Psychopathology & Neurobiology of Mental Health Disorders Exam, Exams of Nursing

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NGR 6462

Psychopathology &

Neurobiology of Mental

Health Disorders

LATEST EXAM w/ RATIONALES

1. Which of the following is a common feature of psychopathology? a) Impaired functioning in daily life b) Distress or discomfort c) Deviation from social norms d) All of the above Answer: D. All of the above are common features of psychopathology, although none of them are sufficient or necessary to define a mental disorder.
2. What is the difference between a categorical and a dimensional approach to diagnosis? a) A categorical approach assigns patients to discrete groups based on their symptoms, while a dimensional approach measures the severity and frequency of symptoms along a continuum. b) A categorical approach measures the severity and frequency of symptoms along a continuum, while a dimensional approach assigns patients to discrete groups based on their symptoms. c) A categorical approach focuses on the causes of mental disorders, while a dimensional approach focuses on the consequences of mental disorders. d) A categorical approach focuses on the consequences of mental disorders, while a dimensional approach focuses on the causes of mental disorders. Answer: A. A categorical approach assigns patients to

c) MDD is characterized by episodes of mild depression that last at least two months, while PDD is characterized by episodes of moderate depression that last at least six months. d) MDD is characterized by episodes of moderate depression that last at least six months, while PDD is characterized by episodes of mild depression that last at least two months. Answer: A. MDD is characterized by episodes of severe depression that last at least two weeks, during which the patient experiences depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, changes in appetite or weight, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation or retardation, fatigue or loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. PDD is characterized by chronic low mood that lasts at least two years, during which the patient experiences at least two of the following symptoms: poor appetite or overeating, insomnia or hypersomnia, low energy or fatigue, low self-esteem, poor concentration or difficulty making decisions, and feelings of hopelessness.

5. What are some biological factors that may contribute to the development of schizophrenia? a) Genetic predisposition, prenatal infections, brain abnormalities, neurotransmitter imbalances b) Genetic predisposition, prenatal stress, brain injuries, hormone imbalances c) Genetic predisposition, prenatal malnutrition, brain

inflammation, immune system dysregulation d) All of the above Answer: D. All of the above are possible biological factors that may contribute to the development of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia has a strong genetic component, with an estimated heritability of 80%. Prenatal infections, stress, malnutrition, and other environmental factors may increase the risk of schizophrenia by affecting brain development and maturation. Brain abnormalities in schizophrenia may include enlarged ventricles, reduced gray matter volume, and altered connectivity in various regions. Neurotransmitter imbalances in dopamine, glutamate, serotonin, and GABA may also play a role in schizophrenia symptoms. Additionally, schizophrenia may involve brain inflammation and immune system dysregulation, which may be triggered by infections, stress, or autoimmunity.

6. What are some psychological factors that may contribute to the development of anxiety disorders? a) Maladaptive cognitions, learned associations, personality traits b) Maladaptive behaviors, learned helplessness, personality disorders c) Maladaptive emotions, learned fears,

alterations in cognition and mood, and hyperarousal that last more than one month after the traumatic event, while ASD is characterized by similar symptoms that last from three days to one month after the traumatic event. d) PTSD is characterized by similar symptoms that last from three days to one month after the traumatic event, while ASD is characterized by persistent and intrusive symptoms of re-experiencing, avoidance, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and hyperarousal that last more than one month after the traumatic event. Answer: C. PTSD is characterized by persistent and intrusive symptoms of re-experiencing, avoidance, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and hyperarousal that last more than one month after the traumatic event. Re-experiencing symptoms include recurrent and distressing memories, nightmares, flashbacks, or emotional and physical reactions to reminders of the trauma. Avoidance symptoms include avoiding thoughts, feelings, people, places, or activities associated with the trauma. Negative alterations in cognition and mood include distorted beliefs about oneself or others, blaming oneself or others for the trauma, negative emotions such as fear, anger,

guilt, or shame, diminished interest or participation in activities, detachment or estrangement from others, or inability to experience positive emotions. Hyperarousal symptoms include irritability or aggression, reckless or self-destructive behavior, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, difficulty concentrating or sleeping, or increased arousal in response to reminders of the trauma. ASD is characterized by similar symptoms that last from three days to one month after the traumatic event.

8. What are some common types of psychotherapy for mental health disorders? a) Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy b) Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) c) Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) d) All of the above Answer: D. All of the above are common types of psychotherapy for mental health disorders. Cognitive- behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that aims to identify and modify maladaptive cognitions and behaviors that contribute to psychological problems. It involves teaching patients coping skills, challenging irrational

b) Antidepressants, anxiolytics, stimulants c) Antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics d) All of the above Answer: D. All B:

1. Which of the following neurotransmitters is typically imbalanced in individuals with major depressive disorder? a) Serotonin b) Dopamine c) GABA d) Norepinephrine Answer: a) Serotonin Rationale: Serotonin is commonly associated with mood regulation, and imbalances in serotonin levels have been linked to depressive symptoms.
2. Which brain structure is primarily affected in individuals with Alzheimer's disease? a) Hippocampus b) Amygdala c) Prefrontal cortex d) Basal ganglia Answer: a) Hippocampus Rationale: The hippocampus plays a vital role in memory formation and consolidation, and its deterioration is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

3. Parkinson's disease is primarily caused by the degeneration of neurons in which area of the brain? a) Substantia nigra b) Thalamus c) Hypothalamus d) Cerebellum Answer: a) Substantia nigra Rationale: Parkinson's disease results from the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to movement difficulties.
4. Which mental health disorder is characterized by persistent and irrational fears that are excessive and uncontrollable? a) Generalized anxiety disorder b) Obsessive-compulsive disorder c) Panic disorder d) Specific phobia Answer: a) Generalized anxiety disorder Rationale: Generalized anxiety disorder is defined by excessive worry and anxiety that is difficult to control and not necessarily focused on specific fears or situations.
5. Individuals with schizophrenia often experience positive symptoms, which include: a) Delusions and hallucinations b) Lack of motivation and social withdrawal c) Persistent sadness and hopelessness d) Excessive worry and anxiety

8. Which neurotransmitter is commonly associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? a) Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) b) Serotonin c) Norepinephrine d) Acetylcholine Answer: c) Norepinephrine Rationale: Norepinephrine is related to focus and attention. Imbalances in norepinephrine levels have been linked to symptoms of ADHD.
9. Which mental health disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings, alternating between periods of mania and depression? a) Bipolar disorder b) Schizophrenia c) Borderline personality disorder d) Dissociative identity disorder Answer: a) Bipolar disorder Rationale: Bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of mania (elevated mood, increased energy) and depression (profound sadness, lack of energy).
10. Which brain structure plays a crucial role in regulating emotions and is often implicated in anxiety disorders? a) Amygdala b) Thalamus c) Cerebellum d) Hippocampus Answer: a) Amygdala

Rationale: The amygdala is responsible for processing emotions, especially fear, and is often hyperactive in individuals with anxiety disorders.

11. The loss or damage of myelin sheath in the central nervous system is a characteristic feature of which neurological disorder? a) Multiple sclerosis b) Parkinson's disease c) Huntington's disease d) Alzheimer's disease Answer: a) Multiple sclerosis Rationale: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers in the central nervous system, resulting in disrupted nerve impulse transmission.
12. Which of the following is a common symptom of post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? a) Intrusive memories and nightmares b) Flight of ideas and grandiosity c) Uncontrolled shaking or trembling d) Lack of empathy and emotional detachment Answer: a) Intrusive memories and nightmares Rationale: Individuals with PTSD often experience distressing and intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares related to the traumatic event.
13. Antipsychotic medications primarily target which type of neurotransmitter activity?

executive functions, such as decision-making and impulse control. Impairments in this region are commonly observed in individuals with substance use disorders, leading to difficulty in overcoming addictive behaviors.