Question 1

Lenny is 25 years old and has had multiple arrests for assaults, theft, and drug use. He has hurt strangers, friends, and family and has never shown any remorse or regret. Following his last arrest, Lenny met with a social worker who told him about antisocial personality disorder; he is now convinced that is "what's wrong" with him. Lenny recently went to a local community mental health center and asked to be treated by a psychotherapist. The problem with this story is that

Accepted Answer

A)   individuals with antisocial personality disorder do not generally seek treatment.
B)   Lenny has misdiagnosed himself since his behaviors are more typical of conduct disorder.
C)   the drug use does not fit the pattern of antisocial personality disorder.
D)   the description does not fit any known personality disorder. A

Question 2

Criminal behavior by individuals with antisocial personality disorder tends to after the age of 40.

Accepted Answer

A)   decrease
B)   increase
C)   decrease in frequency but increase in severity
D)   increase in frequency but decrease in severity A

Question 3

Sally is chatty and makes friends easily because she goes up and introduces herself to others at lunch. Sally is showing which of the "Big Five" personality dimensions?

Accepted Answer

A)   Extroversion
B)   Agreeableness
C)   Conscientiousness
D)   Neuroticism A

Question 4

Of the following, the most accurate statement with regard to the treatment of avoidant personality disorder is

Accepted Answer

A)   no well-controlled studies of treatment outcomes have been conducted.
B)   there are well-controlled studies though none show any treatment success.
C)   individuals with this disorder are seldom sufficiently motivated to succeed in treatment.
D)   behavioral intervention programs for anxiety and social skills have had some success.

Question 5

One unusual finding discussed in your text is that in the behavior of several serial killers.

Accepted Answer

A)   narcissistic
B)   histrionic
C)   obsessive-compulsive
D)   schizotypal

Question 6

A key to treating people with avoidant personality disorder is

Accepted Answer

A)   teaching emotional skills.
B)   building strong therapeutic relationships.
C)   the use of medication.
D)   increasing social contact.

Question 7

All of the following are common disorders that tend to be comorbid with borderline personality disorder EXCEPT ______________.

Accepted Answer

A)   depression
B)   substance abuse
C)   bulimia nervosa
D)   obsessive-compulsive disorder

Question 8

Which of the following statements is false?

Accepted Answer

A)   Recent research is refining the search for genes that cause antisocial personality disorder.
B)   Recent research on brain damage indicates that brain damage is found in psychopaths.
C)   Recent research on neuropsychological tests indicates that psychopaths score equally as well as non- psychopaths.
D)   Sine research suggests that those with psychopathy are generally underaroused, and thus engage in actions to compensate for this lack of stimulus input.

Question 9

Therapy for histrionic personality disorder tends to focus on

Accepted Answer

A)   using medications to decrease anxiety.
B)   exploring unconscious processes.
C)   relaxation techniques.
D)   processing interpersonal relationships.

Question 10

All of the following are necessary conditions for the diagnosis of a personality disorder EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

A)   patient feelings of distress.
B)   distress to the person demonstrating the behaviors or others around them.
C)   maladaptive functioning.
D)   chronic course of behavior.

Question 11

Amy quickly becomes the center of attention when she enters a room. She is a tall and attractive young woman who generally wears something striking. Amy is known as a flirt and acts in a seductive manner around men. When Amy speaks, she uses very exaggerated terms, even when describing relatively ordinary situations. Amy's diagnosis is most likely personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

A)   histrionic
B)   narcissistic
C)   borderline
D)   dependent

Question 12

Unlike schizophrenia or an eating disorder, personality disorders can be viewed as disorders of

Accepted Answer

A)   biology rather than learning.
B)   learning rather than disease.
C)   degree rather than kind.
D)   functioning rather than disease.

Question 13

Shawna is an artist and shows great creativity in her paintings. She is curious about the world around her and is interested in new ways to paint her surroundings. Shawna likely has which of the "Big Five" personality dimensions?

Accepted Answer

A)   Extroversion
B)   Agreeableness
C)   Conscientiousness
D)   Openness to experience

Question 14

Research suggests that the combination of antipsychotic medications, cognitive behavior therapy, and social skills training in schizotypal personality disorders

Accepted Answer

A)   reduces symptoms or delays later development of schizophrenia.
B)   increases chances of later development of schizophrenia.
C)   is unrelated to schizophrenia risk.
D)   alters symptoms of schizophrenia.

Question 15

One of the contributing factors in the developmental history of individuals with antisocial personality disorder appears to be that their parents were more likely to have utilized

Accepted Answer

A)   firm discipline.
B)   inconsistent discipline.
C)   an overly protective parenting style.
D)   physical discipline.

Question 16

In Jill's psychotherapy sessions, the therapist has been using techniques to gradually make her more comfortable with social situations. Similar to the treatments used for individuals with social phobia, the therapist has given Jill homework assignments that require her to practice talking to strangers, join informal groups, and speak in front of small groups. Most likely, she is being treated for personality disorder.

Accepted Answer

A)   antisocial
B)   dependent
C)   avoidant
D)   histrionic

Question 17

Approximately what percentage of people with borderline Personality Disorder are anorexic?

Accepted Answer

A)   5%
B)   10%
C)   20%
D)   50%

Question 18

Jose always finishes his work on time and he is a very popular choice in class for group work because he is known for his worth ethic. Jose is showing which of the "Big Five" personality dimensions?

Accepted Answer

A)   Extroversion
B)   Agreeableness
C)   Conscientiousness
D)   Neuroticism

Question 19

When working with a patient diagnosed with dependent personality disorder, the therapist must be particularly careful that the patient does not

Accepted Answer

A)   take over the agenda of the sessions.
B)   become inconsistent in attending sessions.
C)   manipulate the therapist by being overly dramatic.
D)   become overly dependent on the therapist.

Question 20

A person with paranoid personality disorder may

Accepted Answer

A)   mistrust other people.
B)   get into arguments with people.
C)   be quiet and withdrawn.
D)   do all of the above.

Exam 12: Personality Disorders