BAPSY Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Abnormal Psychology and Diagnosis Questions and Answers Flashcards

Which neurotransmitter is most commonly associated with the monoamine hypothesis of depression?

Answer: Serotonin

The monoamine hypothesis proposes that depression results from deficiencies in serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine, with serotonin being the most frequently cited.

A client experiences recurring intrusive thoughts about contamination and washes their hands dozens of times daily. Which DSM-5 diagnosis is most appropriate?

Answer: Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Recurrent intrusive thoughts (obsessions) paired with repetitive behaviors performed to reduce distress (compulsions) are the hallmark features of OCD.

What distinguishes bipolar II disorder from bipolar I disorder?

Answer: Presence of hypomanic rather than manic episodes

Bipolar II is characterized by at least one hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode, without full manic episodes.

In the DSM-5, which specifier indicates that a person with schizophrenia has experienced symptoms for less than one year after the first onset?

Answer: First episode, currently in acute episode

The DSM-5 uses course specifiers for schizophrenia including 'first episode' designations to indicate the initial period of illness.

Which personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy?

Answer: Narcissistic personality disorder

Narcissistic personality disorder is defined by grandiosity, a constant need for admiration, and impaired empathy toward others.

Which model of abnormality emphasizes that psychological disorders result from maladaptive learned behaviors?

Answer: Behavioral model

The behavioral model views abnormal behavior as learned through classical conditioning, operant conditioning, or modeling.