Exam 14: Psychological Disorders

Robin has a difficult time making decisions. She often relies on her mother to tell her what to do, when to do it, and how to do whatever she is doing. This is not due to her mother wanting to tell her what to do, but rather it stems from Robin's difficulty making decisions and doing things independently. Assuming this pattern characterizes many areas of her life, what personality disorder might best represent Robin's pattern of thoughts and behavior?

A person who is constantly "on edge" and always apprehensive most likely suffers from __________ disorder.

In which disorder does a person seem to experience at least two or more distinct personalities existing in one body?

What is the primary purpose of the DSM?

Ramon, a graduate student, has difficulty talking to groups. Unfortunately, he has chosen a career in which he must speak to large groups of people. The night before a presentation, he tosses and turns, and the resulting lack of sleep makes the situation worse. When he makes a presentation, he often becomes confused and stumbles over his words. As a result, he feels worthless and miserable. Which two criteria of abnormal behavior are most useful in analyzing this case?

Disorders in which there is a break in conscious awareness, memory, the sense of identity, or some combination are called __________.

Excessive or unrealistic fearfulness and worry are characteristic of __________.

Physical sources of sexual problems are referred to as __________.

Ana-Maria talks to her pet elephant, which no one else can see. Ana-Maria is having a __________.

Dissociative disorders involve a break in consciousness, memory, or a person's sense of identity.

Sienna hates to go to restaurants for fear that she will be seated in the far back of the restaurant and be unable to get out in case of an emergency. This may be a symptom of __________.

A person who is suffering from disordered thinking, bizarre behavior, and hallucinations and who is unable to distinguish between fantasy and reality is likely suffering from __________.

Neuroimaging studies examining potential causes of schizophrenia have discovered that an area of the brain called the __________ appears to have significantly less myelin coating on the axons of its neurons in people with schizophrenia compared to those without the condition.

A disorder resulting from exposure to a major stressor, with symptoms of anxiety, nightmares, poor sleep, reliving the event, and concentration problems, lasting for more than 1 month, is called __________.

What is the main difference between generalized anxiety disorder and phobic disorder?

In 1972, a jet carrying a rugby team from Peru crashed high in the snow-covered Andes Mountains. Many of the players survived for more than 2 months by eating the remains of those who died. Psychologists justified their cannibalism because that was the only way they could have survived so long without food. By what definition might their behavior best be classified?

A repetitive, ritualistic behavior that helps to reduce anxiety is called an obsession.

Ancient Greeks believed imbalances in __________ caused abnormality, while people living during the Middle Ages believed it was caused by __________. However, present-day psychologists often view psychological disorders from a __________ model.

__________ disorder is a mood disorder that is caused by the body's reaction to low levels of light present in the winter months.

Claudia smells smoke when there is no fire. This is an example of __________.