Psychology - Psychological Disorders - MCAT Practice Questions
Schizophrenia is primarily characterized by thoughts or experiences that
seem out of touch with reality, disorganized speech, and decreased
participation in daily activities. What category of symptoms "add something
to behavior, cognition or affect," such as delusions or hallucinations? Positive symptoms
A mild but long-term form of depression that must last for at least 2 years
to meet the criteria is known as: Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
Which of the following disorders is a type of depression that is
specifically related to changes in seasons, often occurring during
winter? Seasonal Affective Disorder
The symptoms of Bipolar Type I include which of the following episodes as a
necessary criterion? At least one manic episode
What distinguishes Bipolar Type II from Bipolar Type I? It includes at least one hypomanic episode, but no manic episode
A person who experiences many periods of hypomania and depressive symptoms,
though less severe than major depression, for at least two years (one year
in children) is likely to be diagnosed with: Cyclothymic Disorder
Anxiety disorders are best defined as disorders that primarily involve: Extreme fear or worry
The disorder characterized by excessive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to
repetitive behaviors (compulsions) is: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
If a person is characterized by having an unrealistic negative evaluation of
one's appearance, they likely have: Body Dysmorphic Disorder
A person who has difficulty recovering after experiencing or witnessing a
terrifying event may develop: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Dissociative disorders are defined by experiencing a disconnection and lack
of continuity between which of the following? Thoughts, memories, surroundings, actions, and identity
The dissociative disorder where a person is unable to recall past
experiences is: Dissociative Amnesia
Someone experiencing a dissociative fugue will lose awareness of their
identity and also engages in some form of: Unexpected travel
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is characterized by experiencing: Multiple personalities
Someone with depersonalization / derealization disorder experiences a
feeling of detachment from which of the following? The mind and body or the environment
Somatic symptom disorders are characterized by: Physical symptoms brought about by psychological stress
Which disorder is characterized by a person feeling extreme anxiety about
physical symptoms such as pain or fatigue? Somatic Symptom Disorder
Illness Anxiety Disorder is an obsession with the idea of having a serious
but undiagnosed medical condition. It is sometimes called: Hypochondriasis
Conversion disorder involves unexplained symptoms resulting in the: Loss of body function
Personality disorders are a group of disorders defined by a rigid and
unhealthy pattern of: Thinking, functioning, and behaving
Which Cluster of the personality disorders is called the odd, eccentric, or
"weird" cluster? Cluster A
Which Cluster of the personality disorders is characterized by dramatic,
overly emotional, or unpredictable thinking or behavior and is often called
the "wild" cluster? Cluster B
Which Cluster of the personality disorders is characterized by feelings of
anxiety and fear and is often called the "worried" cluster? Cluster C
Depressive disorders are characterized by sadness severe enough or
persistent enough to interfere with: Function
The symptoms of Bipolar Type I include at least one manic episode that may
be preceded or followed by which other types of episodes? Hypomanic or major depressive episodes