Mental Health and Psychology Cheat Sheet 2026
The 30 highest-yield Mental Health and Psychology facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.
- The Conners Rating Scales are primarily used to assess: → ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents
- Narrative therapy encourages clients to view their problems as: → Separate from their identity through 'externalizing' the problem
- What is the primary goal of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)? → Identify and modify dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors
- Which medication class is considered first-line pharmacotherapy for most anxiety disorders? → SSRIs/SNRIs
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) differs from traditional CBT in that it: → Focuses on accepting difficult thoughts rather than changing their content
- Which therapy modality focuses specifically on improving interpersonal relationships and communication patterns to alleviate depression? → Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
- Otto Kernberg's object relations theory of Borderline Personality Disorder centers on which core concept? → Identity diffusion and use of primitive defense mechanisms
- The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is an example of which type of assessment method? → Self-report questionnaire
- Which breathing technique is commonly taught to anxiety patients to counteract hyperventilation? → Diaphragmatic (belly) breathing
- According to the DSM-5, how long must symptoms of GAD persist for a diagnosis? → 6 months
- Which of the following is NOT a core symptom of major depression according to DSM-5? → Hallucinations
- What does 'psychoeducation' in therapy typically involve? → Providing information about a diagnosis, its causes, and treatment options
- What does 'validity' mean in psychological testing? → The test measures what it is designed to measure
- Agoraphobia is best described as fear of: → Situations where escape may be difficult or help unavailable during panic
- What does 'norm-referenced' interpretation of a test score mean? → The score is compared to a normative sample of similar individuals
- What does 'double depression' refer to? → Major depressive episode superimposed on Persistent Depressive Disorder
- SSRIs work primarily by: → Inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin into presynaptic neurons
- Complex PTSD (not a separate DSM-5 diagnosis but recognized in ICD-11) is associated with: → Prolonged, repeated interpersonal trauma such as childhood abuse or captivity
- The MMPI-2 (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) is primarily used to assess: → Psychopathology and personality characteristics
- Which DSM-5 personality disorder cluster is described as 'anxious and fearful' and includes Avoidant, Dependent, and Obsessive-Compulsive PDs? → Cluster C
- Stimulant medications for ADHD (e.g., methylphenidate, amphetamines) primarily work by: → Increasing dopamine and norepinephrine availability in the prefrontal cortex
- What is 'psychomotor retardation' as seen in depression? → Slowing of thought processes and physical movement
- Which of the following is a key risk associated with antidepressants in children and adolescents per FDA black box warning? → Increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) most commonly involves depression occurring in which season? → Fall/Winter
- In trauma treatment, 'window of tolerance' refers to: → The optimal zone of arousal for processing trauma without being overwhelmed or shut down
- Which ethical principle requires psychologists to obtain informed consent before conducting assessments? → Autonomy and respect for persons
- What is 'anhedonia'? → Loss of pleasure in previously enjoyable activities
- Which cognitive distortion involves believing one is responsible for events outside one's control? → Personalization
- What is a 'false positive' in psychological assessment? → A test result indicating a disorder is present when it is actually absent
- The Rorschach Inkblot Test is an example of which type of assessment? → Projective technique
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