Test Flashcards

A continuous period of disease includes symptoms that meet Criteria A for schizophrenia and a major depressive, manic, or mixed episode. Delusions or hallucinations have persisted for at least two weeks throughout the same disease without overt mood symptoms (Criteria B). Mood symptoms are prevalent for a significant percentage of the duration of the illness (Criterion C).

Answer: Schizoaffective Disorder

Schizoaffective Disorder is characterized by a continuous period of illness during which an individual experiences both a major mood episode (depressive or manic) and symptoms of schizophrenia (delusions, hallucinations). A key diagnostic criterion is that delusions or hallucinations must be present for at least two weeks in the absence of a major mood episode, but mood symptoms are present for a substantial portion of the total illness duration. This distinguishes it from mood disorders with psychotic features or schizophrenia with mood symptoms.

Jane informed the authorities of her predicament and applied to a women's shelter. Since she's been at the shelter, according to Jane, things have gotten a little better. Even though she has not yet found a job, she feels more independent. Jane admitted that an unsettling incident occurred while riding the train. Jane claimed that when she saw someone who resembled her former coworkers, she suddenly felt terrified. Jane reported that she began to shake, sweat, and feel like she was having trouble breathing. When a bystander saw that she was struggling, they assisted her in sitting down and obtaining a sip of water. Jane's response on the subway satisfies the requirements for:

Answer: Panic Attack

Jane's sudden onset of intense fear, accompanied by physical symptoms like shaking, sweating, and difficulty breathing, in a situation where she perceived a threat, is characteristic of a panic attack. A panic attack is an abrupt surge of intense fear or discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes, involving at least four specific physical or cognitive symptoms. Her experience fits this description, even though it was situationally triggered.

An effective anxiety treatment is:

Answer: Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive drugs that are highly effective in providing rapid relief from acute anxiety symptoms. They work by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA, which results in a calming effect on the central nervous system. While effective for short-term use, their potential for dependence and side effects means they are often prescribed cautiously and in conjunction with other therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for long-term management.

As a sign of panic disorder.

Answer: Recurrent panic attacks

The hallmark sign of Panic Disorder is the experience of recurrent, unexpected panic attacks. These attacks are not triggered by specific situations and are often followed by at least one month of persistent concern about having additional attacks or significant maladaptive change in behavior related to the attacks. The unpredictability and subsequent worry are central to the diagnosis.

A time frame where, practically every day, the requirements for both a manic episode and a major depressive episode are met.

Answer: Mixed Episode

A Mixed Episode, as defined in diagnostic criteria, refers to a distinct period during which the criteria for both a Manic Episode and a Major Depressive Episode are met nearly every day for at least one week. Individuals experiencing a mixed episode exhibit rapidly alternating symptoms of both mania (e.g., elevated mood, increased energy) and depression (e.g., sadness, loss of interest), often simultaneously. This can be a particularly challenging and distressing presentation of Bipolar I Disorder.

Which of the following is a long-term aim rather than a pressing concern?

Answer: Parents establish clear, consistent limitations and uphold healthy parent-child boundaries

Establishing clear, consistent limitations and healthy parent-child boundaries is a foundational goal that requires ongoing effort and sustained behavioral change, making it a long-term aim. The other options (comprehensive evaluation, improved understanding, consulting with school staff) are more immediate or foundational steps that contribute to the overall treatment plan but are not as enduring as the establishment of consistent family dynamics.

An ingrained pattern of impulsivity, self-image instability, and affect instability, as well as interpersonal relationship instability.

Answer: Borderline Personality Disorder

This description precisely matches the core features of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). BPD is characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, along with marked impulsivity. Individuals with BPD often experience intense mood swings, fear of abandonment, chronic feelings of emptiness, and engage in self-destructive behaviors.