Free BAPSY Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Abnormal Psychology Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A clinical psychologist is evaluating a new client who reports an intense and persistent fear of social situations, leading them to avoid work events and family gatherings. The client recognizes their fear is excessive but feels powerless to control it. According to the DSM-5, which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
- Agoraphobia
- Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) (Correct answer)
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Panic Disorder
Correct answer: Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
Social Anxiety Disorder is characterized by a marked and persistent fear of one or more social or performance situations in which the person is exposed to unfamiliar people or to possible scrutiny by others. The individual fears that they will act in a way (or show anxiety symptoms) that will be embarrassing and humiliating, leading to avoidance of such situations.
Question 2: The diathesis-stress model is a widely used framework for understanding the etiology of psychological disorders. Which of the following best describes this model?
- It suggests that psychological disorders are caused solely by genetic factors and inherited predispositions.
- It posits that disorders are the direct result of stressful life events, regardless of an individual's background.
- It proposes that individuals have a pre-existing vulnerability (diathesis) for a disorder that is triggered by environmental or psychological stress. (Correct answer)
- It asserts that abnormal behavior is a learned response to environmental stimuli through classical and operant conditioning.
Correct answer: It proposes that individuals have a pre-existing vulnerability (diathesis) for a disorder that is triggered by environmental or psychological stress.
The diathesis-stress model conceptualizes mental disorders as the result of an interaction between a pre-existing vulnerability (the diathesis) and a trigger, such as a stressful life event (the stress). Neither the diathesis nor the stress alone is sufficient to cause the disorder; it is the combination of the two that leads to its development.
Question 3: Which of the following is considered a 'negative' symptom of schizophrenia?
- Auditory hallucinations
- Delusional beliefs
- Disorganized speech
- Avolition (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Avolition
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia represent a loss or deficit of normal functions. Avolition, a common negative symptom, is the severe lack of initiative or motivation to accomplish purposeful tasks. Hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech are considered 'positive' symptoms, as they represent an excess or distortion of normal functions.
Question 4: A patient experiences distinct periods of elevated mood, increased energy, and decreased need for sleep, followed by episodes of profound sadness, loss of interest, and feelings of worthlessness. This cyclical pattern is most characteristic of which disorder?
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
- Bipolar I Disorder (Correct answer)
- Cyclothymic Disorder
Correct answer: Bipolar I Disorder
The defining feature of Bipolar I Disorder is the presence of at least one manic episode, which involves a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood and increased goal-directed activity or energy. These manic episodes are often accompanied by major depressive episodes, creating the described cyclical pattern.
Question 5: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by obsessions and compulsions. What is the primary function of compulsions in this disorder?
- To provide a sense of pleasure and gratification.
- To gain attention from others.
- To reduce the anxiety and distress caused by obsessions. (Correct answer)
- To create intrusive and unwanted thoughts.
Correct answer: To reduce the anxiety and distress caused by obsessions.
In OCD, compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that an individual feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rules that must be applied rigidly. The primary purpose of these compulsions is to prevent or reduce anxiety or distress, or to prevent some dreaded event or situation; however, these compulsions are not connected in a realistic way with what they are designed to neutralize or are clearly excessive.
Question 6: A therapist is working with a client who displays a pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotions, as well as marked impulsivity. The client engages in frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment. Which personality disorder best fits this description?
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder
- Antisocial Personality Disorder
- Avoidant Personality Disorder
- Borderline Personality Disorder (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, and marked impulsivity. A key feature is a frantic effort to avoid real or imagined abandonment, which is consistent with the client's described behavior.
