptoms
Hallucinations
Delusions (believing something is true which is crazy)
DIsordered thoughts
Bizarre behaviours
these are:
“Positive Symptoms” = presence of atypical behaviours (not good) who has schizophrenia
42
Which of the following is a “negative symptom” of schizophrenia?
A. Disorganized speech
B. Delusions of grandeur
C. Flat affect
D. Hallucinations
C. Flat affect
Negative symptoms = absence of normal behaviours, such as:
flat affect
anhedonia
low energy
social withdrawal
Positive symptoms
What people with schizophrenia have that normal people do NOT have.
Negative symptoms
What people with schizophrenia are missing that normal people DO have.
43
Newer research on schizophrenia focuses on deficits in which psychological ability?
A. Long-term memory only
B. Creativity
C. Executive control (planning, decision-making)
D. Musical ability
Deficits means something is lacking, missing, or weaker than normal.
C) Executive control deficits include difficulties with:
organizing behaviour
planning
attention
self-regulation
These play a major role in the disorder.
44
About what percentage of the population is affected by schizophrenia?
A. 0.1%
B. 1%
C. 5%
D. 10%
B. 1%
Schizophrenia affects ~1% of the population
45
According to your notes, what percentage of people with schizophrenia completely recover?
A. 5%
B. 15%
C. 25%
D. 50%
C. 25%
25% completely recover
25% relatively independent
25% need extensive support
15% institutionalized
10% death
46
If a person with schizophrenia withdraws from friends and stops showing emotional expression, these symptoms would be classified as:
A. Only positive symptoms
B. Only cognitive symptoms
C. Negative symptoms
D. Delusional symptoms
C. Negative symptoms
Social withdrawal + flat affect = absence of typical healthy behaviours → negative symptoms.
Social withdrawal and flat affect are NOT healthy.
They are called negative symptoms because normal behaviours are missing.
Normal people show emotion and talk to friends.
In schizophrenia, those normal behaviours disappear, so they become negative symptoms.
46
Which of the following is an example of a negative symptom?
A. Hearing a voice tell you to run
B. Believing you are a famous celebrity
C. Feeling no pleasure from activities you used to enjoy
D. Screaming randomly at strangers
C. Feeling no pleasure from activities you used to enjoy
Anhedonia (lack of pleasure) = negative symptom because something normal is missing.
47
Which of the following correctly describes schizophrenia onset patterns?
A. Men typically develop it earlier (18–25), women later (26–40)
B. Women typically develop it earlier (18–25), men later (26–40)
C. Both men and women show onset only after age 50
D. Onset is random and not age-related
A. Men typically develop it earlier (18–25), women later (26–40)
Men: 18–25
Women: 26–40
Women generally develop schizophrenia later.
48
Which of the following is an early sign of schizophrenia?
A. Sudden improvement in motivation
B. Social withdrawal and decline in functioning
C. Increased emotional expression
D. Higher interest in social activities
B. Social withdrawal and decline in functioning
People often pull away from others and show decreased motivation and functioning.
49
Which factor is part of the theorized causes of schizophrenia?
A. Only poor parenting
B. Only adult stress
C. A mix of genetic risk, environment, infections, and drug use
D. Lack of exercise
C. A mix of genetic risk, environment, infections, and drug use
Schizophrenia develops from multiple factors — not a single cause.
50
Exposure to which type of factor during pregnancy or early childhood may increase schizophrenia risk?
A. Excessive screen time
B. Early diseases or viral infections
C. Too much sleep
D. Mild stress
B. Early diseases or viral infections
Early brain development disruptions (e.g., infections) are linked to higher vulnerability.
51
. Which of the following is a major reason people do NOT seek help during early schizophrenia symptoms?
A. They enjoy their symptoms
B. Early symptoms are vague and resemble normal stress
C. Doctors cannot treat schizophrenia
D. Symptoms are physically painful
B. Early symptoms are vague and resemble normal stress
Main reason: Early symptoms look like normal stress.
➡️ Second reason: People fear stigma.
52
Stigma prevents help-seeking because:
A. People want to be praised
B. People fear being labeled as dangerous or “crazy”
C. Treatment is always harmful
D. Family doctors refuse to listen
B. People fear being labeled as dangerous or “crazy”
Fear of judgment is a major barrier.
53
What is a defining feature of mood disorders?
A. Short bursts of anger
B. Pervasive and long-lasting disturbances in mood
C. Temporary sadness after a bad day
D. Only physical symptoms
B. Pervasive and long-lasting disturbances in mood
Mood disorders involve persistent, long-term changes in mood that interfere with life—not just temporary sadness.
54
According to your notes, when people are depressed, what tends to happen with their thinking?
A. Positive memories become easier to recall
B. Negative thoughts come to mind more easily
C. They think more logically than usual
D. They think faster and more creatively
B. Negative thoughts come to mind more easily
Depression includes a cognitive bias toward negativity—sad memories and negative thoughts become more accessible.
55
The DSM-5 separates mood disorders into which two major categories?
A. Anxiety disorders and stress disorders
B. Depression and psychotic disorders
C. Depression (unipolar) and bipolar disorder
D. PTSD and OCD
C. Depression (unipolar) and bipolar disorder
DSM-5 distinguishes unipolar depression from bipolar disorder, because they require different treatments and have different symptoms.
56
Major Depressive Disorder is characterized by:
A. Excessive energy and racing thoughts
B. Persistent sadness, despair, and loss of interest in pleasure
C. Delusions and hallucinations
D. Constant anger and irritability only
B. Persistent sadness, despair, and loss of interest in pleasure
Key symptoms:
Persistent sadness
Hopelessness
Loss of interest or pleasure (anhedonia)
Unipolar = only depression
Bipolar = depression + mania
57
What percentage of Canadians experience depression in a given year?
A. 2%
B. 5%
C. 8%
D. 20%
C. 8%
Approximately 8% of Canadians experience major depressive disorder each year.
58
How does depression differ between genders in prevalence?
A. Men are twice as likely
B. Women are twice as likely
C. Men and women experience it equally
D. Only women experience depression
B. Women are twice as likely
Depression is 2× more common in women than men—this is a consistent finding in mental health research.
59
At what age can depression begin? Onset
A. Only in childhood
B. Only in late adulthood
C. Only after age 25
D. It can occur at any age
D. It can occur at any age
depression can begin at ANY age—childhood, adolescence, adulthood, or later life.
60
What percentage of people with depression recover within a year when they receive treatment?
A. About 10%
B. About 30%
C. About 50%
D. About 90%
D. About 90%
90% recover within a year with treatment — meaning depression is highly treatable.
61
Which statement about major depressive disorder is true?
A. Once someone recovers, they never experience another episode
B. Most people will have another episode at some point
C. Depression gets worse with treatment
D. Only chronic depression exists
B. Most people will have another episode at some point
Most people who recover from depression experience another episode later in life → depression is often recurrent.
62
Which example best reflects a core symptom of Major Depressive Disorder?
A. Feeling briefly sad after a movie
B. Persistent sadness and losing interest in hobbies for weeks
C. Becoming excited easily
D. Having sudden bursts of energy
B. Persistent sadness and losing interest in hobbies for weeks
63
Mood disorders are classified as “unipolar” when:
A. They involve only hallucinations
B. Mood fluctuates between mania and depression
C. Mood shifts only in one direction (depression)
D. They affect only physical health
C. Mood shifts only in one direction (depression)
Unipolar = one direction → depression only.
Bipolar = two directions → depression + mania.
64
Which of the following is NOT typically associated with major depressive disorder?
A. Persistent sadness
B. Hopelessness
C. Loss of interest in activities
D. Periods of extreme mania
D. Periods of extreme mania
Mania = bipolar disorder, not depression.
Unipolar disorder (Major Depressive Disorder)
Mood goes in one direction only → down (depression)
Includes mild, moderate, severe, and severe with psychosis
No episodes of mania
Much more common than bipolar
65
According to the neuroscientific perspective, depression is associated with:
A. High serotonin and low cortisol
B. Low norepinephrine & serotonin, and high cortisol
C. High dopamine and low cortisol
D. No biological influences
B. Low norepinephrine & serotonin, and high cortisol
Neuroscientific perspective
Genetic predisposition
Low norepinephrine & serotonin activity
High cortisol (recall: stress hormone)
What does “low norepinephrine & serotonin” mean?
It means some brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) involved in:
mood
motivation
energy
pleasure
are too low in depression.
High cortisol = high stress hormone levels. meaning
The HPA axis (hypothalamus → pituitary → adrenal cortex → cortisol) is too active in depression.
So:
→ which releases too much ACTH
→ which produces too much cortisol
➡️ Depression = HPA axis working too much.
66
Which factor is part of the sociocultural explanation of depression?
A. Genetic vulnerability
B. Low social support and environmental stressors
C. High serotonin levels
D. Learned helplessness
B. Low social support and environmental stressors
People are more likely to develop depression when they have little social support and face stressful or difficult life environments.
67
According to the cognitive-behavioural perspective, which concept describes giving up because you feel you have no control over outcomes?
A. Delusional thinking
B. Learned helplessness
C. Role conflict
D. Classical conditioning
Cognitive-behavioural (easy meaning):
It means how you think (cognitive) and how you act (behavioural) are connected.
B. Learned helplessness
Learned helplessness → feeling powerless, so you stop trying.
Cognitive behavioural perspective
Learned helplessness (feel no control in life, give up)
From Automatic negative thinking
The cognitive triad
Thoughts are internal (im negative), Stable (not gonna change), Global (everthin
Negative thoughts about oneself
Negative thoughts about one's experience
Negative thoughts of one's future
This leads to depression
68
The “cognitive triad” consists of negative thoughts about:
A. Sleep, diet, and brain chemistry
B. Others, work, and physical health
C. Oneself, one’s experiences, and one’s future
D. Money, relationships, and intelligence
C. Oneself, one’s experiences, and one’s future
self
experience/world
future
69
Which of the following is an example of automatic negative thinking?
A. “I’m doing fine today.”
B. Instantly thinking “I’m a failure” after a small mistake
C. Planning ahead for stressful events
D. Trying to think positively on purpose
B. Instantly thinking “I’m a failure” after a small mistake
Automatic negative thoughts are immediate, habitual, and pessimistic.
70
Which statement reflects a“pessimistic explanatory style,” part of the depression cycle?
A. “This breakup was caused by many factors, not just me.”
B. “Things will probably improve soon.”
C. “The breakup is completely my fault; everything I do goes wrong.”
D. “I will focus on self-care.”
C. “The breakup is completely my fault; everything I do goes wrong.”
Depressed individuals over-internalize blame, see problems as stable & global.
A pessimistic explanatory style means:
➡️ You blame yourself for bad things, think they will last forever, and believe they affect everything in your life.
Example of a pessimistic explanatory style (easy sentence):
“This bad thing happened because I’m a failure, and it will never get better.”
71
What happens after a hopeless, depressed state in the depression cycle?
A. The person immediately feels better
B. They think more clearly and act normally
C. Their thinking and behaviour become impaired
D. Their stress disappears
C. Their thinking and behaviour become impaired
: depression impairs thinking and behaviour → withdrawal, avoidance.
Impaired = something is damaged or not working normally.
72
Which example fits the sociocultural cause of depression?
A. Having a parent with depression
B. Chronic high cortisol levels
C. Experiencing a breakup and having no social support
D. Low serotonin in the brain
C. Experiencing a breakup and having no social support
Loss of support + stressor = sociocultural pathway.
73
Which factor is part of the neuroscientific explanation but NOT the sociocultural explanation?
A. Stressful life event
B. Lack of friendships
C. Low serotonin activity
D. Isolation
C. Low serotonin activity
Serotonin (and other neurotransmitters) = biological/neuroscientific.
74
Which of the following correctly shows the beginning of the depression cycle?
A. Feeling hopeless
B. Impaired behaviour
C. Negative stressful event
D. Giving up on activities
C. Negative stressful event
Cycle begins with a negative life event (e.g., breakup), then thinking patterns worsen.
75
Which of the following best represents a “global” negative thought in the cognitive triad?
A. “I did poorly on this assignment.”
B. “I never do anything right.”
C. “I will try again tomorrow.”
D. “This specific problem is stressful.”
B. “I never do anything right.”
Global = affects everything (“I fail at everything”), not just a single event.
76
High cortisol in depression is related to:
A. Increased happiness
B. Long-term stress activation
C. Improved memory
D. Better self-esteem
B. Long-term stress activation
Cortisol is the stress hormone—long-term high levels worsen mood.
77
The cycle of depression
Negative stressful events (Break up with partner / no social support)
Pessimistic thoughts and explanations (break up was all my fault)
A hopeless, depressed state (I can’t seem to do anything right, never get over this)
Impairs way the person thinks & acts (I might as well not even bother going out or seeing my friends)
Which future creates….
Thoughts are internal (im negative), Stable (not gonna change), Global (everthin
78
What is the key difference between unipolar depression and bipolar disorder?
A. Bipolar is physical while depression is emotional
B. Depression only includes low mood; bipolar includes both depression and mania
C. Depression only affects women
D. Bipolar disorder has no depressive episodes
B. Depression only includes low mood; bipolar includes both depression and mania
Unipolar disorder (Major Depressive Disorder)
Mood goes in one direction only → down (depression)
Includes mild, moderate, severe, and severe with psychosis
No episodes of mania
Much more common than bipolar
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bipolar disorder
Alternates between depression and mania (or hypomania — a
milder form)
Mania includes:
Decreased need for sleep
Euphoria (feeling “on top of the world”)
Extreme optimism
Increased energy
Increased sex drive
Impulsive/risky behaviour
Excessive spending (“spending sprees”)
Unipolar = one direction (depression only).
Bipolar = depression + mania/hypomania.
79
Which of the following is a symptom of mania in bipolar disorder?
A. Sleeping more than usual
B. Feeling emotionally flat
C. Decreased need for sleep
D. Lack of energy
C. Decreased need for sleep
Mania includes very little sleep, high energy, impulsivity, and euphoria.
Mania: episode of hyperactive, overoptimistic state
Decreased need for sleep
higher sex drive
feeling euphraic
increased energy level
Spending excessive amount of money
80
Mania can involve which behaviour?
A. Feeling hopeless and empty
B. Spending large amounts of money impulsively
C. Avoiding all activities due to low energy
D. Having slow, monotone speech
B. Spending large amounts of money impulsively
A classic symptom: spending sprees, risky financial decisions.
81
Which statement best describes hypomania?
A. A mild form of mania with increased energy but less impairment
B. A type of hallucination
C. A deep state of sadness
D. An inability to feel pleasure
A. A mild form of mania with increased energy but less impairment
Hypomania = “low-level mania” → less severe but still elevated mood and energy.
82
Which group of symptoms best describes a manic episode?
A. Low energy, hopelessness, poor concentration
B. Euphoria, increased sex drive, impulsive spending
C. Fear of public spaces
D. Repetitive checking behaviours
B. Euphoria, increased sex drive, impulsive spending
83
Which disorder includes severe depression with psychosis as a possible category?
A. Bipolar disorder only
B. General anxiety disorder
C. Depressive disorder
D. PTSD
C. Depressive disorder
Depressive disorders range from mild → moderate -> severe → severe with psychosis.
84
What is the typical onset age for bipolar disorder?
A. Infancy
B. Childhood
C. Adolescence or early adulthood
D. After age 70
C. Adolescence or early adulthood
85
What is the lifetime prevalence of bipolar disorder worldwide?
A. 0.1%
B. 1–2.6%
C. 10–15%
D. 40%
B. 1–2.6%
86
Bipolar disorder occurs:
A. Mostly in women
B. Mostly in men
C. Equally in men and women
D. Only in people over age 50
C. Equally in men and women
Equal prevalence in men and women.
87
Bipolar disorder is considered highly heritable. Its heritability rate is approximately:
A. .10–.20
B. .30–.40
C. .50–.60
D. .85–.89
D. .85–.89
.85–.89 heritability → extremely high genetic influence.
88
Which symptom would be found in both depression AND bipolar disorder?
A. Feeling euphoric
B. Decreased need for sleep
C. Loss of interest in usual activities
D. Spending sprees
C. Loss of interest in usual activities
Both disorders include depressive states with anhedonia (loss of pleasure).
89
What makes bipolar disorder a “spectrum” disorder?
A. It only exists in mild form
B. It includes a range from hypomania to full mania
C. It only affects emotions
D. It has no depressive symptoms
B. It includes a range from hypomania to full mania
90
Which condition requires at least one full manic episode for diagnosis?
A. Bipolar I disorder
B. Bipolar II disorder
C. Major depressive disorder
D. Hypomanic disorder
A. Bipolar I disorder
Bipolar I is defined by full mania. Depression may or may not occur.
Bipolar I Disorder
Requires at least ONE full manic episode
Mania is severe enough to:
cause major impairment
possibly require hospitalization
may include psychosis
Full mania = very high energy + risky behaviour + little sleep + racing thoughts + major problems in life.
Bipolar I = must have mania. Depression is optional.
91
Bipolar II disorder is diagnosed when an individual experiences:
A. A full manic episode only
B. Hypomania and major depressive episodes
C. Mania with psychosis
D. No mood episodes at all
B. Hypomania and major depressive episodes
Bipolar II = hypomania + depression (no full mania ever).
Bipolar II Disorder
Requires hypomania + depression
Hypomania = mild mania
NO full manic episode ever
Depression is often severe and long-lasting
More chronic and impairing over time because of depression episodes
Bipolar I = more severe mania (dangerous, fast, dramatic).
Bipolar II = more severe depression (long-lasting, painful). hypomania
92
Which statement best describes mania?
A. A mild increase in energy
B. A short burst of happiness lasting hours
C. A severely elevated mood that impairs functioning
D. Feeling tired and hopeless
C. A severely elevated mood that impairs functioning
Mania is intense, lasts at least a week, causes impairment, and may require hospitalization.
Mania
Extreme elevated mood
Lasts 1 week or more
Causes major impairment
May involve psychosis
May require hospitalization
Very risky behaviour (dangerous spending, unsafe sex, impulsive actions)
93
Which is TRUE about hypomania?
A. It always involves psychosis
B. It requires hospitalization
C. It is a milder form of mania
D. It lasts at least two weeks
C. It is a milder form of mania
Hypomania = “mini-mania” → elevated mood without severe impairment or psychosis.
Hypomania
Milder elevated mood
Lasts 4 days or more
Not severe enough to require hospitalization
No psychosis
Person can often still function
Behaviour noticeable, but not dangerous to same degree
94
Which of the following is seen ONLY in Mania and NOT in Hypomania?
A. Increased energy
B. Elevated mood
C. Psychosis
D. More talkativeness
C. Psychosis
Psychosis (delusions/hallucinations) = mania only, never hypomania.
95
In Bipolar II disorder, which type of episode is REQUIRED for diagnosis?
A. Full mania
B. Hypomania
C. No mood episodes
D. Delusional episodes
B. Hypomania
Bipolar II requires hypomanic episodes (plus depression).
96
Which mood pattern best matches Bipolar I disorder?
A. Depression only
B. Hypomania followed by depression
C. Full mania, with or without depression
D. Hypomania only
C. Full mania, with or without depression
Bipolar I = manic episode is the defining feature. Depression may occur but isn’t required.
97
Which mood pattern best matches Bipolar II disorder?
A. Mania followed by psychosis
B. Hypomania + major depression
C. Mania only
D. Mild sadness with no elevated mood
B. Hypomania + major depression
Bipolar II = the combination of hypomania and major depression.
98
Which symptom would MOST strongly suggest mania instead of hypomania?
A. Talking more than usual
B. Feeling more energetic
C. Needing less sleep
D. Being hospitalized due to risky behaviour
D. Being hospitalized due to risky behaviour
Hospitalization = severe impairment → mania.
99
A person has elevated mood, is more active than usual, but still able to work and function normally. This is most likely:
A. Full mania
B. Major depression
C. Hypomania
D. Psychosis
C. Hypomania
Hypomania does not cause severe impairment. Functioning is mostly intact.
100
Which of the following differentiates Bipolar I from Bipolar II?
A. Only Bipolar I includes depression
B. Only Bipolar II includes psychosis
C. Bipolar I requires full mania; Bipolar II requires hypomania
D. Bipolar II has a higher rate of hospitalization
C. Bipolar I requires full mania; Bipolar II requires hypomania
101
Which episode type must never occur in Bipolar II disorder?
A. Hypomania
B. Depression
C. Full mania
D. Mixed episode
C. Full mania
102
Which statement best describes normal anxiety?
A. It is intense, uncontrollable, and constant
B. It is a temporary response to real-life stressors
C. It always causes panic attacks
D. It prevents a person from functioning
B. It is a temporary response to real-life stressors
Normal anxiety = a temporary, proportional, realistic response to a situation (e.g., exam, job interview).
103
Which statement best describes an anxiety disorder?
A. Anxiety that only appears before big events
B. Anxiety that is proportional to the situation
C. Anxiety that is excessive, persistent, and interferes with functioning
D. Anxiety that improves with rest
C. Anxiety that is excessive, persistent, and interferes with functioning
Anxiety disorder = too intense, too frequent, and impairs daily life.
104
Why is it important to differentiate normal anxiety from an anxiety disorder?
A. Because normal anxiety does not exist
B. To avoid unnecessary medical treatment
C. To make sure people with disordered anxiety receive proper diagnosis and support
D. Because anxiety disorders cannot be treated
C. To make sure people with disordered anxiety receive proper diagnosis and support
Correct identification ensures the right treatment, prevents suffering, and avoids misdiagnosis.
105
Which example reflects an anxiety disorder, NOT normal anxiety?
A. Feeling nervous before a school presentation
B. Worrying excessively every day for months, even when nothing is wrong
C. Getting butterflies before a date
D. Feeling anxious during a dangerous situation
B. Worrying excessively every day for months, even when nothing is wrong
Excessive chronic worry with no clear cause = disorder-level anxiety.
106
Why do many people avoid seeking help for anxiety disorders?
A. They never experience impairment
B. They always believe anxiety is normal
C. Barriers such as stigma and lack of insurance
D. Treatment is ineffective
C. Barriers such as stigma and lack of insurance
107
Which statement best reflects the role of stigma in preventing help-seeking?
A. People like to tell others about their anxiety
B. People fear being judged as “weak” or “overreacting”
C. Stigma encourages people to seek help sooner
D. Everyone understands anxiety disorders
B. People fear being judged as “weak” or “overreacting”
Stigma creates shame → individuals hide symptoms.
108
. Which describes the functional impairment criterion that distinguishes anxiety disorder from normal anxiety?
A. Person can still do everything normally
B. Symptoms interfere with daily tasks such as work, school, or social life
C. Anxiety disappears after a few minutes
D. Person only worries about real threats
B. Symptoms interfere with daily tasks such as work, school, or social life
109
A student feels anxious every day for six months, worries about many different things, and struggles to sleep. This pattern most likely indicates:
A. Normal anxiety
B. Generalized anxiety disorder
C. Lack of motivation
D. Temporary academic stress
B. Generalized anxiety disorder
110
What defines Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
A. Anxiety tied to a specific phobia
B. Chronic, high levels of anxiety not tied to a specific stressor
C. Anxiety only in social situations
D. Anxiety only after traumatic events
B. Chronic, high levels of anxiety not tied to a specific stressor
GAD = persistent, free-floating anxiety not linked to one event.
often dread making decisions
Causes clinically significant impairment
111
Which symptom is COMMON in GAD?
A. Fainting
B. Feeling choked
C. Trouble relaxing and difficulty concentrating
D. Diarrhea
C. Trouble relaxing and difficulty concentrating
Most common → inability to relax, difficulty concentrating, tension, fearfulness.
112
. Which symptom is LEAST common in GAD?
A. Muscle tension
B. Difficulty concentrating
C. Fainting and feeling of choking
D. Restlessness
C. Fainting and feeling of choking
Least common symptoms = fainting, choking feeling, diarrhea, nausea.
113
What percentage of North Americans experience GAD?
A. 1%
B. 3%
C. 6%
D. 20%
C. 6%
GAD prevalence = 6%.
114
GAD is more common in:
A. Men only
B. Women only
C. Women more than men
D. Equal across genders
C. Women more than men
115
OCD is characterized by:
A. Persistent sadness
B. Intrusive unwanted thoughts and repetitive rituals
C. Flashbacks and nightmares
D. Mood swings
B. Intrusive unwanted thoughts and repetitive rituals
Obsessions = intrusive thoughts
Compulsions = rituals
Marked by persistent, uncontrollable intrusions of unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and urges to engage in rituals (compulsion)
myth 1: repetitive or ritualistic behaviours synonymous with OCD (“Synonymous with OCD” means people wrongly think repetitive behaviours are the same thing as OCD.)
myth 2: main symptom is excessive hand washing
myth 3: they don;t understand that they are acting irrationally
OCD has two aspects
1. intrusive thoughts, images, or impulses -> obsession
2. behavioural component compulsions people engage in so people can relief anxiety that the obsessions cause
ex) excessive handwashing, checking things repetitivity
these people have almost no control over their thoughts and the behaviours
these interfere with life causing distress
people with this actually understand the relationship between obsessions and compulsions quite well
OCD is a neurobiological disorder
Low levels of serotonin
116
A person with GAD often has difficulty making decisions because:
A. They cannot feel emotions
B. They dread negative outcomes and worry excessively
C. They prefer others to decide
D. They have trouble hearing
B. They dread negative outcomes and worry excessively
Chronic worry → decision-making dread and avoidance.
Dread means to feel strong fear or worry about something that might happen.
Super simple:
➡️ Dread = be scared of something in the future.
117
What is the estimated lifetime prevalence of OCD?
A. 0.1%
B. 1–2%
C. 5%
D. 10%
B. 1–2%
118
. What is the usual age of onset for OCD?
A. Infancy
B. Childhood
C. Middle age
D. After retirement
B. Childhood
119
Which sequence correctly shows the OCD cycle?
A. Flashback → panic → avoidance
B. Obsession → anxiety → compulsion → relief
C. Depression → mania → psychosis
D. Stress → trauma → avoidance
B. Obsession → anxiety → compulsion → relief
Obsessive thought → anxious feeling → ritual → temporary relief.
Cycle
Obsessive thought (contamination or germs) -> Anxious feeling -> Compulsive beahviour ritual (hand washing) - >
120
An example of an OCD compulsion from your notes is:
A. Avoiding social events
B. Repeated hand washing
C. Overspending
D. Trouble sleeping
B. Repeated hand washing
ritual = handwashing (for contamination obsessions).
Obsession = fear in the mind
For OCD, the obsession is the fear of germs or the intrusive thought like:
➡️ “I might get sick.”
➡️ “My hands are contaminated.”
Compulsion = the action
The compulsion is the repeated hand washing done to reduce the fear.
Super simple:
Obsession = fear of germs
Compulsion = hand washing
121
watch vid for ocd
122
PTSD is marked by which symptoms?
A. Obsessions and rituals
B. Mood swings
C. Flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety about a trauma
D. Excess energy and decreased sleep
C. Flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety about a trauma
Marked by flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, or uncontrollable thoughts about a traumatic event
123
What is the lifetime prevalence of PTSD in Canada?
A. 1%
B. 5%
C. 9%
D. 25%
C. 9%
means how many people in the whole population will experience PTSD at some point in their entire life.
For PTSD in Canada:
➡️ 9% of people will have PTSD at least once in their lifetime.
124
PTSD is more common in:
A. Older adults
B. Elderly people
C. Young people and women
D. Children only
C. Young people and women
125
Which trauma is MOST COMMON among people who develop PTSD?
A. Floods
B. Transportation accidents
C. Losing a pet
D. Divorce
B. Transportation accidents
Transportation accidents (35.3%) are the most common trauma.
126
Which trauma type is MOST LIKELY to lead to PTSD?
A. Losing a job
B. Breaking up with a partner
C. Captivity
D. Watching a sad movie
C. Captivity
Highest risk: Captivity (37%), sexual assault, causing serious injury or death.
127
Which trauma has a high likelihood of causing PTSD according to your notes?
A. A mild argument
B. Sexual assault
C. Getting a bad grade
D. Watching a scary movie
B. Sexual assault
128
According to your notes, most people who experience a stressful or traumatic event:
A. Always develop PTSD
B. Usually develop depression
C. Do NOT develop PTSD
D. Always need medication
C. Do NOT develop PTSD
majority do not develop PTSD after trauma.
129
In the “stress bucket” model, what happens when a person uses coping skills (rest, talking to friends, hobbies)?
A. Water level rises
B. The bucket overflows
C. Water level drains, reducing anxiety
D. The bucket gets bigger
C. Water level drains, reducing anxiety
Coping → drains water → reduces stress.
130
What happens when the “stress bucket” overflows?
A. Person becomes well-rested
B. Anxiety symptoms escalate
C. Person becomes more social
D. Stress disappears
B. Anxiety symptoms escalate
131
Why are OCD prevalence rates likely underestimated?
A. It is easy to detect
B. People with OCD always seek help
C. Shame and stigma prevent reporting
D. OCD only occurs in rural areas
C. Shame and stigma prevent reporting
132
Which symptom contrast is correct for GAD?
A. MOST common → fainting
B. LEAST common → difficulty relaxing
C. MOST common → restlessness and tension
D. MOST common → nausea
C. MOST common → restlessness and tension
133
What is the focus of abnormal psychology?
A. The study of physical disorders
B. The scientific study of psychological disorders
C. The study of normal behaviour
D. The study of brain anatomy
B. The scientific study of psychological disorders
Abnormal psychology = scientific study of psychological disorders.
134
According to the textbook, what percentage of Canadian adults experience serious psychological disturbances in a given year?
A. 5%
B. 10%
C. 20%
D. 50%
C. 20%
Approximately 20% (1 in 5) adults experience significant symptoms yearly.
135
Which age group in Canada has the highest rate of psychological disturbances?
A. 10–19
B. 20–29
C. 30–39
D. 50+
B. 20–29
136
Historically, abnormal behaviour was often interpreted as:
A. A sign of high intelligence
B. Demonic possession or witchcraft
C. Brain inflammation
D. Physical injury
B. Demonic possession or witchcraft
Ancient societies linked “madness” to demons, witches, evil spirits.
137
What percentage of Canadian adults qualify for a diagnosis of at least one mental disorder each year?
A. 10%
B. 15%
C. Nearly 25%
D. 80%
C. Nearly 25%
nearly one-quarter of adults qualify yearly.
138
does dysfunction alone mean someone has a psychological disorder?
A. Yes, always
B. No, context matters
C. Only if they are hospitalized
D. Only if the behaviour is bizarre
B. No, context matters
a Tibetan man setting himself on fire is dysfunctional but may not indicate mental illness → context matters.
139
Which example BEST demonstrates the difference between eccentricity and abnormality?
A. A person who screams randomly at strangers
B. A person who chooses to live alone with many pets and enjoys it
C. A person experiencing delusions
D. A person unable to leave the house due to panic
B. A person who chooses to live alone with many pets and enjoys it
Eccentricity = chosen, pleasurable, deviant but not distressing/dysfunctional.
140
What is a key difference between eccentric behaviour and behaviour caused by a psychological disorder?
A. Eccentric behaviour is extremely rare
B. Eccentric behaviour causes personal suffering
C. Disorder behaviours are involuntary and cause distress; eccentric behaviour is chosen
D. Disorders are more creative
C. Disorder behaviours are involuntary and cause distress; eccentric behaviour is chosen
Disorder → involuntary, distressing, dysfunctional
Eccentric → chosen freely, pleasurable, not harmful
They enjoy being different and often take pride in it
141
Which behaviour is deviant but NOT necessarily abnormal according to the text?
A. Wearing bizarre costumes for artistic expression
B. Hearing voices when alone
C. Believing one is controlled by aliens
D. Having uncontrollable panic attacks
A. Wearing bizarre costumes for artistic expression
142
Why is distinguishing abnormality from eccentricity often difficult?
A. All deviant behaviour is abnormal
B. Social norms differ across cultures and time
C. All unusual behaviour is dangerous
D. Eccentric people hide their symptoms
A. All deviant behaviour is abnormal
B. Social norms differ across cultures and time
definitions depend heavily on social norms and values, which shift across cultures and history.
143
A symptom is defined as:
A. A confirmed diagnosis made by a clinician
B. Any physical, behavioural, or mental feature indicating a disorder
C. A normal reaction to stress
D. A cause of a psychological disorder
B. Any physical, behavioural, or mental feature indicating a disorder
A symptom is physical/behavioural/mental feature suggesting a disorder (e.g., fatigue → depression).
144
When certain symptoms appear together and follow a predictable course, clinicians conclude that:
A. The person is exaggerating
B. The symptoms form a mental disorder
C. There is no underlying issue
D. The disorder is untreatable
B. The symptoms form a mental disorder
Regularly occurring symptom clusters define specific disorders.
145
A classification system refers to:
A. A therapist’s personal opinion
B. A list of disorders with symptom descriptions and diagnostic guidelines
C. A legal code for criminal behaviour
D. A test used to measure intelligence
B. A list of disorders with symptom descriptions and diagnostic guidelines
The DSM and ICD are classification systems that define disorders and diagnostic criteria.
146
Which classification system is used by MOST countries worldwide?
A. DSM-5
B. ICD
C. DSM-IV
D. PCL-R
B. ICD
International Classification of Diseases (ICD) the system used by most countries to
classify psychological disorders; published by the World Health Organization and
currently in its 11th edition (ICD-10)
147
Which classification system is primarily used in Canada and North America?
A. ICD-11
B. DSM-5
C. APA-1
D. DSM-III
B. DSM-5
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
148
What is the purpose of using a classification system like the DSM during diagnosis?
A. To make treatment more expensive
B. To ensure consistent, research-based decision-making
C. To eliminate the need for therapy
D. To label people permanently
B. To ensure consistent, research-based decision-making
DSM ensures clinicians use shared, standardized criteria → consistent diagnosis
The DSM helps doctors diagnose mental disorders in a consistent, scientific way so everyone uses the same rules.
149
A diagnosis refers to:
A. A prediction about future mental illness
B. A clinician’s decision that symptoms match a particular disorder
C. A permanent medical label
D. A patient’s opinion of their own condition
B. A clinician’s decision that symptoms match a particular disorder
Diagnosis = symptoms fit criteria of a specific disorder.
150
Why does receiving a diagnosis help clinicians treat clients?
A. Because it guarantees a cure
B. It indicates which treatment approaches have worked for similar cases
C. It prevents comorbidity
D. It replaces the need for therapy
B. It indicates which treatment approaches have worked for similar cases
Diagnoses link clients to researched patterns, known courses, effective treatments.
151
Diane Markos might receive diagnoses for both major depressive disorder and avoidant personality disorder. This is an example of:
A. Misdiagnosis
B. Stigma
C. Comorbidity
D. Classification bias
C. Comorbidity
Comorbidity = two or more diagnoses in one person.
152
Comorbidity means:
A. A disorder that is untreatable
B. A disorder caused by physical illness
C. Co-occurrence of two or more disorders in one person
D. A disorder that changes over time
C. Co-occurrence of two or more disorders in one person
comorbidity = two+ diagnoses in the same individual.
153
Which criticism is commonly directed at the DSM-5?
A. It gives too much weight to environmental stress
B. It ignores pharmacology entirely
C. It includes constructs that are too vague or narrow
D. It classifies only a few disorders
C. It includes constructs that are too vague or narrow
Professionals express concerns about vague (“fuzzy”) constructs and narrow definitions.
Some DSM-5 categories are criticized for being too unclear or too narrowly defined, making diagnosis harder.
154
Define and explain the “Four Ds” of abnormal behaviour
1. Deviance
Behaviour, thoughts, or emotions that go against social norms or expectations.
Example: Hearing voices when no one is there is deviant.
2. Distress
Behaviour causes personal suffering, anxiety, or emotional pain.
Example: A person feels overwhelmed, hopeless, or terrified by their symptoms.
3. Dysfunction
Behaviour interferes with daily life, work, relationships, or self-care.
Example: Cannot get out of bed, cannot maintain hygiene, cannot work or study.
4. Danger
Behaviour puts the person or others at risk.
Example: Suicidal behaviour, violent impulses, reckless actions.
Important:
Not all four need to be present — but the more present, the more likely the behaviour is abnormal.
Some behaviour can be deviant but still not a disorder (e.g., eccentricity).
155
Who publishes the DSM-5?
A. World Health Organization
B. Canadian Psychological Association
C. American Psychiatric Association
D. International Mental Health Board
C. American Psychiatric Association
156
What is one major criticism of the DSM-5?
A. It includes too many biological causes
B. It ignores symptoms
C. It contains vague constructs and overlooks social causes like poverty
D. It has not been updated since the 1950s
C. It contains vague constructs and overlooks social causes like poverty
A major criticism of the DSM-5 is that some diagnoses are unclear, and it doesn’t consider social factors like poverty that can affect mental health.
157
What is the central idea of the neuroscience model of abnormal behaviour?
A. Disorders are caused by unconscious conflicts
B. Disorders arise from malfunctioning brain structures or brain chemistry
C. Disorders are learned through observation
D. Disorders are created by spiritual imbalance
B. Disorders arise from malfunctioning brain structures or brain chemistry
Neuroscientists view mental disorders as brain-based illnesses involving structural or chemical malfunction.
For depression, neuroscience says:
Low serotonin
Low norepinephrine
High cortisol (too much stress hormone)
These are examples of brain chemistry problems that can lead to abnormal behaviour.
Super simple:
➡️ Neuroscience model = mental disorders are caused by the brain not working properly.
158
Low levels of which neurotransmitters are associated with depression?
A. Dopamine and GABA
B. Acetylcholine and glutamate
C. Norepinephrine and serotonin
D. Melatonin and oxytocin
C. Norepinephrine and serotonin
depression → low serotonin + low norepinephrine.
159
High levels of cortisol in the endocrine system are linked to:
A. OCD
B. Generalized anxiety disorder
C. Depression
D. Antisocial personality disorder
C. Depression
Cortisol = stress hormone, strongly linked to depressive disorders.
160
According to the neuroscience model, which two factors may contribute to abnormal brain structure or functioning?
A. Cognitive errors and family conflict
B. Trauma and classical conditioning
C. Genetics and viral infections
D. Social norms and cultural expectations
C. Genetics and viral infections
neuroscience researchers highlight genetics + viral infections.
Neuroscience says genes and viral infections in early infancy can affect how the brain develops.
161
What does genetic research suggest about the causes of disorders like schizophrenia or mood disorders?
A. A single defective gene causes them
B. They are entirely environmental
C. Multiple genes combine with environmental triggers
D. They are caused by rare viruses only
C. Multiple genes combine with environmental triggers
No single gene → many genes + environmental stress produce disorders.
162
What is a major criticism of the neuroscience model when used alone?
A. It ignores biological causes
B. It is too focused on childhood trauma
C. It is reductionist and ignores social/psychological factors
D. It cannot be tested scientifically
C. It is reductionist and ignores social/psychological factors
162
Viral exposure in early life has been linked to which disorder in some studies?
A. Personality disorder
B. ADHD
C. Schizophrenia
D. OCD
C. Schizophrenia
Research suggests early viral exposure may lie dormant until puberty → triggering schizophrenia.
163
The biopsychosocial model argues that abnormal behaviour results from:
A. Brain defects alone
B. Childhood trauma only
C. Biological, psychological, and social factors interacting
D. Poor parenting alone
C. Biological, psychological, and social factors interacting
Biopsychosocial = all three domains interact.
164
Which of the following is part of the “biological” component of the biopsychosocial model?
A. Relationship conflicts
B. Genetic and epigenetic influences
C. Parenting styles
D. Social networks
B. Genetic and epigenetic influences
Biological domain includes genes, epigenetics, hormones, brain structure.
165
The diathesis-stress model states that disorders occur when:
A. Stress is eliminated
B. A genetic vulnerability is activated by environmental stress
C. A person avoids stress
D. A person experiences no trauma
B. A genetic vulnerability is activated by environmental stress
Diathesis = predisposition; stress = trigger.
Genetic vulnerability = your body is built in a way that makes you more likely to develop a disorder.
Genetic vulnerability
Your body and brain are built in a way that makes you more likely to get a disorder.
You are more sensitive or more prone to it.
✔ Environmental trigger
Stress, trauma, conflict, or life problems can activate that vulnerability.
166
According to the cognitive-behavioural model, disorders result from:
A. Spiritual imbalance
B. Early childhood memories
C. Problematic learned behaviours + dysfunctional thoughts
D. Too much social interaction
C. Problematic learned behaviours + dysfunctional thoughts
Unhelpful thought (cognitive):
➡️ “Something bad will happen if I go to class.”
Unhelpful behaviour (behavioural):
➡️ The person avoids going to class.
What happens?
Avoiding class makes the anxiety stronger, because the person never learns that they would’ve been safe.
The thought stays negative, and the behaviour keeps repeating.
167
Which learning process can explain phobias according to the behavioural perspective?
A. Observational learning only
B. Operant conditioning only
C. Classical conditioning
D. Intuition
C. Classical conditioning
Neutral stimulus + fear stimulus → phobia
Neutral stimulus = not scary at first
Fear stimulus = naturally scary
When they happen together → the neutral thing becomes scary (phobia)
.
168
Operant conditioning can contribute to abnormal behaviour because:
A. Punishment always eliminates disorders
B. Positive reinforcement can increase maladaptive behaviours
C. Phobias disappear automatically
D. People only respond to rewards, not punishments
B. Positive reinforcement can increase maladaptive behaviours
Rewarding comfort (e.g., substance use, avoidance) strengthens the behaviour.
169
Which example shows modelling contributing to abnormal behaviour?
A. A child develops a fear after watching a parent panic
B. A child is born with a phobia
C. A child improves after being rewarded
D. A child stops misbehaving after punishment
A. A child develops a fear after watching a parent panic
Observing others → learning maladaptive behaviour
A child watches their parent panic about something (like spiders or crowds).
The child copies this fear and learns to be scared too.
Super simple:
➡️ Modelling = learning fear by watching someone else be afraid..
170
Which thinking error is defined as “seeing only the negative features of an event”?
A. Overgeneralization
B. Selective perception
C. Magnification
D. Intuition
B. Selective perception
Selective perception means you focus only on the negative parts of a situation and ignore the positive parts.
171
“Blowing a small problem out of proportion” refers to:
A. Magnification
B. Selective perception
C. Denial
D. Overgeneralization
A. Magnification
Magnification means taking a small problem and making it feel much bigger or worse than it really is.
172
Drawing a broad negative conclusion from a single small event is called:
A. Tunnel vision
B. Catastrophizing
C. Overgeneralization
D. Repression
C. Overgeneralization
173
According to the psychodynamic model, abnormal behaviour results from:
A. Visible, conscious processes
B. Unconscious conflicts and attempts to reduce inner turmoil
C. Diet and exercise patterns
D. Social pressures only
B. Unconscious conflicts and attempts to reduce inner turmoil
Turmoil means strong inner stress, confusion, or emotional trouble.
174
The sociocultural model argues that disorders are best understood by examining:
A. Personal dreams
B. Family, society, culture, and social forces
C. Brain scans
D. Childhood only
B. Family, society, culture, and social forces
175
Rapid social change (e.g., urbanization) is associated with:
A. Decreased mental disorder rates
B. No impact on mental health
C. Increased risk of psychological disorders
D. Improved social functioning
C. Increased risk of psychological disorders
Big, fast changes in society create stress, loneliness, and pressure → which can raise the chance of psychological disorders.
176
Which group shows the highest rates of psychological abnormality?
A. Upper socio-economic class
B. Middle class
C. Lower socio-economic class
D. Elite groups
C. Lower socio-economic class
Lower SES → more stressors (poverty, crime, unemployment, poor access to care).
177
The Neuroscience (Biological) Model
Core idea:
Mental disorders are caused by malfunctioning brain structure or chemical imbalances.
Key contributors
Neurotransmitters
Low serotonin + low norepinephrine → depression
Hormones
High cortisol → depression
Brain structure
No consistent structure differences in serial killers
Genetics
Disorders caused by multiple genes, not just one
Genes create predispositions,(A predisposition means you have a natural tendency or higher chance of developing something.) → activated by environment
Viral infections
Early viral exposure may trigger schizophrenia at puberty
Viruses also linked to mood/anxiety disorders
Limitations / Criticisms
Too reductionist (oversimplifies disorders to biology only)
Doesn’t include environmental or psychological factors
Neuroscience hasn’t influenced DSM much due to lack of consistent brain markers
178
Biopsychosocial Model
Core idea:
Mental disorders come from interaction of:
Biological factors → genes, hormones, brain structure
Psychological factors → beliefs, thoughts, coping, personality
Social factors → culture, family, SES, life events
179
Diathesis-Stress Model
Core idea:
People inherit a predisposition (“diathesis”), but stress triggers the disorder.
Example:
Two siblings inherit risk for depression
One experiences trauma (accident, grief) → develops disorder
The other does not → stays mentally healthy
You inherit a biological risk (genetic predisposition),
but stressful life events decide whether the disorder actually appears.
Diathesis-stress model = biopsychosocial model in action.
Diathesis = biological risk (neuroscience).
➡️ Stress = environmental trigger.
➡️ Both together → disorder develops.
180
Cognitive-Behavioural Model
Core idea:
Disorders result from maladaptive learning (behavioural) AND dysfunctional thoughts (cognitive).
Behavioural Components:
Classical conditioning → phobias (neutral stimulus paired with fear)
Operant conditioning → rewards reinforce maladaptive behaviours (e.g., substance use, eating patterns)
Modelling → learning abnormal behaviour by watching others (e.g., aggressive parents)
Cognitive Components:
Disorders arise from:
Maladaptive beliefs
Illogical thinking
Negative interpretations of events
Common thinking errors:
Selective perception → only seeing negatives
Magnification → blowing problems out of proportion
Overgeneralization → drawing broad negative conclusions from one event
181
Psychodynamic Model
Core idea:
Abnormal behaviour comes from unconscious conflicts between internal psychological forces.
182
Sociocultural Model
Core idea:
Abnormal behaviour is shaped by social, cultural, and family influences.
Key factors:
Social change
Urbanization → higher mental illness rates
Socioeconomic class
Lower SES → more stress, more mental disorders
Family systems & cultural pressures
183
According to the cultural perspective, abnormal behaviour is best understood by:
A. Ignoring culture and focusing only on biology
B. Examining an individual’s unique cultural context and pressures
C. Comparing people only within Western societies
D. Assuming all cultures have the same norms
B. Examining an individual’s unique cultural context and pressures
Culture (values, pressures, discrimination) shapes stress and mental health.
184
What do studies show about women and mental disorders?
A. Women are less likely than men to have depression or anxiety
B. Women are at least twice as likely to be diagnosed with depressive and anxiety disorders
C. Men and women have identical rates with no differences
D. Women rarely seek treatment
B. Women are at least twice as likely to be diagnosed with depressive and anxiety disorders
Text also notes this may be partly because women seek treatment more.
185
Religion / Spirituality
7. Research suggests that genuinely spiritual people tend, on average, to be:
A. More lonely and pessimistic
B. Less lonely, less depressed and anxious
C. More likely to abuse drugs
D. More likely to attempt suicide
B. Less lonely, less depressed and anxious
Spirituality can provide comfort, hope, meaning, and better coping.
186
What have researchers found about people with poor social support?
A. They handle stress better
B. They are less likely to become depressed
C. They are more likely to become depressed and stay depressed longer
D. Social support has no effect
C. They are more likely to become depressed and stay depressed longer
187
According to family systems theory, a family is seen as:
A. A random collection of individuals
B. A system of interacting parts with its own rules and patterns
C. A purely biological unit
D. A structure that never affects behaviour
B. A system of interacting parts with its own rules and patterns
Each family has implicit rules and communication patterns shaping members’ behaviour.
188
What does family systems theory say about some “abnormal” behaviours?
A. They are always due to brain damage
B. They arise randomly
C. They may be forced by dysfunctional family rules and structures
D. They occur only in children
C. They may be forced by dysfunctional family rules and structures
Sometimes, acting “normally” would actually disrupt the family’s fragile balance.
Family systems theory says that sometimes a person’s “abnormal” behaviour happens because the family structure is unhealthy, and the person’s behaviour helps the family keep its balance.
189
Developmental psychopathology focuses on:
A. Only adult disorders
B. How disorders develop over time from genes + early experiences
C. Brain scans only
D. Short-term stress responses
B. How disorders develop over time from genes + early experiences
Psychopathology = what disorders are.
Developmental psychopathology = how disorders start and develop across life (especially childhood → adulthood).
190
What are risk factors in developmental psychopathology?
A. Only genetic mutations
B. Factors that guarantee a disorder
C. Biological and environmental factors that increase chances of negative outcomes
D. Only traumatic events
C. Biological and environmental factors that increase chances of negative outcomes
Biological: genes, brain chemistry, prenatal issues
Environmental: trauma, abuse, poverty, stress, family conflict
191
Equifinality means:
A. Different children start at the same point and end in the same place
B. Different children start from different places but end up with the same outcome
C. All children with risk factors develop disorders
D. All outcomes are random
B. Different children start from different places but end up with the same outcome
Different paths → same outcome (e.g., conduct disorder from different risk combos).
Three children all end up with depression, but for different reasons:
Child 1: trauma
Child 2: genetics
Child 3: chronic stress
Even though their paths were different, the outcome is the same.
192
Multifinality means:
A. All children with risk factors develop the same disorder
B. Children start from the same place but may end up with different outcomes
C. Risk factors don’t matter
D. Everyone ends up with a disorder
B. Children start from the same place but may end up with different outcomes
Same starting point → many different outcomes (pathology or resilience).
Two children both experience trauma:
One develops PTSD
One develops depression
One stays healthy and resilient
They started in the same place, but their outcomes were different.
Same beginning → different endings.
193
In the conduct disorder example, equifinality is shown by the idea that:
A. Only parenting style matters
B. Different risk factors (difficult temperament, poor parenting, poor social skills) can all lead to conduct disorder
C. All difficult children will have conduct disorder
D. Conduct disorder always comes from abuse
B. Different risk factors (difficult temperament, poor parenting, poor social skills) can all lead to conduct disorder
194
Which concept explains why not every difficult child with poor parenting develops conduct disorder?
A. Equifinality
B. Multifinality
C. Comorbidity
D. Reductionism
Multifinality means children can start in the same situation but end up with different outcomes.
So:
Two difficult children
Both have poor parenting
One develops conduct disorder
One develops anxiety
One stays healthy
195
Resilience refers to:
A. Never experiencing stress
B. Being unaffected by any negative events
C. The ability to recover from or avoid serious effects of negative circumstances
D. Ignoring problems until they go awa
C. The ability to recover from or avoid serious effects of negative circumstances
196
Which of the following is not one of the major models used to explain abnormal functioning?
A. Neuroscience model
B. Cognitive-behavioural model
C. Psychodynamic model
D. Astrology model
D. Astrology model
The major models include neuroscience, cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic, humanistic/existential, socio-cultural, and developmental psychopathology.
197
Which of the following are major brain-related causes of abnormal functioning?
A. Only upbringing and social values
B. Viral infections, genetics, neurotransmitter imbalances, and abnormal brain structures
C. Daydreaming and poor attention
D. Differences in personality types
B. Viral infections, genetics, neurotransmitter imbalances, and abnormal brain structures
Genetics
Neurotransmitter imbalance
Hormonal abnormalities (e.g., cortisol)
Brain structure differences
Viral infections affecting the brain
198
According to the cognitive-behavioural model, which of the following can lead to abnormal functioning?
A. Eating too much sugar
B. Maladaptive learned behaviours and dysfunctional thoughts
C. Only hormonal imbalances
D. Astrological changes
B. Maladaptive learned behaviours and dysfunctional thoughts
Cognitive-behavioural theorists highlight:
Learned behaviours (conditioning, modelling)
Dysfunctional thinking (illogical thoughts, maladaptive beliefs)
Interaction of thoughts + behaviour
(Bad thought): dysfunctional thougths
“Everyone will think I’m stupid.”
+
(Bad behaviour): maladaptive learned behav
Avoiding school or social situations.
(Bad thought → dysfunctional thought):
“Everyone will think I’m stupid.”
+
(Bad behaviour → maladaptive learned behaviour):
Avoiding school or social situations.
=
(Outcome):
Social anxiety becomes stronger.
(Outcome):
Social anxiety becomes stronger.
199
Which of the following is an example of an illogical thinking pattern identified by Aaron Beck?
A. Self-actualization
B. Selective perception
C. Neurosis
D. Catharsis
B. Selective perception
Beck described selective perception, magnification, and overgeneralization as cognitive errors contributing to disorders.
Selective perception = seeing only the bad, not the good.
200
How are the humanistic and existential models similar?
A. Both believe people have no control over their behaviour
B. Both focus on self-awareness, meaning, and personal responsibility
C. Both focus solely on brain chemistry
D. Both assume people are born aggressive
B. Both focus on self-awareness, meaning, and personal responsibility
Both models emphasize self-awareness, choice, meaning, and authentic living.
and making healthy choices.
201
How do the humanistic and existential models differ?
A. Humanists focus on self-actualization; existentialists focus on confronting meaninglessness
B. Humanists study the brain; existentialists study culture
C. Humanists deny free will; existentialists accept it
D. Existentialists only study childhood trauma
A. Humanists focus on self-actualization; existentialists focus on confronting meaninglessness
Humanistic → personal growth & unconditional positive regard
Existential = be your true self, take responsibility for your life, and face life’s big worries instead of avoiding them.
202
Which statement best describes cultural factors linked to abnormal functioning?
A. Culture has no impact on mental health
B. Cultural values and discrimination can create stress that contributes to mental illness
C. Only genetics matter across cultures
D. Abnormality looks the same in all cultures
B. Cultural values and discrimination can create stress that contributes to mental illness
Cultural pressures, discrimination, minority stress, and social expectations significantly affect mental health.
203
Which social factor has been strongly linked to higher rates of abnormal functioning?
A. High income
B. Large family size
C. Lower socio-economic status
D. Eating organic food
C. Lower socio-economic status
Lower SES → more crime, unemployment, isolation, poor housing, higher stress → higher mental illness rates.
204
Which of the following is an example of a social network factor affecting abnormal functioning?
A. Eating spicy food
B. Having warm, supportive relationships reduces depression risk
C. Having a large house increases anxiety
D. Being left-handed increases mental illness risk
B. Having warm, supportive relationships reduces depression risk
205
What does developmental psychopathology emphasize?
A. That disorders come from a single cause
B. That only adulthood experiences shape behaviour
C. That genes + early experience + psychology interact over time
D. That disorders cannot be prevented
C. That genes + early experience + psychology interact over time
206
In mood disorders, “unipolar” refers to:
A. Only mania
B. Only depression
C. Both depression and mania
D. Neither depression nor mania
B. Only depression
207
Bipolar disorder is defined as:
A. Long-term mild depression only
B. Alternating or mixed episodes of depression and mania
C. Sudden brief mood swings with no pattern
D. Depression caused by drugs
B. Alternating or mixed episodes of depression and mania
208
Depression is best defined as:
A. A brief sad feeling after a bad day
B. A persistent sad state where life seems dark and overwhelming
C. A period of extreme happiness
D. A state of emotional numbness only
B. A persistent sad state where life seems dark and overwhelming
209
Mania is best defined as:
A. A persistent state of euphoria or frenzied energy
B. A brief mood swing
C. A loss of all emotions
D. A mild energy boost
A. A persistent state of euphoria or frenzied energy
210
Major depressive disorder is:
A. Any sadness that lasts a day
B. Depression caused directly by medical illness
C. A significantly disabling depressed mood not due to drugs/medical condition
D. Mild low mood that does not impair functioning
C. A significantly disabling depressed mood not due to drugs/medical condition
211
Most people with mood disorders experience:
A. Only mania
B. Only depression (unipolar)
C. Only psychosis
D. No change in mood
B. Only depression (unipolar)
Most people with mood disorders have unipolar depression, which means they experience only depression and no manic episodes.
Super simple:
➡️ Most mood disorders are just depression, not bipolar mania.
212
Approximately what percentage of adults in Canada are diagnosed with major depressive disorder in a given year?
A. 2%
B. 5%
C. 8%
D. 20%
C. 8%
213
Compared to men, women are:
A. Equally likely to be diagnosed with depression
B. Half as likely
C. At least twice as likely
D. Never diagnosed
C. At least twice as likely
214
A key distinction between “feeling sad” and major depressive disorder is:
A. MDD involves severe, long-lasting psychological pain and impairment
B. Sadness never happens in MDD
C. MDD always lasts one day
D. Sadness is always a disorder
A. MDD involves severe, long-lasting psychological pain and impairment
215
Depression symptoms span which five areas of functioning?
A. Emotional, behavioural, social, genetic, spiritual
B. Emotional, motivational, behavioural, cognitive, physical
C. Cognitive, genetic, hormonal, social, spiritual
D. Physical, financial, social, spiritual, genetic
B. Emotional, motivational, behavioural, cognitive, physica
216
Which of the following is a common cognitive feature of depression?
A. High self-esteem and optimism
B. Negative self-view and pessimism about the future
C. Complete absence of thoughts
D. Grandiose beliefs
B. Negative self-view and pessimism about the future
217
The learned helplessness theory says people become depressed when they:
A. Have too many rewards
B. Believe they have no control over rewards/punishments and blame themselves
C. Have no genetic risk
D. Never experience failure
B. Believe they have no control over rewards/punishments and blame themselves
218
In the attribution-helplessness version, people are more likely to get depressed if they explain bad events as:
A. External, unstable, specific
B. Internal, global, stable
C. Internal, unstable, specific
D. External, global, unstable
B. Internal, global, stable
219
According to Beck, the cognitive triad involves negative views about:
A. Self, parents, teachers
B. Self, experiences/world, future
C. Brain, genes, hormones
D. Friends, media, society
B. Self, experiences/world, future
220
A core socio-cultural finding is that depression is:
A. Never linked to relationships
B. Often triggered or worsened by outside stressors and low social support
C. Independent of social context
D. Seen only in wealthy people
B. Often triggered or worsened by outside stressors and low social support
221
In bipolar disorder, people experience:
A. Only mania
B. Only depression
C. Both depression and mania (or hypomania)
D. Only psychosis
C. Both depression and mania (or hypomania)
222
A typical behavioural/cognitive feature of mania is:
A. Slow movement and speech
B. Low energy and fatigue
C. Rapid speech, poor judgment, impulsive spending
D. Complete emotional flatness
C. Rapid speech, poor judgment, impulsive spending
223
During mania, people typically:
A. Sleep a lot and feel tired
B. Get very little sleep but feel energetic
C. Need 12 hours of sleep to function
D. Have normal sleep and energy
B. Get very little sleep but feel energetic
224
Bipolar disorder is:
A. Far more common in women
B. Far more common in men
C. Roughly equally common in men and women
D. Only present in low SES groups
C. Roughly equally common in men and women
225
Which model best explains bipolar disorder as genes + stress/goal-related events interacting?
A. Psychodynamic model
B. Diathesis-stress model
C. Behaviourist model
D. Humanistic model
B. Diathesis-stress model
Why it’s the diathesis-stress model:
Bipolar disorder happens when:
Genes (diathesis) create a biological vulnerability
Stress or intense goal-related events (stress) trigger episodes
This fits perfectly with the diathesis-stress model.
And yes — this also fits the biopsychosocial model
Because:
Bio: genes, brain chemistry
Psycho: personality, coping
Social: stress, life events
Super simple:
➡️ Diathesis-stress explains bipolar because genes + stress combine to trigger the disorder.
➡️ This idea fits inside the bigger biopsychosocial model.
226
What is the key difference between bipolar disorder and major depression?
A. Bipolar includes episodes of mania, depression does not
B. Bipolar is less severe than depression
C. Depression includes mania but bipolar does not
D. Depression happens only once in a lifetime
A. Bipolar includes episodes of mania, depression does not
Major depression = only depressive episodes (low mood, low energy).
Bipolar disorder = both depression AND mania (a period of extremely high energy, risky behaviour, little sleep).
Mania is what makes bipolar different.
227
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is best defined as:
A. Fear of specific objects
B. Sudden brief attacks of terror
C. Excessive anxiety and worry under most circumstances
D. Anxiety only in social situations
C. Excessive anxiety and worry under most circumstances
228
To meet criteria for GAD, excessive anxiety must be accompanied by at least how many of the listed symptoms (restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, sleep problems, etc.)?
A. One
B. Two
C. Three
D. Five
C. Three
229
In the GABA feedback model of anxiety, GABA normally:
A. Increases neuron firing and arousal
B. Stops neuron firing and reduces anxiety
C. Destroys receptors permanently
D. Has no effect on fear
B. Stops neuron firing and reduces anxiety
**GABA = the brain’s “calm-down” chemical.
What it does:
Slows down neuron firing
Reduces anxiety
Helps your body relax
Helps stop fear signals**
230
People with GAD may have:
A. Too much GABA
B. Too few GABA receptors or poorly working receptors
C. No neurotransmitters at all
D. Only serotonin problems
B. Too few GABA receptors or poorly working receptors
231
Social anxiety disorder involves:
A. Fear of closed spaces
B. Fear of blood only
C. Severe, persistent, irrational fear of social or performance situations
D. Fear of leaving home
C. Severe, persistent, irrational fear of social or performance situations
232
A phobia is:
A. General worry about many things
B. A persistent and unreasonable fear of a specific object, activity, or situation
C. A brief, mild fear that passes quickly
D. Fear only during nightmares
B. A persistent and unreasonable fear of a specific object, activity, or situation
A phobia forms when a neutral stimulus gets paired with a fear stimulus (classical conditioning), and then dysfunctional thoughts plus avoidance behaviours (cognitive-behavioural) make the fear stay strong.
233
Specific phobias are most accurately described as:
A. Fear of any social situation
B. Intense fear of a particular object or situation (e.g., spiders, heights)
C. Generalized fear and worry
D. Panic attacks without triggers
B. Intense fear of a particular object or situation (e.g., spiders, heights)
234
Which of the following is not one of the common categories of specific phobia?
A. Animals
B. Natural environments (heights, dark)
C. Situations (elevators, bridges)
D. Intelligence
D. Intelligence
235
Panic attacks are:
A. Long-lasting low-level anxiety states
B. Periodic, short bouts of intense panic that peak within minutes
C. Mild waves of sadness
D. Only reactions to real, immediate danger
B. Periodic, short bouts of intense panic that peak within minutes
236
Panic disorder is diagnosed when:
A. A person has one panic attack after a trauma
B. Panic attacks only occur during sleep
C. Recurrent, unpredictable panic attacks occur without clear provocation
D. Panic occurs only during exercise
C. Recurrent, unpredictable panic attacks occur without clear provocation
237
Agoraphobia is:
A. Fear of spiders
B. Fear of leaving one’s house at night only
C. Fear of public places where escape or help may be difficult if panic occurs
D. Fear of being alone at home
C. Fear of public places where escape or help may be difficult if panic occurs
238
Obsessions are:
A. Repetitive behaviours
B. Persistent intrusive thoughts, ideas, impulses, or images
C. Sudden mood swings
D. Recurrent nightmares only
B. Persistent intrusive thoughts, ideas, impulses, or images
239
Compulsions are:
A. Random actions with no purpose
B. Irrational, repetitive, rigid behaviours or mental acts performed to reduce anxiety
C. Sudden panic attacks
D. Long-term worries about health
B. Irrational, repetitive, rigid behaviours or mental acts performed to reduce anxiety
240
A diagnosis of OCD is made when obsessions/compulsions:
A. Are rare and never distressing
B. Are seen as reasonable and helpful
C. Are severe, time-consuming, cause distress, or interfere with daily functioning
D. Occur only during childhood
C. Are severe, time-consuming, cause distress, or interfere with daily functioning
241
OCD is present in about what percentage of people in Canada in a given year?
A. 0.2%
B. 2%
C. 10%
D. 20%
B. 2%
242
According to a cognitive-behavioural explanation, compulsions are repeated because:
A. They always cure the disorder
B. They reduce the anxiety caused by obsessions
C. They are fun habits
D. They have no effect on anxiety
B. They reduce the anxiety caused by obsessions
243
The idea of “neutralizing” in OCD refers to:
A. Ignoring all thoughts
B. Using behaviours or mental rituals to “put things right” and reduce anxiety from intrusive thoughts
C. Taking only medication
D. Erasing memories permanently
B. Using behaviours or mental rituals to “put things right” and reduce anxiety from intrusive thoughts
244
A key neurotransmitter implicated in OCD is:
A. Dopamine
B. Serotonin (too low)
C. GABA (too high)
D. Acetylcholine (too high)
B. Serotonin (too low)
245
Both acute stress disorder and PTSD:
A. Have nothing to do with trauma
B. Follow exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence
C. Only occur after mild daily stress
D. Are the same as GAD
B. Follow exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence
246
PTSD is diagnosed when:
A. Symptoms last less than a week
B. Symptoms last longer than a month after trauma
C. There is no anxiety or depression
D. The person forgets the trauma completely
B. Symptoms last longer than a month after trauma
247
Common PTSD/acute stress symptoms include:
A. High mood and euphoria
B. Recurrent intrusive memories/nightmares, avoidance, hyper-alertness, sleep problems
C. Only physical pain
D. Only hallucinations
B. Recurrent intrusive memories/nightmares, avoidance, hyper-alertness, sleep problems
248
Lifetime prevalence of PTSD in Canada is about:
A. 1%
B. 2%
C. 9%
D. 25%
C. 9%
249
Compared to men, women are:
A. Less likely to develop stress disorders
B. Equally likely
C. At least twice as likely to develop a stress disorder
D. Never diagnosed
C. At least twice as likely to develop a stress disorder
250
Loose associations (derailment) in schizophrenia refer to:
A. Lack of thoughts
B. Staying on one topic too long
C. Rapid shifts from one topic to another with little logical connection
D. Speaking very slowly but clearl
C. Rapid shifts from one topic to another with little logical connection
Loose associations = talking in a way that jumps around and doesn’t make sense.
250
Psychosis is:
A. Mild sadness
B. Loss of contact with reality
C. Fear of social situations
D. A personality trait
B. Loss of contact with reality
251
Catatonia in schizophrenia involves:
A. Only hallucinations
B. Only speech disorders
C. Extreme psychomotor symptoms like stupor, rigidity, or odd posturing
D. Only mood changes
C. Extreme psychomotor symptoms like stupor, rigidity, or odd posturing
252
Which of the following lists contains only anxiety disorders?
A. Panic disorder, phobias, OCD, DID
B. Specific phobia, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, GAD, separation anxiety disorder
C. Bipolar disorder, GAD, panic disorder, PTSD
D. Panic disorder, schizophrenia, specific phobia, social anxiety disorder
B. Specific phobia, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, GAD, separation anxiety disorder
These are all conditions where fear and anxiety happen in specific situations or without clear triggers.
253
Why is GAD strongly connected to uncertainty?
A. People with GAD enjoy unpredictable situations
B. People with GAD have a high tolerance for uncertainty
C. People with GAD find uncertainty very uncomfortable and worry to gain a sense of control
D. GAD is caused only by genetics and not thinking patterns
C. People with GAD find uncertainty very uncomfortable and worry to gain a sense of control
People with GAD dislike uncertainty. When they don’t know what will happen, they feel anxious.
So they worry constantly because worrying makes them feel like they are preparing or controlling something — even if it doesn’t actually help.
254
How can conditioning and modelling help explain phobias?
A. People with phobias are born knowing what to fear
B. Phobias are only caused by genetics
C. A person can learn fear by experiencing something scary or by seeing someone else be afraid
D. Phobias are random and not learned
C. A person can learn fear by experiencing something scary or by seeing someone else be afraid
Two learning processes help explain phobias:
Classical conditioning: A scary event causes the brain to link an object/situation with fear (e.g., dog bite → fear of dogs).
Modelling: Watching someone else show fear teaches you to fear the same thing (e.g., a child sees a parent scream at spiders → child fears spiders).
Both show how fear can be learned.
255
Who is more likely to develop PTSD after a traumatic event?
A. People with high social support
B. People with previous trauma, high stress, or certain biological vulnerabilities
C. People who sleep well every night
D. People who have no emotions
B. People with previous trauma, high stress, or certain biological vulnerabilities
Not everyone develops PTSD. Risk is higher for people who have:
Past trauma
High ongoing stress
Poor coping skills
Lower social support
Certain biological or genetic factors
These factors make the brain and body more sensitive to trauma.
256
A psychosis is best described as:
A. A mild form of anxiety
B. A loss of contact with reality, including hallucinations or delusions
C. A mood swing from happiness to sadness
D. A temporary feeling of stress
B. A loss of contact with reality, including hallucinations or delusions
Psychosis means a person has lost touch with reality. They may:
See or hear things that aren’t there (hallucinations)
Hold strong false beliefs (delusions)
This makes it hard to understand what is rea
257
Which option correctly matches the symptoms of schizophrenia?
A. Positive = loss of speech; Negative = hallucinations; Psychomotor = delusions
B. Positive = hallucinations/delusions; Negative = flat emotion/social withdrawal; Psychomotor = catatonia
C. Positive = depression; Negative = mania; Psychomotor = anxiety
D. Positive = memory loss; Negative = aggression; Psychomotor = overthinking
B. Positive = hallucinations/delusions; Negative = flat emotion/social withdrawal; Psychomotor = catatonia
Schizophrenia symptoms fall into three groups:
Positive symptoms = extra/added experiences → hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech
Negative symptoms = missing normal behaviours → flat emotion, lack of motivation, social withdrawal
Psychomotor symptoms = unusual movements → catatonia, pacing, awkward movements
257
The medical model
a. encourages a search for patterns of symptoms.
b. is heavily dependent on social norms and values.
c. is unconcerned with underlying etiology.
d. disassociates physical illness and “madness.”
a. encourages a search for patterns of symptoms.
The medical model treats psychological disorders like illnesses, so it focuses on identifying patterns of symptoms and underlying causes.
258
Behaviour, thoughts, and emotions are considered abnormal when they differ from a
society’s ideas about proper functioning. Which of the following “four Ds” does this
statement represent?
a. deviance
b. distress
c. dysfunction
d. danger
a. deviance
Explanation: Deviance = behaviour that goes against social norms or expectations.
259
Which of the following statements best reflects the psychodynamic approach to defining
abnormal behaviour?
a. It is learned through the observation of societal norms.
b. It is observed in other individuals we identify with.
c. It results from maladaptive thinking patterns.
d. It results from unconscious attempts to solve conflicts
d. It results from unconscious attempts to solve conflicts
Psychodynamic theory sees abnormal behaviour as coming from unconscious conflicts and attempts to manage inner turmoil.
260
Humanistic and existential theories have in common a belief that
a. people are naturally inclined to live constructively.
b. people have complete freedom to give meaning to their lives or to run away from
that responsibility.
c. people must have high levels of self-awareness to live meaningful, well-adjusted
lives.
d. the therapist is an expert who can provide answers for the client.
c. people must have high levels of self-awareness to live meaningful, well-adjusted
lives.
Both humanistic and existential models emphasize self-awareness and personal responsibility as key to healthy, meaningful living.
261
Beck’s cognitive triad includes negative thoughts about all of the following except
a. one’s experience.
b. oneself.
c. others.
d. the future.
c. others.
Beck’s cognitive triad = negative views about self, experiences/world, and future – not specifically “others.”
262
People with major depressive disorder often have low levels of the neurotransmitters
a. acetylcholine and dopamine.
b. dopamine and serotonin.
c. GABA and acetylcholine.
d. norepinephrine and serotonin.
d. norepinephrine and serotonin.
Major depression is strongly linked to low norepinephrine and low serotonin activity.
263
Albert Ellis believed that abnormal patterns of functioning are caused primarily by
a. faulty conditioning.
b. imitating maladaptive models.
c. irrational assumptions.
d. learned helplessness.
c. irrational assumptions.
: Ellis’s rational-emotive theory says abnormal functioning arises from irrational, rigid “must/should” beliefs.
264
Which of the following is an example of a negative symptom of schizophrenia?
a. being unable to show any emotion
b. believing that others can read one’s thoughts
c. hearing voices that are not real
d. using rapid, incoherent speech
a. being unable to show any emotion
Negative symptoms are losses of normal function; lack of emotional expression (flat affect) is a classic example.
265
A person whose thoughts or behaviour are far outside the norm for the time and place in
which he or she lives is demonstrating the ____________ aspect of psychological abnormality.
deviance
Explanation: Deviance = behaviour that goes against social norms or expectations.
266
A client who is diagnosed with both major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety
disorder is said to be experiencing ____________.
comorbidity
Explanation: Comorbidity = having two or more disorders at the same time.
267
The notion of modelling, first studied by ____________, helps explain why people whose
parents had psychological disturbances often have psychological disturbances themselves.
Albert Bandura
Explanation: Bandura introduced observational learning (modelling) — learning by watching others.
268
Posttraumatic stress disorder and ____________ disorder have similar symptoms, but those symptoms arise at different points after the traumatic event and linger for different
amounts of time.
acute stress
Explanation: Acute stress disorder = symptoms last less than 1 month; PTSD = longer than 1 month.
268
The tendency for children who start out in the same situation to end up at very different
places, psychologically speaking, is called ____________.
multifinality
Explanation: Multifinality = same beginnings → different outcomes.
269
The most common category of psychological disturbance in Canada is ____________
disorders.
anxiety
Explanation: Anxiety disorders affect the largest percentage of Canadians annually.
270
In schizophrenia, ____________ symptoms involve the addition of inappropriate behaviour, such as hallucinations or delusions.
positive
Explanation: Positive symptoms = adding unusual behaviours (hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech).
271
The concordance rate for schizophrenia is much higher in ____________ twins than in
____________ twins, suggesting that genes play an important role in the development of the
disorder.
monozygotic / dizygotic
Explanation: Identical twins share more genes, so higher concordance supports a genetic component.
antipsychotic drugs medications that help remove the symptoms of schizophrenia
psych 102
flashcards
Decks in class (30)
# Cards
-
GEO111 lec 164
-
geo lec 2104
-
geo lec 3173
-
psych 102 chap 190
-
chap 1 quizz questions86
-
psych chap 2134
-
chap 2 quiz questions86
-
psych 102 Chap 4181
-
chap 4 quiz95
-
Language and thought chap 9143
-
chap 9 quiz questions88
-
chap 10 intelligence145
-
chap 10 intelligence79
-
chap 12 personality174
-
chap 12 quiz questions113
-
chap 13 social psych193
-
chap 13 quiz questions87
-
GEO LEC 5201
-
GEO lec 651
-
Geo lec 773
-
geo 8121
-
chap 14 lec216
-
chap 14 stress quiz88
-
chapter 15276
-
chap 15 quiz79
-
chap16 treatment220
-
chap 16 quiz84
-
geo 9119
-
geo 11137
-
geo 13 (last)108
