Abnormal Psychology Quizzes: Test Your Knowledge of Mental Disorders

Question 1

What is a defining characteristic of depression?

Accepted Answer

Experiencing deep sadness and losing interest in things you used to enjoy.

Answer

Feeling extremely happy and confident.

Answer

Having lots of energy and racing thoughts.

Answer

Having false beliefs and seeing or hearing things that aren't real.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Persistent intrusive thoughts and repetitive actions

Answer

Excessive worry and anxiety

Answer

Disrupted sleep and nightmares

Answer

Challenges in social interactions

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Hearing voices or seeing visions

Answer

Excessive worry

Answer

Trouble sleeping

Answer

Feeling on edge or restless

Question 4

What is a common symptom of generalized anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry about various topics

Answer

Severe sadness

Answer

Hallucinations or delusions

Answer

Compulsive rituals or behaviors

Question 5

Which of these is a common symptom of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Normal sleep patterns

Answer

Organized speech

Answer

Absence of delusions

Question 6

What is a primary symptom of generalized anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Elated mood

Answer

Disorganized speech

Question 7

Which symptom is a key diagnostic criterion for generalized anxiety disorder, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)?

Accepted Answer

Persistent and excessive worry and difficulty controlling anxious thoughts

Answer

Panic attacks triggered by specific situations

Answer

Obsessive thoughts or images that cause distress

Answer

Mood changes or alterations in sleep patterns

Question 8

Which defining characteristic is a hallmark of borderline personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Unstable interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotions

Answer

Persistent delusions and hallucinations

Answer

Inability to experience pleasure

Answer

Compulsive behaviors and intrusive thoughts

Question 9

Which of these is a common symptom of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Obsessions

Answer

Mood swings

Answer

Anxiety

Question 10

Which symptom is not typically associated with schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Intense fear and worry

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Delusions

Answer

Disorganized speech

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Anxiety

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Delusions

Answer

Flattened affect

Question 12

Which symptom is NOT characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Delusions of grandeur

Answer

Excessive worry

Answer

Muscle tension

Answer

Difficulty concentrating

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Panic attacks

Answer

Excessive worry

Answer

Feeling restless or on edge

Answer

Muscle tension

Question 14

Which of the following is a characteristic of borderline personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Unstable relationships and intense emotions

Answer

Delusions of grandeur and disorganized speech

Answer

Compulsions and rituals

Answer

Flattened affect and social withdrawal

Question 15

Which symptom is a defining feature of dissociative disorders?

Accepted Answer

Memory loss or disruption

Answer

Persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness

Answer

Auditory hallucinations

Answer

Fixed, false beliefs (delusions)

Question 16

Which mental disorder is no longer a separate diagnosis in the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Histrionic Personality Disorder

Answer

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Answer

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Question 17

Which symptom is commonly associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive concern about contamination

Answer

Trouble focusing

Answer

Beliefs of superiority

Answer

Seeing or hearing things that aren't there

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a common symptom associated with schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Increased motivation and energy

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Delusions

Answer

Social withdrawal and isolation

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry and fear

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Delusions

Answer

Compulsive behaviors

Question 20

Which symptom is a hallmark of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Grandiose delusions of extraordinary abilities or high status

Answer

Prolonged sadness and hopelessness

Answer

Persistent intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors

Answer

Difficulty concentrating and making decisions

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty concentrating

Answer

Excessive worry about minor details

Answer

Repetitive behaviors or mental acts

Answer

Persistent thoughts or images

Question 22

Which characteristic is NOT commonly linked to schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Appropriate social interactions

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Disorganized speech

Answer

Delusions

Question 23

Which symptom is **NOT** typically associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Disorganized thoughts and speech

Answer

Recurring unwanted thoughts or images

Answer

Repetitive behaviors or mental actions to reduce anxiety

Question 24

Which of the following symptoms is not typically associated with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Delusions and hallucinations

Answer

Excessive worry about a variety of topics

Answer

Muscle tension and headaches

Question 25

Which of the following is a defining feature of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Intrusive thoughts or repetitive behaviors that severely disrupt daily life

Answer

Persistent feelings of sadness and despair

Answer

Frequent nightmares and night terrors

Answer

Impaired social skills and difficulty maintaining relationships

Question 26

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

Accepted Answer

Uncontrollable, repetitive thoughts (obsessions)

Answer

Frequent hallucinations

Answer

Persistent delusions

Answer

Impaired social skills

Question 27

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

Accepted Answer

Hallucinations or delusions

Answer

Excessive worry about various life aspects

Answer

Constant feelings of restlessness or tension

Answer

Difficulty focusing or making decisions

Question 28

Which of the following is NOT a known contributing factor to the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive caffeine consumption

Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Neurochemical imbalances

Answer

Childhood trauma

Question 29

Which physical symptom is commonly associated with substance abuse or addiction?

Accepted Answer

Dilated pupils

Answer

Increased energy levels

Answer

Improved coordination

Question 30

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

Accepted Answer

Recurring unwanted thoughts or images

Answer

Constant and overwhelming worry

Answer

Experiencing things that aren't real

Question 31

Which symptom is typical of the manic phase of bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Elevated mood and increased energy

Answer

Persistent guilt and worthlessness

Answer

Difficulty concentrating

Answer

Slowed thinking and psychomotor retardation

Question 32

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

Accepted Answer

Extreme social anxiety

Answer

Persistent delusions

Answer

Auditory hallucinations

Answer

Disorganized speech

Question 33

Which of the following is a common symptom of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive hand washing or cleaning rituals

Answer

Beliefs of being a powerful or important figure

Answer

Hearing voices or sounds that others cannot

Question 34

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

Accepted Answer

Delusions

Answer

Excessive worry

Answer

Muscle tension

Answer

Racing thoughts

Question 35

Which of the following is a 'positive' symptom of schizophrenia, indicating an excess or distortion of normal functions?

Accepted Answer

Delusions

Answer

Flattened affect

Answer

Avolition

Question 36

What is a common symptom of generalized anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry about various topics

Answer

Persistent sadness and loss of interest

Answer

Experiencing hallucinations and delusions

Answer

Repetitive thoughts and compulsive actions

Question 37

Which perspective is NOT considered in the study of the causes of abnormal behavior?

Accepted Answer

Humanistic

Answer

Biological

Answer

Psychological

Answer

Sociocultural

Question 38

According to the biopsychosocial perspective, what is the primary cause of mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

A combination of biological, psychological, and social factors

Answer

Biological factors alone

Answer

Psychological factors alone

Answer

Social factors alone

Question 39

Which of the following is a key characteristic of dissociative identity disorder (DID)?

Accepted Answer

Distinct personalities or identities

Answer

Hallucinations and delusions

Answer

Anxiety and phobias

Answer

Obsessive thoughts and repetitive behaviors

Question 40

What is a key characteristic of somatic symptom disorders?

Accepted Answer

Excessive focus on bodily sensations and symptoms, causing distress and daily life disruption.

Answer

Persistent sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness, with appetite and sleep changes.

Answer

Intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors, like handwashing or checking rituals.

Answer

Experiences of hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized speech.

Question 41

How do prevention and early intervention contribute to mental well-being?

Accepted Answer

They can significantly reduce the prevalence and impact of mental illness, leading to improved outcomes for both individuals and society.

Answer

They are only effective for severe mental health conditions.

Answer

They are primarily designed for children and adolescents.

Question 42

Which treatment method lacks empirical evidence as an effective intervention for the specified mental disorder?

Accepted Answer

Antidepressant medication for schizophrenia

Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy for personality disorders

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for depression

Question 43

How does culture influence the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions?

Accepted Answer

Culture significantly influences how mental disorders are understood, diagnosed, and treated.

Answer

Culture has no impact on the diagnosis or treatment of mental disorders.

Answer

Culture only affects how symptoms are interpreted, not how they are diagnosed or treated.

Question 44

How has technology enhanced the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of mental health conditions?

Accepted Answer

Technology has increased the accuracy of mental health assessments by providing clinicians with more data and objective measures.

Answer

Technology has hindered the diagnosis of mental disorders due to the abundance of online information and self-diagnosis.

Answer

Technology has reduced patient involvement in treatment as individuals increasingly rely on online resources.

Question 45

How can pharmacological interventions contribute to the treatment of mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

Pharmacological interventions can effectively manage symptoms and improve outcomes for individuals with mental disorders.

Answer

Pharmacological interventions are always the most effective treatment for mental disorders.

Answer

Pharmacological interventions have no potential side effects.

Answer

Pharmacological interventions should only be used after other treatments have failed.

Question 46

How do mental health laws contribute to safeguarding the rights of individuals with mental disorders and ensuring their access to appropriate treatment?

Accepted Answer

Mental health laws play a vital role in protecting the rights of individuals with mental disorders, including their right to receive appropriate treatment.

Answer

Mental health laws primarily restrict the rights of individuals with mental disorders.

Answer

Mental health laws are mainly intended to protect society from individuals with mental disorders.

Answer

Mental health laws have no bearing on the provision of treatment for individuals with mental disorders.

Question 47

Which neurochemical imbalance is strongly associated with the development of major depressive disorder (MDD)?

Accepted Answer

Imbalance of dopamine and serotonin

Answer

Excess of norepinephrine

Answer

Deficiency of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

Answer

Increased levels of glutamate

Question 48

Which type of therapy involves gradually exposing a client to anxiety-provoking situations to help them overcome their fears?

Accepted Answer

Exposure and response prevention (ERP)

Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Client-centered therapy

Question 49

Which of the following is NOT considered an anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Adjustment disorder

Answer

Social phobia

Answer

Panic disorder

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Question 50

In the development of schizophrenia, how do genetic and environmental factors interact?

Accepted Answer

Gene-environment interactions contribute significantly to schizophrenia development.

Answer

Genetics alone determine if someone develops schizophrenia.

Answer

Environmental factors, like trauma or substance abuse, can directly cause schizophrenia, even without genetic risk.

Question 51

How do cultural factors affect the way people view mental health conditions?

Accepted Answer

Cultural norms and values influence what is considered unusual behavior.

Answer

Cultural factors do not affect how mental health issues are expressed.

Answer

Mental health conditions appear the same in all cultures.

Answer

Culture is not considered when diagnosing mental health conditions by professionals.

Question 52

Which type of mood disorder is characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar disorder

Answer

Major depressive disorder

Answer

Dysthymia

Answer

Cyclothymic disorder

Question 53

Which type of therapy utilizes techniques to modify maladaptive thinking patterns and behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Humanistic therapy

Answer

Existential therapy

Question 54

Which diagnostic manual is widely used by clinicians for classifying mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

Both DSM-5 and ICD-11

Answer

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)

Answer

International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11)

Answer

American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Treatment Manual (DTM)

Question 55

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

Accepted Answer

Recurrent and intrusive obsessions and compulsions

Answer

Excessive preoccupation with cleanliness

Answer

Difficulty making decisions

Answer

Impaired social functioning

Question 56

Which type of therapy focuses on helping clients gain insight into their unconscious motivations and conflicts?

Accepted Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Behavioral therapy

Answer

Humanistic therapy

Answer

Existential therapy

Question 57

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

Accepted Answer

Visual hallucinations

Answer

Excessive worry and anxiety

Answer

Difficulty concentrating

Answer

Muscle tension

Question 58

What is the difference between a delusion and a hallucination?

Accepted Answer

Delusions are false beliefs, while hallucinations are sensory experiences that are not real.

Answer

Hallucinations are false beliefs, while delusions are sensory experiences that are not real.

Answer

There is no difference between delusions and hallucinations.

Answer

Hallucinations are more severe than delusions.

Question 59

What is the difference between a phobia and a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Phobias are specific fears, while GAD is more generalized and persistent.

Answer

GAD is specific fears, while phobias are more generalized and persistent.

Answer

There is no difference between phobias and GAD.

Answer

Phobias are more severe than GAD.

Question 60

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

Accepted Answer

Excessive and persistent worry about a variety of topics

Answer

Persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness

Answer

Delusions and hallucinations

Answer

Recurrent panic attacks

Question 61

What is the first-line treatment for **obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)**?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Answer

Antidepressant medication

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy

Answer

Deep brain stimulation

Question 62

What is a key difference between a **phobia** and **generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)**?

Accepted Answer

Phobias are specific to a particular object or situation, while GAD is more diffuse.

Answer

GAD is more severe than a phobia.

Answer

Phobias are more common in women, while GAD is more common in men.

Answer

There is no difference between a phobia and a GAD.

Question 63

Which of the following is a primary symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Persistent and excessive worry

Answer

Recurrent flashbacks

Answer

Depressive episodes

Answer

Depersonalization

Question 64

What is a defining characteristic of Bipolar I Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Extreme fluctuations in mood between mania and depression

Answer

Persistent low mood and hopelessness

Answer

Intense fear of specific objects or situations

Answer

Repeated thoughts and behaviors that interfere with daily life