Abnormal Psychology Quizzes: Test Your Knowledge of Mental Health

Question 1

What is the key characteristic that distinguishes Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) from other anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Excessive and uncontrollable worry about various topics, occurring most days for at least 6 months.

Answer

Panic attacks accompanied by intense fear and discomfort.

Answer

Avoidance of social situations due to excessive fear of embarrassment.

Answer

Repetitive thoughts and behaviors that interfere with daily functioning.

Question 2

How does societal stigma impact individuals experiencing psychological disorders? Discuss how attitudes and biases can hinder access to care and recovery.

Accepted Answer

Stigma can lead to social isolation, reduced self-esteem, and increased vulnerability to discrimination and violence.

Answer

Societal attitudes and biases have no impact on access to care for individuals with psychological disorders.

Answer

Psychological disorders are solely biological in origin, and societal attitudes have no influence on their development or maintenance.

Question 3

What is a primary symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Recurring, unwanted thoughts or images that cause significant distress or anxiety

Answer

Excessive worry about daily events

Question 4

Which of the following is a primary symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry and fear about a variety of topics

Answer

Persistent sadness and anhedonia

Answer

Delusions of grandeur

Answer

Hallucinations

Question 5

Which symptom is characteristic of borderline personality disorder (BPD)?

Accepted Answer

Fear of abandonment

Answer

Stable relationships

Answer

Lack of empathy

Answer

Grandiose self-worth

Question 6

Which of the following is a hallmark symptom of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Delusions and hallucinations

Answer

Obsessions and compulsions

Answer

Depressed mood and anhedonia

Answer

Panic attacks and avoidance

Question 7

Which of the following is a hallmark symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Repeated, intrusive thoughts and repetitive actions

Answer

Beliefs of superiority and hearing voices

Answer

Constant sadness and loss of interest in activities

Question 8

Which of the following are key symptoms of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Hallucinations

Accepted Answer

Delusions

Answer

Anxiety

Answer

Depression

Question 9

Identify the symptom that is NOT typically associated with schizophrenia:

Accepted Answer

Normal emotional expression

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Delusions

Answer

Disorganized speech

Question 10

Which characteristic is a key diagnostic feature of antisocial personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Consistent disregard for others' rights

Answer

Extreme fear and anxiety in social settings

Answer

Sustained feelings of sadness and despair

Answer

Obsessive preoccupation with orderliness and symmetry

Question 11

Which characteristic is NOT associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Psychotic symptoms

Answer

Intrusive thoughts or images

Answer

Repetitive behaviors or mental acts

Answer

Significant distress or impairment

Question 12

Which of these is a common symptom of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Anxiety

Answer

Increased self-esteem

Question 13

What is a defining characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Recurring thoughts and actions

Answer

Excessive anxiety

Answer

Rapid mood changes

Answer

Experiencing hallucinations or delusions

Question 14

Which of the following is a common symptom experienced by individuals with anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Elevated heart rate

Accepted Answer

Difficulty concentrating

Answer

Reduced appetite

Answer

Excessive sleep

Question 15

What is a defining symptom of panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Unpredictable and recurring panic attacks

Answer

Persistent and excessive worry

Answer

Avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety

Question 16

Which symptom is a defining characteristic of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Disorganized speech and thought patterns

Answer

Increased energy and elevated mood

Answer

Intense guilt and low self-esteem

Answer

Compulsive behaviors and repetitive thoughts

Question 17

Which symptom is a hallmark of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Delusions and hallucinations

Answer

Depressed mood and loss of interest

Answer

Anxiety and panic attacks

Answer

Compulsions and obsessions

Question 18

What is a primary symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Constant and excessive worry

Answer

Intense fear of specific objects or situations

Answer

Repeated, unwanted, and intrusive thoughts or images

Answer

Sudden episodes of intense fear and panic without a clear trigger

Question 19

What is the defining characteristic of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry about various topics, occurring most days for at least six months

Answer

Sudden panic attacks with intense fear and physical symptoms

Answer

Specific fear or anxiety triggered by certain objects or situations

Answer

Persistent depressed mood with loss of interest in activities

Question 20

For a client with schizophrenia experiencing hallucinations and disorganized thinking, which nursing intervention is most effective?

Accepted Answer

Enhance reality orientation and encourage external stimuli focus

Accepted Answer

Administer prescribed antipsychotic medication

Answer

Allow the client to express thoughts and emotions freely

Answer

Ignore the client's hallucinations and disorganized thinking

Question 21

What is the defining symptom of generalized anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry and fear

Answer

Hallucinations and delusions

Answer

Extreme mood swings

Answer

Difficulty sleeping

Question 22

What is a primary symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive, uncontrollable worry about various topics, even when there's no real danger or threat

Answer

Seeing or hearing things that aren't there (hallucinations) and believing things that aren't true (delusions)

Answer

Intense, irrational fear of specific objects or situations (phobias)

Answer

Repetitive, unwanted thoughts and behaviors (compulsions)

Question 23

What is a key characteristic of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Uncontrollable and excessive worry

Answer

Sudden panic attacks

Answer

Fear of social situations

Answer

Extreme mood swings

Question 24

What is the primary symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive and uncontrollable worry about various topics

Answer

Sudden and unexpected panic attacks

Answer

Persistent sadness, hopelessness, and low self-esteem

Question 25

Which symptom is commonly experienced by individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive, ongoing worry about various topics

Answer

Hallucinations and delusions

Answer

Elevated mood and increased energy

Answer

Intense fear or avoidance of specific objects or situations

Question 26

Which defining characteristic distinguishes Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) from other anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Excessive and persistent worry that significantly impairs daily functioning

Answer

More prevalent in women than men

Answer

Typically resolves without professional help

Answer

Treated primarily with medication, not psychotherapy

Question 27

What is a primary diagnostic criterion for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive and persistent worry about various events

Answer

Uncontrollable racing thoughts

Answer

Experiencing hallucinations and delusions

Question 28

A patient experiences constant worry and physical symptoms like muscle tension and fatigue. Based on DSM-5 criteria, which anxiety disorder is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Answer

Panic Disorder

Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Question 29

Which symptom is not typically associated with generalized anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks

Answer

Excessive and persistent worry and fear

Answer

Physical manifestations like muscle tension and headaches

Answer

Difficulties with sleep

Question 30

Which symptom is a hallmark of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry about various topics, often accompanied by physical symptoms

Answer

Severe social anxiety leading to avoidance of social situations

Answer

Recurrent panic attacks with intense fear and physical sensations

Answer

Alternating periods of mania and depression

Question 31

Which symptom is a defining characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Persistent intrusive thoughts that cause significant distress

Answer

Excessive worry about future events

Answer

Periods of intense sadness and hopelessness

Question 32

Which of the following is not a common symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Seeing things that aren't there

Answer

Excessive worry

Answer

Trouble sleeping

Answer

Feeling on edge

Question 33

Which symptom is NOT typically associated with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Panic attacks

Answer

Excessive worry

Answer

Muscle tension

Answer

Concentration difficulties

Question 34

Which of the following is a primary symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive and persistent worry about various topics, often accompanied by physical symptoms

Answer

Intense fear of a specific object or situation (specific phobia)

Answer

Sudden and unexpected panic attacks with intense physical sensations

Answer

Significant weight loss or gain due to excessive anxiety and preoccupation with food

Question 35

Which defining characteristic is associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Uncontrollable, persistent thoughts

Answer

Difficulty interacting socially due to anxiety

Answer

Symptoms of depression, such as sadness and loss of interest

Answer

Experiences of hallucinations or delusions

Question 36

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Excessive worry and anxiety

Answer

Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank

Answer

Physical symptoms, such as muscle tension or headaches

Question 37

For individuals diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which therapeutic approach has demonstrated the highest level of effectiveness?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Antipsychotic medication

Answer

Supportive therapy

Question 38

Which symptom is a defining characteristic of social anxiety disorder (SAD)?

Accepted Answer

Intense fear of being judged or scrutinized by others in social settings

Answer

Excessive and uncontrollable worry

Answer

Panic attacks triggered by social situations

Answer

Obsessions and compulsions that interfere with daily life

Question 39

Which therapeutic approach is considered the most effective for individuals diagnosed with social anxiety disorder (SAD)?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Medication alone

Answer

Humanistic therapy

Question 40

What is the defining symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive and persistent worry about various topics

Answer

Experiencing hallucinations and delusions

Answer

Undergoing extreme mood swings and episodes of mania

Question 41

According to the biopsychosocial model, which factors are believed to interact and influence the development of psychological disorders?

Accepted Answer

Biological, psychological, and social factors jointly

Answer

Biological factors alone

Answer

Social factors alone

Answer

Psychological factors alone

Question 42

Which type of anxiety disorder specifically involves excessive and persistent fear of being scrutinized or observed?

Accepted Answer

Social anxiety disorder causing intense fear in social situations

Answer

Panic disorder characterized by unexpected panic attacks

Answer

Agoraphobia characterized by avoidance of open or crowded spaces

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder leading to excessive worry and apprehension

Question 43

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with mood regulation and is implicated in the pathophysiology of depression?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin, involved in mood regulation and well-being

Answer

Dopamine, responsible for reward and motivation

Answer

Norepinephrine, related to arousal and attention

Answer

GABA, known for its inhibitory and calming effects

Question 44

Which therapeutic approach emphasizes the influence of unconscious processes and early life experiences on personality and mental health?

Accepted Answer

Psychoanalysis, exploring the unconscious mind through free association

Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, focusing on changing thoughts and behaviors

Answer

Humanistic therapy, prioritizing self-actualization and personal growth

Answer

Gestalt therapy, emphasizing present-moment awareness and self-discovery

Question 45

Which type of psychotherapy involves actively challenging and modifying distorted thoughts and maladaptive behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, focusing on thoughts, behaviors, and their interactions

Answer

Client-centered therapy, emphasizing empathy and unconditional positive regard

Answer

Dialectical behavior therapy, combining elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness

Answer

Existential therapy, exploring the meaning and purpose of life

Question 46

The biopsychosocial model of mental disorders considers the influence of:

Accepted Answer

Biological, psychological, and social factors

Answer

Biological factors only

Answer

Psychological factors only

Answer

Spiritual factors only

Question 47

Which type of therapy emphasizes changing maladaptive thoughts and behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Answer

Psychoanalysis

Answer

Humanistic therapy

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Question 48

Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for developing an anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Positive personality traits

Answer

Genetics

Answer

Trauma

Answer

Stressful life events

Question 49

The DSM-5 is primarily used for:

Accepted Answer

Diagnosing mental disorders

Answer

Treating mental disorders

Answer

Preventing mental disorders

Answer

Educating the public about mental disorders

Question 50

Which symptom is characteristic of bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Extreme mood swings

Answer

Persistent depressed mood

Answer

Visual hallucinations

Answer

Disorganized speech

Question 51

Who is credited with first proposing the idea of the unconscious mind?

Accepted Answer

Sigmund Freud

Answer

Carl Jung

Answer

Alfred Adler

Answer

Wilhelm Wundt

Question 52

Which ethical principle obligates psychologists to maintain the confidentiality of client information?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Fidelity

Question 53

Which of the following is NOT a defense mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Insight

Answer

Projection

Answer

Sublimation

Answer

Denial

Question 54

Which of the following is NOT a hallmark symptom of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Elevated mood

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Delusions

Answer

Disordered thinking

Question 55

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with depression?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Glutamate

Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 56

In therapy, which approach focuses on modifying maladaptive thinking patterns and behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Answer

Psychoanalytic therapy

Answer

Humanistic therapy

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Question 57

Which psychological disorder involves an intense fear of social situations?

Accepted Answer

Social anxiety disorder

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

Panic disorder

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Question 58

Which of the following may contribute to the development of a personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

A combination of the above

Answer

Childhood trauma

Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Neurological abnormalities

Question 59

Which ethical principle obligates healthcare professionals to respect their patients' right to make informed decisions?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 60

Which of the following symptoms is NOT commonly associated with schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Increased energy and activity

Answer

Auditory hallucinations

Answer

Delusions of grandeur

Answer

Disorganized speech

Question 61

Which neurotransmitter deficiency is most consistently implicated in the etiology of major depressive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Glutamate

Question 62

Which type of therapy primarily focuses on modifying maladaptive thinking patterns and behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Answer

Psychoanalysis

Answer

Humanistic therapy

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Question 63

What is the fundamental distinction between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD)?

Accepted Answer

OCD is primarily an anxiety disorder, while OCPD is a personality disorder.

Answer

OCD involves intrusive thoughts, while OCPD involves perfectionism.

Answer

OCPD involves intrusive thoughts, while OCD involves perfectionism.

Answer

OCPD is primarily an anxiety disorder, while OCD is a personality disorder.

Question 64

Which of the following statements accurately describes bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

It involves alternating periods of depression and mania.

Answer

It is characterized solely by depressive episodes.

Answer

It is characterized solely by manic episodes.

Answer

It is a temporary condition that can be fully cured.