Free AP Psychology Abnormal Behavior Exam Question and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The biological viewpoint claims that psychological illnesses are caused by:
- Lack of positive self-regard
- Traumatic childhood experiences
- Dysfunctional societal views
- Brain abnormalities (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Brain abnormalities
The biological viewpoint in psychology posits that psychological disorders have physiological or organic causes. This perspective attributes mental illnesses to factors such as genetic predispositions, neurotransmitter imbalances, structural brain abnormalities, or other biological dysfunctions. Treatment often involves psychopharmacology or other biological interventions.
Question 2: People who have bipolar disorder are most likely to go through the following symptoms during the manic phase:
- high irrational self-esteem (Correct answer)
- delusions of persecution
- lethargy and immobility
- compulsive behavior
Correct answer: high irrational self-esteem
During the manic phase of bipolar disorder, individuals typically experience an elevated or expansive mood, often accompanied by inflated self-esteem or grandiosity. This can manifest as an irrational belief in one's own superior abilities, importance, or knowledge, sometimes leading to impulsive and risky behaviors. Other symptoms include decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, and increased activity.
Question 3: Most frequently, an antisocial personality disorder is defined by:
- a persistent, irrational fear of people
- delusions of grandeur
- disruptions in conscious awareness and sense of identity
- a lack of feelings of guilt and disregard for the law (Correct answer)
Correct answer: a lack of feelings of guilt and disregard for the law
Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others, often beginning in childhood or early adolescence. Key features include a lack of empathy, deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, aggression, and a consistent irresponsibility, coupled with a notable absence of remorse or guilt for their actions. This often leads to repeated conflicts with the law and societal norms.
Question 4: People with a narcissistic personality disorder are prone to be preoccupied with:
- doing uncontrollable repetitive behaviors
- physical symptoms of distress
- their own self-importance (Correct answer)
- delusions of persecution
Correct answer: their own self-importance
Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. Individuals with this disorder are typically preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love, and they often believe they are special and unique, deserving of special treatment. Their focus is overwhelmingly on their own self-importance and how others perceive them.
Question 5: Which subset of psychiatric diseases receives the greatest treatment in the US?
- Mood disorders (Correct answer)
- Sexual disorders
- Personality disorders
- Schizophrenic disorders
Correct answer: Mood disorders
Mood disorders, which include conditions like major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, are among the most prevalent mental health conditions globally and in the US. Due to their high incidence and significant impact on daily functioning, they are frequently diagnosed and receive the greatest amount of treatment compared to other categories of psychiatric disorders.
Question 6: Which of the following is not regarded as a condition under the DSM 5 classification of psychiatric disorders?
- Depression
- Homosexuality (Correct answer)
- Schizophrenia
- Dissociative Identity Disorder
Correct answer: Homosexuality
Homosexuality was listed as a mental disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) until 1973, when the American Psychiatric Association removed it. This decision reflected a growing understanding that homosexuality is a normal variation of human sexuality and not a mental illness. The DSM-5, the current edition, does not classify homosexuality as a disorder.
Question 7: The fear of open places is one of which of the following anxieties or phobias?
- Claustrophobia
- Acrophobia
- Agoraphobia (Correct answer)
- Aerophobia
Correct answer: Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by intense fear and avoidance of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable if panic-like symptoms or other incapacitating or embarrassing symptoms occur. This often includes fear of open spaces, crowded places, public transportation, or being outside the home alone. The individual fears these situations because they anticipate panic attacks or other distressing symptoms.
Free AP Psychology Abnormal Behavior Exam Question and Answers 1
The biological viewpoint claims that psychological illnesses are caused by: