Abnormal Psychology Treatment Quiz Questions & Point Values

1. Describe how SSRIs and TCAs function. (5)
Sample answer: SSRIs and TCAs both inhibit the reuptake of neurotransmitters in the brain. SSRIs inhibit the reuptake of serotonin only, while TCAs inhibit the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. When reuptake is reduced by these medications, the neurotransmitters will remain in the synapse for longer, increasing their effect on the receiving neurons. Thus, SSRIs and TCAs are both agonists for their respective neurotransmitters.

2. Describe the side effects of SSRI, TCAs, and ketamine. (4)
Answer: The side effects of SSRIs include nausea, headache, and agitation. The side effects of TCAs are weight gain and drowsiness. The side effects of ketamine are fatigue, mild psychosis, and dissociation.

3. Describe how ketamine functions in the treatment of depression. (3)
Answer: Ketamine is a glutamate antagonist. It blocks the receptors for glutamate, reducing the effect of glutamate in the brain. Ketamine works nearly instantly to reduce depression symptoms.

4. Evaluate one or more biological treatments of depression. (4)
Answer: SSRIs are an effective treatment for MDD, reducing depression symptoms in half for about 60–75% of patients. It is the most common treatment for depression due to its ease of access and its relatively mild side effects. On the other hand, patients may need to take it indefinitely because studies have shown high relapse rates when patients discontinue use.

5. Describe the goals of CBT. (3)
Answer: The goal of CBT is cognitive restructuring, that is, replacing negative and irrational schemas (about the world, themselves, and the future) and thinking patterns.

6. Describe the process and typical techniques of CBT therapy. (4)
Answer: CBT typically focuses on a few specific problems identified by the patient. The patient is an active participant in the therapy, often completing “homework” assignments between sessions. Techniques used during therapy and for homework include Socratic questioning and behavioral experiments.

7. Describe the goals of IPT. (2)
Answer: To treat disorders by improving a patient's interpersonal skills and improving their use of social networks/support.

8. Evaluate one or more psychological treatments of depression. (4)
Answer: CBT is an effective treatment for depression, helping approximately 60–75% of patients reduce their depressive symptoms by more than half. CBT has been shown to be superior to other treatments in terms of how long it lasts, with fewer patients relapsing even years after treatment. On the other hand, CBT can be expensive (at least in the US) and requires substantial effort from the patient.

9. Describe culturally adapted / culturally sensitive treatment. (2)
Answer: Culturally sensitive treatment involves taking an existing treatment (like SSRIs or CBT) and adapting it to a cultural context, for example, incorporating patient language and cultural values.

10. Describe two ways of culturally adapting treatment that have been shown to be effective. (2)
Answer: Two ways of culturally adapting treatment that have been shown to be effective include incorporating culture-specific values and exploring client beliefs about depression (directly addressing issues of stigma).

11. Describe RCTs. (2)
Answer: Randomized controlled trials are experiments in which the patient is randomly assigned to one of several treatments for a disorder. Often, RCTs include a placebo group.

12. Explain how qualitative studies, such as semi-structured interviews, can aid in our understanding of treatment effectiveness. (2)
Answer: Qualitative studies improve our understanding of treatment effectiveness by helping us understand the patient perspective on treatment. For example, they might reveal challenges with a treatment (such as access, side effects, etc.) that are not revealed in an RCT.

13. Describe meta-analysis. (2)
Answer: Meta-analyses are a type of review study that statistically analyzes other published studies to determine the overall effect of a variable or treatment.

14. Describe two goals of clinical management in an RCT. (2)
Answer: Two goals of clinical management are to ensure patient compliance with therapy and to ensure patient safety (monitoring for side effects or for worsening symptoms).