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

According to the DSM-5, what is the minimum duration of symptoms required for a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder?

Answer: 6 months

GAD requires excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at least six months.

Which dissociative disorder involves the presence of two or more distinct personality states that recurrently take control of behavior?

Answer: Dissociative identity disorder

Dissociative identity disorder is characterized by disruption of identity with two or more distinct personality states or an experience of possession.

A patient reports persistent sadness, loss of interest, insomnia, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating for three weeks. Which DSM-5 diagnosis is most likely?

Answer: Major depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder requires five or more symptoms during the same two-week period, and this patient exceeds that duration threshold.

Which defense mechanism involves redirecting emotions from a threatening target to a safer substitute?

Answer: Displacement

Displacement involves shifting emotional responses from a dangerous object to a safer one, such as yelling at a family member after a conflict with a boss.

What is the primary distinction between anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa in terms of body weight?

Answer: Anorexia involves significantly low body weight while bulimia typically does not

Anorexia nervosa requires significantly low body weight as a diagnostic criterion, whereas individuals with bulimia nervosa are often at or above normal weight.

Which anxiety disorder involves marked fear or anxiety about two or more situations such as public transportation, open spaces, or being in crowds?

Answer: Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia in the DSM-5 requires fear or anxiety about at least two of five specified situations where escape might be difficult.