PSY242 Exam 2 Practice Questions From Class

Which of the following cognitive skills/techniques is/are effective in restoring cognitive control during a stressful situation that elicits Amygdala Hijack? (Choose all that apply)

Counting numbers, labeling

An amygdala hijack can last up to

4 hours

Which of the following is not associated with Amygdala Hijack?

Cognitive Thinking

Which of the following is responsible for the ‘rest and digest’ function?

Parasympathetic system

During an amygdala hijack, adrenaline/epinephrine is released and stays in the body for how long?

18 minutes

What does NOT become difficult to access during an Amygdala Hijack?

Adrenaline/epinephrine

Which is not a function of the Reptilian Brain?

Regulate Emotion

Thinking about abstract things like freedom and mortality uses which brain system or function?

The Prefrontal Cortex

The ________ activates the fight or flight response.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Who coined the term ‘amygdala hijack’?

Daniel Goleman

A researcher administers a compound that elevates dopamine levels, causing healthy participants to temporarily experience acute psychotic symptoms. Later, an individual in the early stages of psychosis sees a standard store sign and becomes convinced it holds a hidden, personally vital message meant specifically for him. What historical phenomenon does the drug trial demonstrate, and what hypothesis explains the personal significance given to the sign?

Amphetamine psychosis; Aberrant salience hypothesis 

During an interview, a patient frequently shifts between completely unrelated topics without any logical sequence. Later, he reveals he feels someone tapping his shoulder at home, even though no one is present. The shift in topics illustrates ________, while the physical tapping experience represents a ________.

Loose associations; Hallucination

Dominique firmly believes his neighbors are poisoning his water via radio waves, but exhibits no other psychotic symptoms, speech issues, or flattened affect. Meanwhile, Connor meets criteria for a major depressive episode while simultaneously experiencing active persecutory delusions and hallucinations. What are the correct diagnoses for Dominique and Connor, respectively?

Dominique: Delusional disorder; Connor: Schizoaffective disorder

A clinician is assessing a patient who exhibits magical thinking, odd speech, and eccentric behavior without a frank psychotic break. When reviewing diagnostic manuals, the clinician notices that the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) classifies this condition as a psychotic disorder, whereas the DSM-5-TR classifies it as a personality disorder. Which condition is being evaluated?

Schizotypal disorder

Duncan believes that his neighbors are actively using high-frequency radio waves to poison his tap water. Despite these intense beliefs, his speech is organized, he shows no sensory hallucinations, and he exhibits none of the negative symptoms typical of schizophrenia. Which diagnosis best fits Duncan's presentation?

Delusional disorder

Following his first psychotic episode, Carlos experienced continuous socioeconomic decline, eventually drifting from middle-class employment into low-income housing. When working with his family, a therapist focuses on reducing hostility, harsh criticism, and over-involvement to lower relapse risk. Which two sociocultural concepts are illustrated in this case?

Social drift and expressed emotion 

Patient A exhibits flattened affect and social withdrawal, while Patient B experiences persistent persecutory delusions and auditory hallucinations. How would a nurse categorize Patient B's symptoms compared to Patient A's, and which category usually represents features missing from or diminished in a person's personality?

Patient B has positive symptoms; negative symptoms represent features missing/diminished.

A clinician conducts an intake with Marcus, who displays no drive to initiate daily tasks like bathing or making his bed. When asked open-ended questions, he only responds with brief, single-word answers. How should the clinician classify these two clinical presentations?

The lack of drive is avolition; the brief speech is alogia.

A researcher examines historical diagnostic terminology coined by Emil Kraepelin and Eugen Bleuler. Kraepelin used "dementia praecox," whereas Bleuler introduced "schizophrenia," which literally translates to "split mind". Why does the term "split mind" frequently cause confusion among the general public?

People confuse schizophrenia with multiple personality disorder.

Maria has taken first-generation antipsychotics for fifteen years and developed irreversible, involuntary lip-smacking and facial twitching. Her daughter, Varya, struggles in social settings because she cannot infer what others are feeling or read emotional cues. Maria is experiencing ________, while Varya demonstrates a deficit in ________. 

Tardive dyskinesia; Theory of mind

Which of the following Mental Status Exam (MSE) domains were clearly abnormal during Dr. McGonagall's evaluation of Neville? (Select ALL that apply)

Insight, Perception, and Thought Content

Which of the following clinical observations from Neville's presentation represents a negative symptom of schizophrenia?

Loss of interest in painting and an unchanging, flat facial expression

When evaluating Neville's total timeline—including 7 to 8 months of prodromal functional decline and over 3 weeks of active psychotic symptoms—why does this presentation meet the duration criteria for Schizophrenia rather than Schizophreniform Disorder?

Schizophrenia requires continuous signs of the disturbance for at least 6 months, whereas Schizophreniform disorder lasts between 1 and 6 months.

Which of the following statements made by Neville demonstrate delusional content? (Select ALL that apply)

Select ALL of the following that represent abnormal Thought Content (Delusional Beliefs) in Neville's presentation (Note: Focus on the fixed false beliefs themselves, rather than the structural flow of his speech)

"The copper wire in my shoes is running out of juice."

"The university radio station was sending encoded microwaves into the room."

"The waves... they came through the wall sockets."

The primary reason for obtaining a comprehensive urine drug screen and medical lab work upon Neville's arrival in the Emergency Department was to rule out Substance-Induced Psychosis or a general medical condition before considering a Schizophrenia Spectrum diagnosis.

True

Based on the information provided by Neville's roommate (Seamus), which of the following behaviors occurred during the prodromal phase of Neville's illness? (Select ALL that apply)

Neglect of personal hygiene and self-care

Gradual withdrawal from social connections

Ceasing participation in favorite hobbies (painting)

During the interview, Neville stops talking mid-sentence and states, "It just took my thoughts right out of my head. There's nothing left in there now." This clinical phenomenon is best categorized as:

Thought Withdrawal

Based on the Mental Status Exam and interview transcript, Neville exhibits strong insight into their condition because they are able to accurately explain that the hospital is where people go for broadcast frequency issues.

False

Neville reports hearing a voice from the ceiling speaker that describes every breath Neville takes. How would a clinician classify this specific symptom?

An auditory hallucination with running commentary

During the mental status exam, Dr. McGonagall observes that Neville shows a total lack of emotional expression, an unchanging facial expression, and describes feeling "just static." Which clinical term best describes this presentation?

Flat affect

A clinical genetics group conducts a large-scale twin study evaluating concordance rates for various female sexual dysfunctions across monozygotic and dizygotic twins. Based on current quantitative genetic literature in this domain, which conclusion is best supported by the evidence?

Both genes and environmental factors play important roles in predicting female sexual dysfunction.

A healthcare advocacy group convenes to debate the traditional "gatekeeping" framework in gender-affirming medical care, in which mental health providers act as required evaluators before patients can access medical treatments. Which of the following is NOT a standard criticism of gatekeeping raised by patient advocates and clinicians?

It allows too many people to transition.

In a human sexuality research lab, researchers measure physiological genital arousal in participants exposed to specific visual stimuli. After showing the exact same sexual stimulus repeatedly over a two-hour trial, participant physiological arousal steadily decreases until it is minimal. This reduction in physiological response due to repeated exposure is an example of:

Habituation

A medical researcher is studying how systemic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions can impact neuroendocrine pathways essential for normal sexual functioning. Which of the following patient presentations illustrates a clinical profile consistent with research linking autoimmune dysregulation to sexual dysfunction?

Jack, who has Addison’s disease, is unable to get an erection.

A research group presents a meta-analysis on the developmental etiology of pedophilia, examining both molecular genetic studies and family history data. What does the current body of quantitative research suggest regarding the genetic versus environmental contributions to this condition?

Heritability estimates are low, implying that environment may play a stronger role than genes in predicting pedophilia.

In his influential 1892 treatise Psychopathia Sexualis, Richard von Krafft-Ebing fundamentally reshaped late 19th-century medical and legal views on non-procreative behaviors like masturbation or anal sex. Krafft-Ebing argued that these behaviors should be understood as:

Conditions rooted in biological and psychological origins.

During a behavioral conditioning session for paraphilic urges, a therapist instructs Asher to vividly imagine rubbing up against unsuspecting people on a crowded subway train. As soon as Asher generates the fantasy, the therapist immediately prompts Asher to imagine being caught by transit police, handcuffed in front of a crowd, and publicly disgraced. Asher’s therapist is utilizing:

Covert sensitization

A psychiatrist in a specialized outpatient forensic clinic is considering off-label prescription of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for a client experiencing intrusive paraphilic urges. Based on current clinical trial data and empirical literature, what is the most accurate summary the psychiatrist can provide regarding SSRI efficacy for paraphilias?

Some evidence shows SSRIs reduce paraphilic behavior, but more research is needed.

A medical geneticist is reviewing the current empirical literature regarding the etiology, twin concordance, and hereditary markers associated with gender dysphoria. Which statement regarding the genetic basis of gender dysphoria is NOT true?

Many candidate genes have been strongly correlated with it.

During a graduate seminar on evolutionary psychology and human sexuality, a professor reviews how various sexual behaviors are conceptualized under adaptationist frameworks. From an evolutionary perspective, which of the following paraphilic behaviors is most consistently viewed as a true dysfunction/disorder rather than a maladaptive variant of an evolved mating strategy?

Pedophelia

Dr. Grey is reviewing the minimum duration criteria for mood episodes according to the DSM-5-TR. Which of the following client profiles correctly meets the required duration threshold for their respective episode?

Sarah, who has exhibited an elevated, irritable mood, extreme agitation, and uncharacteristic financial recklessness lasting 7 consecutive days 

Considering epidemiological data and diagnostic reliability, which of the following statements comparing Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Bipolar Spectrum Disorders is accurate?

MDD has a higher overall prevalence rate than Bipolar Disorder, but MDD showed surprisingly low or questionable reliability in DSM-5 field trials. 

A clinician is evaluating two clients:

Client A reports feeling "down in the dumps" most of the day, more days than not, for the past 2.5 years, accompanied by low energy, poor concentration, and low self-esteem, but has never met the full criteria for a major depressive episode.

Client B experienced a single 10-day period of intense euphoria, racing thoughts, maxing out credit cards on unneeded purchases, and believing she had a divine mission, which resulted in acute psychiatric hospitalization.

Which diagnoses apply to Client A and Client B, respectively?

Client A: Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia); Client B: Bipolar I Disorder 

Which of the following statements best reflects current genetic and physiological research regarding the etiology of mood disorders?

Genetic risk factors for depression are often non-specific and shared across other diagnoses, while systemic immune system inflammation is increasingly linked to mood disruption.

An advantage of using a sociocultural approach to understanding mood problems is that:

It helps us see how social oppression harms people and why social reform is necessary.

Phoenix presents to a clinic with a three-week history of severe loss of interest in activities, feelings of worthlessness, fatigue, and recurrent suicidal ideation. His record reveals a previous five-day period in which he experienced elevated self-esteem, grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, and extreme talkativeness that did not cause severe functional impairment or hospitalization. What is the correct primary diagnosis, and what advice should be given to a trainee who suggests diagnosing Phoenix with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

Diagnosis: Bipolar II Disorder; Advice: MDD is incorrect because the presence of a hypomanic episode rules out MDD.

A psychotherapist notes: "My client’s depression stems from automatically interpreting neutral events as rejections, reinforcing her belief that she is fundamentally flawed." A second practitioner notes: "My client’s depressive episodes appear linked to disruptions in her sleep-wake schedule and chaotic daily routines caused by recent relationship conflict." Which two theoretical frameworks/therapies are reflected in these observations?

Beck’s Cognitive Theory  and Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) 

A psychiatric patient who was previously managed on a medication developed flu-like symptoms, dizziness, electric shock-like sensations ("brain zaps"), and vivid dreams after abruptly running out of their prescription. Which class of medication was the patient likely taking, and what mechanism differentiates this class from another common modern antidepressant?

SSRIs or SNRIs; SSRIs selectively inhibit serotonin reuptake, whereas SNRIs inhibit both serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake

According to Beck’s cognitive theory, what is the general pathway through which maladaptive schemas cause depression?

By distorting information to match negative expectations.

A 16-year-old client with a history of recurrent major depressive episodes is brought to an outpatient clinic by their parents after showing minimal response to initial psychotherapy. The psychiatrist decides to initiate a trial of fluoxetine (an SSRI). Before writing the prescription, the psychiatrist must conduct a mandatory discussion with the parents regarding a prominent regulatory alert required on the drug’s labeling for children, adolescents, and young adults. What is the nature of this alert, and what core risk does it explicitly highlight?

A black box warning alerting families to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors during the early stages of treatment. 

In the video, several individuals discussed utilizing exercise as one strategy for managing depression. Josh reported including exercise such as cycling, going to the gym, or yoga as part of his self-care regimen for treating depression. Similarly, Kathleen discussed walking her dog regularly as a form of exercise that helped with depressed mood. These examples are consistent with what findings reported in the textbook?

These activities are consistent with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), most specifically behavioral activation, which instructs clients to schedule particular activities that will bring them positive reinforcement. There is ample empirical evidence that behavioral activation helps reduce depression.

Eric and his partner, Patti, discussed how they work together to treat Eric’s depression. Based upon Patti’s report that she helps Eric address his depression by going back to work, giving him positive feedback, and remaining by his side to provide social support, we would assume what?

Eric and Patti appear to have participated in couples therapy, a variant of family-focused therapy (FFT), which focuses on psychoeducation, improving communication skills, problem-solving, and enhancing social support for the patient from family members.

Nicole reported using a large arsenal of coping strategies, ranging from painting and creating artwork, to spiritual practices (i.e., prayer) and psychotherapy. She also reported dedicating about one hour a day to organizing her feelings and thoughts in a journal, with a focus on evaluating the validity, consequences, and outcomes associated with her thoughts. This latter practice is consistent with which form of psychotherapy?

CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy)

Eric, Kathleen, and Nicole discussed sharing their experiences with others, giving back to the community by sharing their struggles, and helping others to be happy and content (versus striving for perfection). David indicated that his efforts to explain his experiences with depression to others increased his insight into the condition. Together, these findings suggest what?

That recovery from depression has an important interpersonal element, and a focus on interpersonal relationships and experiences should be incorporated into all types of intervention.

When asked about the challenges that he faced in managing depression, what issue did Josh discuss?

His tendency to engage in self-destructive behavior, such as not eating well, forgetting to eat, or becoming dehydrated

Eric discussed his strategies to address depression. He mentioned the combination of psychotherapy and medication, particularly antidepressants, as being useful for his treatment. Based upon his description of his strategies to address depression, which psychotherapy do you believe Eric is likely involved in?

Eric appears to have engaged in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which includes completing exercises such as the Daily Record of Dysfunctional Thoughts to identify and reframe depressogenic thoughts.

Both Josh and Eric discuss their use of antidepressant medications, and the combination of psychotherapy and medication as part of their treatment plan. Based upon their testimonials, and research on CBT and antidepressants, what might you conclude?

The experience of Eric and Josh is consistent with research suggesting that CBT plus antidepressants is equal, or superior to, antidepressants alone.

David described his experiences taking antidepressant medication for treatment. His experience is consistent with what research findings? (Check all that apply).

David’s negative experience is consistent with research indicating that side effects can lead people to discontinue use of antidepressants.

David’s negative response to antidepressants is consistent with research that suggests between one-third and one-half of depressed patients are resistant to antidepressants (e.g., the drugs do not help this group of people).

Sean describes himself as having hardly ever been happy. He occasionally feels okay but it never lasts more than a day or so. He has trouble sleeping, doesn’t eat much, and feels okay, but it never lasts more than a day or so. He has trouble sleeping, doesn’t eat much, and feels like nothing will ever change in his life. He says that this has been going on for as long as he can remember. The best diagnosis for Sean is:

Persistent depressive disorder

Which of the following symptoms is NOT characteristic of Major Depressive disorder melancholic subtype?

Mood reactivity or mood brightening

Neuroimaging research on trauma consistently demonstrates specific neural circuit abnormalities in chronic PTSD. When Dr. Sprout examines brain scans of Lavender, a combat veteran with PTSD, which neurological pattern should she expect to observe?

An overactive amygdala coupled with an underactive medial prefrontal cortex.

Dr. McGonagall is treating Dean, a trauma survivor, using an intervention that targets irrational, overgeneralized beliefs about safety and trust (e.g., "The world is entirely unsafe") while addressing negative appraisals of the event. Which intervention and core theoretical assumption are being applied?

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT); attributing PTSD symptoms to overgeneralized beliefs and negative appraisals.

Following a severe earthquake, Blaise describes feeling completely detached from his own physical body ("as if I'm watching myself from above"), while his sister Angelina reports that her surroundings feel "unreal, strange, and distorted like a dream". According to the DSM-5, which dissociative symptoms are Blaise and Angelina experiencing, respectively?

Depersonalization and Derealization

Dr. Snape utilizes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) by having Padma recall a traumatic assault while tracking alternating visual stimuli. Why does EMDR remain controversial among clinical researchers despite evidence of its efficacy?

While proven effective, researchers debate whether its core mechanism—bilateral stimulation—is necessary or merely incidental to exposure.

Which of the following individuals best illustrates the diagnosis of Complex PTSD (CPTSD) as recognized in the ICD-11 (and omitted from the DSM-5)?

Kingsley, who survived a five-year abusive relationship and now presents with intrusive memories, severe emotional dysregulation, chronic worthlessness, and ongoing relational difficulties.

During a sudden, severe flight incident where an airplane drops hundreds of feet, Parvati’s body undergoes an immediate, involuntary physiological reaction. Which autonomic response and underlying brain region are primarily driving this acute emergency state?

Sympathetic nervous system activation, otherwise known as the fight-or-flight response, coordinated by the hypothalamus.

A therapist conducts a session with Cedric and his partner, where Cedric suffers from DSM-5-diagnosed PTSD following a physical attack. The therapist addresses how avoidance behaviors sustain PTSD symptoms while teaching communication skills to improve their relationship. Which evidence-based couple intervention is being utilized?

Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy (CBCT)

Following a stressful life event, a clinician must differentiate between an Adjustment Disorder and a formal trauma-related disorder (such as Acute Stress Disorder or PTSD) under the DSM-5. Which clinical scenario accurately justifies a diagnosis of Adjustment Disorder over PTSD?

Seamus experiences significant emotional distress and impairment in social functioning three weeks after being fired from his job, but lacks intrusive flashbacks, hypervigilance, and trauma-level Criterion A exposure.

When Neville seeks treatment for severe PTSD symptoms following a motor vehicle accident, his clinician discusses the relative efficacy of psychiatric medications versus psychological interventions. Based on current empirical outcome research, what should his clinician tell him?

Psychological therapies are considered superior to drug treatments for treating PTSD.

Following a violent assault eight weeks ago, Cho experiences intense intrusive nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional detachment. When evaluating her presentation under the DSM-5 versus the ICD-11, which diagnostic distinction applies?

Under DSM-5, her symptoms lasting longer than one month qualify her for PTSD, whereas ICD-11 includes "acute stress reaction" as an expected trauma response rather than a formal mental disorder.

In the video, who was the person credited with the original conception of the diagnosis of Complex PTSD?

Judith Herman

According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), which of the following disorders are more common than PTSD among children exposed to chronic trauma and adversity?

Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder

True or False? Results of the Developmental Trauma Disorder (DTD) Field Trial for DSM indicated that DTD symptoms are not distinct from PTSD. 

False

Critics of the Complex (CPTSD) diagnosis argue that the additional diagnosis is unnecessary since clinicians can just use the diagnosis of PTSD. However, this links to another issue related to limitations of the current PTSD diagnosis regarding the definition of trauma, or what is referred to as Criterion A. According to the video, which of the following is the primary concern pertaining to the definition of Criterion A events for the diagnosis of PTSD?

Criterion A would not cover certain forms of adverse childhood experiences, such as emotional abuse, neglect, or other ACEs such as having a substance-dependent parent.

Which of the following are symptoms of DTD, Developmental Trauma Disorder?

In anticipation of the DSM-IV, the American Psychiatric Association funded a trial to examine the possibility of the Complex PTSD (CPTSD) diagnosis, and voted in favor of including CPTSD in the next iteration of the DSM. 

True

According to the video, which of the following statements best explains what was motivating researchers to identify a syndrome or diagnostic entity for trauma that eventually became PTSD?

To convince the VA to cover treatment for combat veterans, the researchers needed to provide evidence that directly linked the symptoms to combat experiences, so they focused on intrusive memories, flashbacks, and nightmares, rather than symptoms considered pre-existing “character flaws” such as difficulty regulating emotions.

What are the ramifications of omitting Complex PTSD (CPTSD) from the DSM?

Without a DSM-diagnosis, it is unlikely that clinical trials will be funded by federal agencies such as the National Institute of Health because those research grants must include treatments for a specific diagnosis.

What is a key factor that may explain why it is so hard to get CPTSD into the DSM even though the World Health Organization (WHO) advocated for, and included it in, the International Classification for Disease Manual (ICD-11)?

Insurance reimbursement is linked to DSM diagnoses in the U.S., and insurance companies will not want to reimburse or cover expenses for treatment that involves psychotherapy.

Which of the following is a core factor in the diagnosis of Complex PTSD (CPTSD), versus PTSD?

All of these factors are really at the core of the CPTSD syndrome, distinguishing it from PTSD.