Unit 4: Psychological Disoders – PYQs & MCQs with Full Explanations Covering All Topics
Q1. Which option most accurately defines a psychological disorder?
Answer – B) A pattern of behavior causing significant distress or impairment
Explanation: Psychological disorders involve ongoing thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that interfere with daily functioning or cause significant personal distress.
Q2. When is a psychological disorder considered clinically important?
Answer – C) When it causes serious distress or affects everyday life
Explanation: A condition is recognized as a psychological disorder when it leads to significant challenges in personal, social, or occupational areas of life.
Q3. Which of the following is not typically seen in psychological disorders?
Answer – D) Voluntary behavior change
Explanation: Changes seen in psychological disorders are generally involuntary and disruptive, not chosen or consciously controlled.
Q4. From a psychological viewpoint, mental health means:
Answer – B) Being able to handle life’s stressors effectively
Explanation: Good mental health is about adapting positively to challenges and maintaining emotional balance, not the absence of feelings.
Q5. What is the core objective behind studying psychological disorders?
Answer – C) To identify, understand, and treat mental health problems
Explanation: The main aim of studying psychological disorders is to help people by diagnosing and providing effective support or therapy.
Q6. Which of the following is considered a key factor in identifying abnormal behavior?
Answer – C) Personal distress
Explanation: A person experiencing intense emotional discomfort or suffering is often a strong indicator of abnormal behavior, especially when it disrupts life.
Q7. Which of the following does not align with the widely used criteria for defining psychological abnormality?
Answer – C) Cultural conformity
Explanation: Abnormality is not defined by fitting into cultural norms. Even culturally accepted behaviors can be unhealthy or problematic.
Q8. An individual who hears voices that others do not and believes they’re being watched may be showing:
Answer – B) Abnormal behavior
Explanation: Experiencing hallucinations and delusions are common symptoms of severe psychological disorders and indicate abnormal functioning.
Q9. According to the statistical perspective, a behavior is considered abnormal when it:
Answer – C) Occurs rarely in the population
Explanation: From a statistical view, behaviors far from the average or norm—meaning they occur infrequently—are often seen as abnormal.
Q10. Which psychological model focuses on biological causes and medical treatment for mental disorders?
Answer – C) Biological model
Explanation: The biological model explains mental illnesses through physical factors like brain chemistry, genetics, and neurological issues, and emphasizes medical treatments.
Q11. Which psychological model views mental disorders as a result of flawed reasoning or irrational thought processes?
Answer – C) Cognitive
Explanation: The cognitive model focuses on how negative and illogical thinking patterns contribute to emotional problems and mental disorders.
Q12. What is the primary purpose of the DSM-5 and ICD-11 in the field of psychology?
Answer – C) Classifying psychological disorders
Explanation: Both the DSM-5 and ICD-11 serve as standard classification systems used by professionals to diagnose and categorize mental disorders.
Q13. What does the abbreviation DSM stand for in psychological diagnosis?
Answer – B) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
Explanation: DSM stands for “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,” which is used by mental health professionals for standardized diagnosis.
Q14. Which organization is responsible for creating and updating the ICD-11?
Answer – C) World Health Organization
Explanation: The ICD-11 is developed and maintained by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a global standard for disease classification, including mental disorders.
Q15. What does ICD stand for in medical and psychological classification systems?
Answer – C) International Classification of Diseases
Explanation: ICD stands for “International Classification of Diseases” and includes a comprehensive catalog of physical and mental health conditions.
Q16. Which statement accurately reflects the nature of classification systems in mental health?
Answer – B) They are flexible and can be revised
Explanation: Classification systems like DSM and ICD are updated regularly as new research emerges, ensuring they stay relevant and evidence-based.
Q17. In psychological diagnosis, what does the term co-morbidity refer to?
Answer – B) Presence of more than one psychological disorder in the same person
Explanation: Co-morbidity means that an individual experiences more than one mental disorder at the same time, which can complicate diagnosis and treatment.
Q18. According to the diathesis-stress model, psychological disorders result from:
Answer – C) Biological vulnerability and stressful life experiences
Explanation: The diathesis-stress model suggests that an individual with a predisposition (diathesis) may develop a disorder when exposed to stress.
Q19. Which is an example of a psychological factor that can lead to abnormal behavior?
Answer – C) Maladaptive thought patterns
Explanation: Negative or distorted ways of thinking can contribute to the development and maintenance of mental disorders.
Q20. Which biological factor is most commonly associated with the development of schizophrenia?
Answer – B) Dopamine imbalance
Explanation: Excess dopamine activity, particularly in certain brain pathways, is strongly linked to the symptoms of schizophrenia.
Q21. A person who often feels guilty and is stuck in a cycle of negative thinking is likely showing which kind of psychological influence?
Answer – B) Faulty cognition
Explanation: Repetitive guilt and negative thoughts are signs of distorted cognitive processing, often studied in cognitive psychology.
Q22. Why is it helpful to have classification manuals like DSM and ICD in the field of mental health?
Answer – B) They create a common framework for diagnosis
Explanation: Manuals like DSM and ICD standardize how mental disorders are understood and diagnosed worldwide, improving consistency among professionals.
Q23. One major benefit of psychological classification systems is that they:
Answer – B) Help professionals communicate clearly
Explanation: A shared diagnostic system helps psychologists and psychiatrists understand each other’s evaluations and plan better treatment strategies.
Q24. According to the biopsychosocial perspective, mental disorders are caused by:
Answer – C) A mix of body, mind, and social influences
Explanation: The biopsychosocial model explains abnormal behaviour as a combination of biological makeup, mental processes, and life experiences.
Q25. Which option represents a biological vulnerability to developing depression?
Answer – C) Genetic link to mood disorders
Explanation: A family history of depression indicates a genetic predisposition, making it a biological risk factor.
Q26. From a sociocultural point of view, which factor plays a major role in shaping abnormal behaviour?
Answer – C) Social roles and cultural expectations
Explanation: Sociocultural theories suggest that pressures from societal norms and expectations influence what is considered abnormal within a culture.
Q27. Which school of thought views irrational beliefs and distorted thoughts as the root of abnormal behavior?
Answer – B) Cognitive
Explanation: The cognitive model explains psychological problems as resulting from faulty mental processes and irrational thinking patterns.
Q28. Which theory of abnormality focuses on how behaviors are learned through experiences and reinforcement?
Answer – C) Behavioural theory
Explanation: The behavioural model sees abnormal behaviour as the result of learning, whether through rewards, punishments, or observation.
Q29. Which neurotransmitter is most closely linked to the development of depression?
Answer – B) Serotonin
Explanation: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, and its imbalance is strongly associated with depressive disorders.
Q30. What are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by?
Answer – B) Disorders that begin in childhood and impact growth
Explanation: Neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD begin early in life and interfere with personal, academic, or social development.
Q31. What is a key characteristic of Anorexia Nervosa?
Answer – C) Severe food restriction and intense fear of gaining weight
Explanation: Individuals with Anorexia Nervosa typically limit food intake drastically and have an overwhelming fear of becoming overweight, even if underweight.
Q32. Which of the following is a typical sign of Conduct Disorder in children or adolescents?
Answer – B) Persistent aggression and rule-breaking behavior
Explanation: Conduct Disorder includes patterns of behavior where social rules and the rights of others are consistently violated, often involving aggression or deceit.
Q33. How do hallucinations differ from delusions in psychological disorders?
Answer – C) Hallucinations are inaccurate sensory experiences, like hearing voices
Explanation: Hallucinations involve false sensory input (e.g., seeing or hearing things that are not real), while delusions are fixed false beliefs not grounded in reality.
Q34. What is a central feature of schizophrenia?
Answer – B) Disorganized thoughts, disturbed perception, and emotional blunting
Explanation: Schizophrenia includes symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, confused thinking, and emotional withdrawal or flatness.
Q35. Which of the following symptoms is commonly seen in a manic episode?
Answer – B) Inflated self-esteem, fast speech, and excessive energy
Explanation: Mania is marked by high energy levels, racing thoughts, inflated confidence, and sometimes risky behaviors, commonly seen in Bipolar I Disorder.
Q36. What does the term “binge-eating” most accurately describe in psychological disorders?
Answer – C) Consuming large amounts of food rapidly, often followed by guilt
Explanation: Binge-eating involves eating unusually large portions of food in a short time with a loss of control, commonly followed by feelings of guilt or distress.
Q37. Which of the following symptoms is least likely to occur in Major Depressive Disorder?
Answer – B) Excessive energy and high motivation
Explanation: Major Depressive Disorder typically includes fatigue, sadness, and disinterest. Excessive energy is a feature of mania, not depression.
Q38. What is a defining feature of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
Answer – B) Ongoing anxiety not limited to specific situations
Explanation: GAD involves constant, free-floating anxiety that is difficult to control and not linked to any one cause or situation.
Q39. Which of these is a globally recognized manual for diagnosing psychological disorders?
Answer – B) DSM-5
Explanation: The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) is a widely used guide for diagnosing mental health conditions, especially in the United States.
Q40. What is a main limitation of the statistical model used to define abnormal behavior?
Answer – D) Both B and C
Explanation: The statistical model classifies any behavior that deviates from the norm as abnormal, but this can ignore cultural context and unfairly label rare but positive traits (e.g., high intelligence) as abnormal.
Major Psychological Disorders
1. Anxiety Disorders
Q41. What is the central feature of anxiety-related disorders?
Answer – B) Ongoing, excessive fear and anxiety
Explanation: Anxiety disorders are defined by persistent fear, worry, or nervousness that interferes with daily functioning.
Q42. Someone who avoids malls and large events due to overwhelming fear may be showing signs of:
Answer – B) Specific Phobia
Explanation: Phobias involve intense, irrational fears of specific objects, situations, or places — such as crowds or enclosed spaces — often leading to avoidance behavior.
Q43. What best describes Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
Answer – B) Persistent, uncontrolled worry across various life areas
Explanation: GAD is marked by long-term, excessive worry about everyday issues like health, work, or relationships, not limited to one specific concern.
Q44. Which of the following disorders is best classified as a phobic anxiety condition?
Answer – A) Intense fear of public places or being alone in open areas
Explanation: This describes agoraphobia, a type of phobic disorder where the person fears situations they perceive as hard to escape or where help might not be available.
Q45. What does a sudden episode of rapid heartbeat, breathlessness, and fear of dying most likely indicate?
Answer – B) Panic attack
Explanation: A panic attack involves sudden physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, breathlessness, and a feeling of impending doom, often without a specific external trigger.
Q46. What is the main feature of Social Anxiety Disorder?
Answer – C) Strong fear of being judged or embarrassed in social settings
Explanation: Social Anxiety Disorder involves overwhelming anxiety in situations where the person feels they may be scrutinized or negatively evaluated by others.
Q47. Which of the following best defines Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Answer – C) Unwanted repetitive thoughts and rituals like checking or cleaning
Explanation: OCD involves obsessions (disturbing recurring thoughts) and compulsions (ritualistic behaviors performed to ease the anxiety caused by those thoughts).
Q48. Which action best illustrates a compulsion?
Answer – B) Repeatedly washing hands even when clean
Explanation: A compulsion is a repetitive act a person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession, such as repeated washing due to fear of germs.
Q49. What distinguishes a panic disorder from general anxiety?
Answer – B) Panic attacks occur abruptly and without a clear warning
Explanation: Panic disorder features sudden and unexpected attacks of intense fear or discomfort, often with physical symptoms, in contrast to the ongoing worry of generalized anxiety.
Q50. What type of situation is commonly avoided by individuals with agoraphobia?
Answer – C) Visiting crowded or open public areas where escape feels difficult
Explanation: Agoraphobia is marked by avoidance of places or situations where escape might be hard or help unavailable, especially in public or unfamiliar environments.
2. Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders
Q51. Which pair correctly represents the central features of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Answer – C) Obsessions and compulsions
Explanation: OCD involves unwanted, recurring thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to relieve anxiety caused by those thoughts.
Q52. Which of the following is most likely a behavior seen in someone with OCD?
Answer – A) Repeatedly washing hands due to fear of germs
Explanation: A common compulsion in OCD is excessive handwashing to cope with obsessive fears of contamination.
Q53. Which of these options best illustrates an obsession in OCD?
Answer – B) Recurring intrusive thoughts about harming someone
Explanation: Obsessions are distressing, intrusive thoughts or images that repeatedly enter a person’s mind, such as harmful thoughts the person does not want to act on.
Q54. What is the primary function of compulsive behaviors in OCD?
Answer – B) To reduce distress caused by obsessive thoughts
Explanation: Compulsions are performed in response to obsessions to reduce anxiety or prevent a feared event, though these actions often do not realistically prevent the obsession.
Q55. Which of the following accurately describes compulsions in OCD?
Answer – C) Repetitive acts done to lower anxiety from obsessions
Explanation: Compulsions are ritualistic actions a person feels driven to perform in response to obsessions, aiming to neutralize or reduce the resulting anxiety.
Q56. What distinguishes obsessive thoughts in OCD from everyday worries?
Answer – B) OCD thoughts are intrusive, distressing, and difficult to control
Explanation: OCD thoughts are unwanted and repetitive, often causing significant anxiety. Unlike normal worries, they feel intrusive and the person struggles to suppress them.
Q57. Which disorder is characterized by the compulsive urge to pull out one’s own hair?
Answer – A) Trichotillomania
Explanation: Trichotillomania involves recurrent, irresistible urges to pull out hair from the scalp, eyebrows, or other areas, often leading to noticeable hair loss.
Q58. What is a common symptom of Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
Answer – B) Preoccupation with imagined or minor physical flaws
Explanation: Individuals with Body Dysmorphic Disorder become excessively concerned about slight or imagined defects in appearance, often leading to distress and social withdrawal.
Q59. Which behavior is most typical of someone with Hoarding Disorder?
Answer – B) Collects and cannot discard items, even with no practical use
Explanation: Hoarding Disorder involves persistent difficulty parting with possessions, regardless of actual value, often resulting in cluttered and unsafe living spaces.
Q60. Which method is most effective in treating OCD?
Answer – C) A combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication
Explanation: The most effective treatment for OCD is CBT, especially Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), along with medications like SSRIs to reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions.
3. Stress and Trauma Related Disorders
Q61. Which of the following is a prominent feature of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Answer – C) Re-experiencing traumatic events
Explanation: A core symptom of PTSD is the repeated reliving of the traumatic experience through flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories.
Q62. PTSD is most likely to arise after:
Answer – B) A traumatic or life-threatening experience
Explanation: PTSD typically occurs after exposure to events like war, accidents, natural disasters, or assault that involve real or perceived danger to life.
Q63. Flashbacks and recurring nightmares are most likely symptoms of:
Answer – C) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Explanation: PTSD is known for involuntary flashbacks and vivid nightmares related to a past trauma, often accompanied by intense emotional and physical reactions.
Q64. When a person actively avoids places, people, or situations that remind them of a traumatic event, this is an example of:
Answer – B) Avoidance behavior in PTSD
Explanation: Avoidance is a key symptom of PTSD, where individuals try to escape triggers that remind them of the trauma, leading to emotional and physical distancing.
Q65. In PTSD, hypervigilance refers to:
Answer – B) Constant alertness and excessive scanning for threats
Explanation: Hypervigilance is an exaggerated state of awareness, where individuals feel constantly on edge and may overreact to sounds or movements, expecting danger.
Q66. Acute Stress Reaction differs from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) primarily in terms of:
Answer – B) Duration
Explanation: Acute Stress Reaction usually occurs immediately after a traumatic event and lasts for a shorter period (less than a month), whereas PTSD persists longer and may develop after a delay.
Q67. A soldier having recurring nightmares and emotional numbness months after returning from combat is most likely showing signs of:
Answer – C) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Explanation: Symptoms such as persistent nightmares, emotional detachment, and distressing memories occurring long after a traumatic experience are typical of PTSD.
Q68. Which of the following therapies is especially effective in treating trauma-related disorders like PTSD?
Answer – C) Exposure Therapy
Explanation: Exposure therapy involves safely confronting trauma-related memories or triggers to reduce avoidance and fear responses, making it highly suitable for PTSD treatment.
Q69. Intrusive thoughts, difficulty sleeping, and increased irritability are symptoms most commonly linked to:
Answer – B) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Explanation: PTSD symptoms include unwanted intrusive memories, sleep disturbances, and emotional reactivity, often emerging after trauma.
Q70. The primary cause of trauma and stress-related disorders is:
Answer – C) Exposure to traumatic life events
Explanation: Trauma-related disorders stem from exposure to extreme stress or life-threatening experiences, such as accidents, violence, or disasters.
4. Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders
Q71. Which of the following best defines Somatic Symptom Disorder?
Answer – A) Physical discomfort that lacks medical explanation
Explanation: Somatic Symptom Disorder involves experiencing real physical symptoms, such as pain or fatigue, but without a detectable medical cause. The distress is genuine and often leads to excessive worry about health.
Q72. What is the main concern of individuals with Somatic Symptom Disorder?
Answer – C) Worry over bodily symptoms that cause serious emotional strain
Explanation: This disorder is marked by distress over physical sensations like pain or fatigue, even when medical tests show no serious cause. The individual often seeks repeated medical help and reassurance.
Q73. Conversion Disorder typically presents as:
Answer – B) Sudden sensory or motor loss without a physical reason
Explanation: Conversion Disorder involves neurological-like symptoms, such as paralysis or blindness, that appear without an underlying physical injury. The condition is often triggered by psychological stress or trauma.
Q74. A person who loses the ability to walk without any injury is likely experiencing:
Answer – C) Symptoms of Conversion Disorder
Explanation: In Conversion Disorder, physical abilities like walking or seeing may suddenly stop working, though no physical damage is found. The cause is psychological, not organic.
Q75. Illness Anxiety Disorder was previously known by which term?
Answer – C) Hypochondriasis
Explanation: Illness Anxiety Disorder, earlier called Hypochondriasis, is marked by persistent fear or belief of having a serious illness, even when medical evidence is lacking.
Q76. Which of the following is not a typical feature of Somatic Symptom Disorder?
Answer – C) Genuine physical injury
Explanation: While the symptoms in Somatic Symptom Disorder are experienced as real, they are not due to an actual physical injury or illness. The focus is on distress and health-related anxiety, not on verified injury.
Q77. Which statement best explains the nature of Conversion Disorder?
Answer – B) Symptoms appear unconsciously without any known medical cause
Explanation: Conversion Disorder causes genuine motor or sensory issues (like paralysis or blindness) that arise due to psychological stress. These symptoms are not consciously created or faked.
Q78. Individuals with somatic symptom disorders often:
Answer – C) Experience their symptoms as serious and life-altering
Explanation: People with somatic symptom disorders often feel greatly affected by their symptoms, even if no medical cause is found. The impact on daily life can be significant, due to fear and anxiety.
Q79. Which of these therapeutic methods is considered most effective for managing somatic symptom disorders?
Answer – B) Psychoeducation and cognitive-behavioral therapy
Explanation: CBT and psychoeducation help individuals understand the connection between thoughts, emotions, and physical symptoms. They learn better coping skills and reduce their health anxiety.
Q80. What makes Factitious Disorder different from other somatic symptom disorders?
Answer – A) The individual intentionally pretends to be ill
Explanation: In Factitious Disorder, a person deliberately produces or exaggerates symptoms, not for external gain (like money), but to adopt the “sick role.” This distinguishes it from other disorders where symptoms are not faked.
5. Dissociative Disorders
Q81. Dissociative disorders are mainly marked by disruptions in:
Answer – B) Memory, identity, and consciousness
Explanation: Dissociative disorders involve a disconnection or disruption in memory, sense of self, awareness, or perception, typically in response to overwhelming stress or trauma.
Q82. A person who suddenly forgets their identity and travels unexpectedly to a different place may be experiencing:
Answer – A) Dissociative Amnesia with Fugue
Explanation: Dissociative Fugue is a subtype of Dissociative Amnesia where the person not only forgets personal information but also travels far from home, often without memory of the journey.
Q83. Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is best described as a condition where:
Answer – B) The individual has two or more distinct identities or personality states
Explanation: DID involves the presence of multiple distinct identities or “alters,” each with its own pattern of perceiving and interacting with the world, usually as a defense mechanism against severe trauma.
Q84. Dissociative Amnesia refers to:
Answer – B) Sudden inability to recall important personal information
Explanation: Dissociative Amnesia involves memory loss, often linked to stressful or traumatic events. It is not due to physical injury but rather a psychological response to distress.
Q85. Which factor is most often linked to the onset of dissociative disorders?
Answer – B) Traumatic experiences, particularly in early life
Explanation: Dissociative disorders often stem from childhood trauma such as abuse, neglect, or overwhelming stress, which leads the mind to “dissociate” as a coping mechanism.
Q86. Individuals with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) may:
Answer – B) Be unaware of their other personalities
Explanation: People with DID often shift between identities without being aware of the actions or thoughts of the others, leading to memory gaps and confusion.
Q87. In depersonalization disorder, people often report:
Answer – B) Feeling detached from themselves, as if watching from outside
Explanation: Depersonalization involves a sense of being disconnected from one’s own body or mental processes, often described as feeling like an outside observer of oneself.
Q88. Which of the following statements is true about dissociative disorders?
Answer – C) They involve disruptions in awareness and identity
Explanation: Dissociative disorders are mental health conditions that involve problems with memory, identity, emotion, perception, behavior, and sense of self, typically due to trauma or stress.
Q89. Treatment for dissociative disorders often focuses on:
Answer – B) Techniques to integrate different aspects of the self
Explanation: Therapy for dissociative disorders typically aims to help the individual integrate fragmented parts of their identity and develop coping mechanisms for trauma.
Q90. Dissociative disorders often make it difficult for individuals to:
Answer – B) Maintain a stable sense of self and memory
Explanation: A hallmark of dissociative disorders is the disruption in one’s sense of personal identity and continuity of memory, often due to trauma or overwhelming stress.
6. Depressive Disorders
Q91. Which of the following is a core symptom of Major Depressive Disorder?
Answer – C) Persistent sadness or low mood
Explanation: One of the defining features of Major Depressive Disorder is a prolonged low mood or persistent sadness, often accompanied by loss of interest or pleasure.
Q92. A person with depression may experience all except:
Answer – B) Increased concentration
Explanation: Depression often leads to difficulty concentrating, not improved focus. The other symptoms are typical indicators of depressive disorders.
Q93. Which of the following is a psychological symptom of depression?
Answer – B) Difficulty making decisions
Explanation: Difficulty in thinking or making decisions is a cognitive and psychological symptom of depression, unlike physical symptoms listed in the other options.
Q94. Depression is diagnosed when symptoms last for at least:
Answer – C) 2 weeks
Explanation: According to clinical diagnostic criteria, symptoms must persist for a minimum of two weeks to be classified as depression.
Q95. Which age group can experience depressive disorders?
Answer – C) All age groups
Explanation: Depressive disorders can affect people of any age, including children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. It is not limited to one demographic group.
Q96. In the context of depressive disorders, what does the term “anhedonia” mean?
Answer – B) A noticeable loss of interest or enjoyment in daily activities
Explanation: Anhedonia is a core symptom of depression where the individual no longer finds pleasure in things they once enjoyed, such as hobbies or social interaction.
Q97. Which of the following accurately reflects depressive disorders?
Answer – C) They influence thinking patterns, emotional responses, and actions
Explanation: Depressive disorders impact multiple aspects of a person’s life, including cognition, emotions, and daily behaviors. They are not limited by gender or only caused by physical conditions.
Q98. A commonly observed biological factor in individuals with depressive symptoms is:
Answer – B) Low levels of mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine
Explanation: Neurochemical imbalances, especially reduced serotonin and dopamine, are linked to depressive symptoms such as low energy and negative emotions.
Q99. What is an example of a cognitive symptom observed in depression?
Answer – C) Persistent negative thoughts and feelings of low self-worth
Explanation: Depression often affects how a person views themselves and the world, leading to pessimism, hopelessness, and difficulty concentrating—hallmarks of cognitive disturbance.
Q100. Which behavior is commonly associated with someone experiencing depression?
Answer – B) Withdrawing from social interactions
Explanation: Social withdrawal is a common sign of depression, where individuals avoid friends, family, or social settings due to low energy or emotional pain.
7. Bipolar and Related Disorders
Q101. What best defines the core pattern seen in Bipolar Disorder?
Answer – C) Shifting between intense emotional highs and lows
Explanation: Bipolar Disorder is marked by alternating episodes of mania (elevated mood and energy) and depression (low mood and energy), disrupting normal life functioning.
Q102. What symptom is most likely seen during a manic phase of bipolar disorder?
Answer – C) Rapid speech and overconfidence
Explanation: Manic episodes are characterized by high energy, fast speech, inflated self-worth, and sometimes risky behavior. These contrast with the depressive phase of the disorder.
Q103. What is often seen during manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder?
Answer – C) Individuals may engage in risky or impulsive actions
Explanation: Manic episodes often include impulsive decisions, overspending, or reckless driving. These actions stem from heightened energy and reduced inhibition during mania.
Q104. Mood changes in bipolar disorder typically involve:
Answer – C) Swings between states of high energy and deep sadness
Explanation: The key feature of bipolar disorder is the fluctuation between manic highs and depressive lows, both of which significantly influence functioning and emotions.
Q105. Which of the following is not typically seen in a manic episode?
Answer – B) Feeling a constant need to sleep
Explanation: People in manic states often require less sleep and still feel energized. Other symptoms include fast thinking, increased activity, and exaggerated self-beliefs.
Q106. What mood patterns are commonly observed in individuals with Bipolar II Disorder?
Answer – B) Periods of hypomania along with major depression
Explanation: Bipolar II Disorder includes alternating episodes of hypomania (a milder form of mania) and major depressive episodes. It does not involve full manic episodes.
Q107. How is hypomania best described in clinical terms?
Answer – B) A brief and mild elevation in mood and energy
Explanation: Hypomania involves elevated mood and increased activity or energy that is less severe than mania and does not significantly impair daily functioning.
Q108. What clearly distinguishes Bipolar Disorder from Major Depressive Disorder?
Answer – B) The presence of both high and low mood states
Explanation: Bipolar disorder includes alternating periods of mania/hypomania and depression, while major depressive disorder includes only depressive symptoms.
Q109. Which biological factor has been linked to the development of Bipolar Disorder?
Answer – C) Disruption in neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin
Explanation: Research shows that imbalances in brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin play a role in mood regulation and are often implicated in bipolar disorder.
Q110. When do symptoms of Bipolar Disorder most commonly begin to show?
Answer – C) In the late teens or early twenties
Explanation: Bipolar disorder typically begins in early adulthood, a period when emotional, hormonal, and cognitive changes are prominent, making it a common age of onset.
8. Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders
Q111. Which of the following is a hallmark feature of schizophrenia?
Answer – B) Hearing voices and holding false beliefs
Explanation: Schizophrenia is marked by psychotic symptoms, especially hallucinations (e.g., hearing voices) and delusions (e.g., false beliefs).
Q112. What is the correct definition of hallucinations in schizophrenia?
Answer – B) Experiencing sensory events that are not actually present
Explanation: Hallucinations are false sensory perceptions, like hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t there, often seen in schizophrenia.
Q113. Which option best defines delusions in the context of schizophrenia?
Answer – B) Holding unshakeable beliefs that are false
Explanation: Delusions are persistent false beliefs that remain despite evidence to the contrary, such as believing one is being followed without proof.
Q114. If someone believes others are secretly trying to harm them, they are most likely showing:
Answer – B) A persecutory delusion
Explanation: Persecutory delusions involve a strong and unfounded belief that others intend to cause harm, common in schizophrenia.
Q115. Disorganized thinking in schizophrenia often shows up as:
Answer – B) Speech that jumps from one topic to another without logic
Explanation: Disorganized speech, such as tangential or incoherent talk, is a reflection of disturbed thought processes in schizophrenia.
Q116. Which of the following represents a negative symptom of schizophrenia?
Answer – C) Emotional flatness and social withdrawal
Explanation: Negative symptoms include reduced emotional expression, lack of motivation, and social disengagement. These symptoms indicate a decrease in normal functioning.
Q117. In the context of schizophrenia, what does the term “avolition” refer to?
Answer – B) Difficulty initiating or following through with tasks
Explanation: Avolition is a negative symptom of schizophrenia and refers to a lack of motivation and inability to start or persist in goal-directed behavior.
Q118. What is catatonia, as observed in some individuals with schizophrenia?
Answer – C) A condition involving extreme immobility or repetitive motion
Explanation: Catatonia refers to a behavioral syndrome marked by physical rigidity, lack of response, or repetitive movements. It may occur in schizophrenia or other mental health conditions.
Q119. At what stage of life does schizophrenia most commonly begin?
Answer – C) In the late teenage years or early twenties
Explanation: Schizophrenia typically starts in late adolescence or early adulthood, a crucial developmental period when major brain and social changes occur.
Q120. Which of the following is considered an effective treatment approach for managing schizophrenia?
Answer – C) A combination of antipsychotic drugs and therapeutic support
Explanation: Schizophrenia is best treated through integrated approaches including medication, psychosocial therapy, community support, and family education.
9. Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Q121. When are neurodevelopmental disorders most commonly identified?
Answer – C) In the early stages of childhood
Explanation: Neurodevelopmental disorders usually become noticeable in early childhood, as they affect growth and development of the nervous system, often interfering with learning and social behavior.
Q122. Which one of the following is considered a neurodevelopmental condition?
Answer – B) Autism Spectrum Disorder
Explanation: Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction, typically diagnosed in early development.
Q123. A child with limited social communication and repetitive routines may be showing signs of:
Answer – C) Autism Spectrum Disorder
Explanation: Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized by challenges in social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive patterns of behavior.
Q124. Which of the following abilities is most directly impacted by ADHD?
Answer – C) Regulation of attention, impulse control, and activity level
Explanation: ADHD primarily affects cognitive and behavioral regulation, making it hard to focus, stay still, or resist impulsive actions.
Q125. A defining feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder is:
Answer – C) Difficulty in social engagement and communication
Explanation: Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder often struggle with social interaction and may display limited or atypical communication patterns.
Q126. Which of the following is not a typical feature seen in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
Answer – C) Repetitive rituals
Explanation: Repetitive behaviors or rituals are more commonly associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder, not ADHD, which is mainly characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.
Q127. What type of therapy is frequently used to support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Answer – B) Behavioral therapy and social skills training
Explanation: Interventions for Autism often include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), structured learning, and social skills development to improve communication and adaptive behavior.
Q128. Children diagnosed with ADHD often face challenges in which of the following areas?
Answer – B) Staying focused on tasks
Explanation: Children with ADHD typically struggle with sustaining attention, especially on tasks requiring focus or delayed rewards.
Q129. Which of the following is generally not considered a contributing factor to neurodevelopmental disorders?
Answer – C) Poor parenting
Explanation: Scientific evidence does not support poor parenting as a direct cause of neurodevelopmental disorders, which are largely influenced by biological and environmental risk factors during early development.
Q130. How are neurodevelopmental disorders commonly addressed in treatment?
Answer – C) Multimodal approaches including behavioral strategies and educational support
Explanation: Effective management of neurodevelopmental disorders typically combines structured behavioral interventions, special education, and in some cases, medication or therapy for co-existing conditions.
10. Disruptive, Impulse-Control and Conduct Disorders
Q131. What is a key characteristic of impulse-control disorders?
Answer – C) Failure to resist a strong urge or temptation
Explanation: Impulse-control disorders involve challenges in self-regulation, where individuals struggle to stop themselves from performing actions that may be harmful.
Q132. A child frequently breaking rules, lying, and being aggressive may be diagnosed with:
Answer – B) Conduct Disorder
Explanation: Conduct Disorder is marked by a pattern of violating rules, being aggressive, and showing little regard for the rights of others or social norms.
Q133. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) typically includes:
Answer – C) Defiant, argumentative behavior toward authority figures
Explanation: Children with ODD regularly display defiance, argue with adults, and refuse to comply with rules without engaging in serious aggression or legal violations.
Q134. Which behavior is most typical in individuals with Conduct Disorder?
Answer – B) Repeated violation of rules and social expectations
Explanation: Conduct Disorder is defined by ongoing behavioral issues such as breaking laws, aggression, and disregard for others’ rights.
Q135. How is Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) different from Conduct Disorder?
Answer – C) ODD shows defiance without major violation of others’ rights
Explanation: While both disorders involve oppositional behavior, ODD typically involves less severe actions and does not include criminal or aggressive violations common in Conduct Disorder.
Q136. What is the primary feature of Intermittent Explosive Disorder?
Answer – B) Sudden, aggressive outbursts that are disproportionate
Explanation: Intermittent Explosive Disorder involves episodes of extreme anger or aggression that are not in proportion to the situation, often resulting in harm or destruction.
Q137. If left untreated, Conduct Disorder in childhood may develop into:
Answer – C) Antisocial Personality Disorder
Explanation: Many individuals with untreated Conduct Disorder in childhood show patterns of antisocial behavior as adults, often meeting the criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder.
Q138. Which of the following statements is accurate regarding disruptive and impulse-control disorders?
Answer – C) They involve difficulties in managing emotions and actions
Explanation: These disorders commonly involve impulsive behavior, aggression, and poor emotional regulation, particularly in children and adolescents.
Q139. A lack of which emotional trait is commonly seen in children with Conduct Disorder?
Answer – C) Empathy and guilt
Explanation: Individuals with Conduct Disorder often show a noticeable lack of concern for others, with little remorse for their harmful actions.
Q140. What is a widely accepted approach to managing disruptive and impulse-control disorders?
Answer – C) Structured behavior therapy and active parental support
Explanation: Effective management often includes behavioral training, family involvement, and sometimes educational support, rather than relying solely on medication or isolation.
11. Feeding and Eating Disorders
Q141. What is a defining feature of Anorexia Nervosa?
Answer – B) Persistent fear of weight gain despite being underweight
Explanation: Individuals with Anorexia Nervosa often have an intense fear of gaining weight and may severely restrict food intake, even when underweight.
Q142. How is Bulimia Nervosa most accurately described?
Answer – B) Episodes of overeating followed by purging behaviors
Explanation: Bulimia Nervosa involves cycles of binge eating followed by behaviors like vomiting or excessive exercise to avoid weight gain.
Q143. What is commonly observed in someone with Binge Eating Disorder?
Answer – B) Repeated overeating without compensatory behaviors
Explanation: Binge Eating Disorder involves uncontrollable episodes of consuming large amounts of food, often followed by guilt, but without purging.
Q144. A person who often eats a lot quickly and later feels regret is likely experiencing:
Answer – B) Binge Eating Disorder
Explanation: Binge Eating Disorder is marked by rapid consumption of large amounts of food, often followed by emotional distress or shame.
Q145. Which eating disorder is most likely to result in severe weight loss and nutritional problems?
Answer – B) Anorexia Nervosa
Explanation: Anorexia Nervosa typically involves extreme restriction of food intake, leading to significant weight loss and risk of malnutrition or organ damage.
Q146. Which of the following is a medical complication commonly associated with Bulimia Nervosa?
Answer – B) Tooth enamel erosion and electrolyte imbalance
Explanation: Frequent purging in Bulimia Nervosa can damage tooth enamel due to stomach acid and disrupt electrolyte balance, which may lead to heart issues.
Q147. A distorted body image is most strongly linked with which of the following disorders?
Answer – B) Anorexia Nervosa
Explanation: In Anorexia Nervosa, individuals often perceive themselves as overweight even when severely underweight, indicating a distorted body image.
Q148. Which eating disorder is most likely to be concealed due to guilt and embarrassment?
Answer – C) Bulimia Nervosa
Explanation: People with Bulimia Nervosa often hide binge and purge behaviors due to feelings of shame, making the disorder difficult to detect.
Q149. What is the most effective general approach for treating eating disorders?
Answer – C) A combination of nutritional, psychological, and medical support
Explanation: Comprehensive treatment involving therapy, diet planning, and medical monitoring is the most effective strategy for managing eating disorders.
Q150. Which of the following is not considered an eating disorder?
Answer – C) Conduct Disorder
Explanation: Conduct Disorder is classified under Disruptive and Impulse-Control Disorders, not Feeding and Eating Disorders.
12. Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders
Q151. What is a defining feature of substance use disorders?
Answer – C) Repeated use of a substance even when it causes problems
Explanation: Substance use disorders are marked by a persistent pattern of use despite harmful consequences in personal, social, or health areas.
Q152. A person who needs higher doses of a drug to feel the same effect and feels unwell without it is likely experiencing:
Answer – B) A condition involving substance-related problems
Explanation: Tolerance (needing more of a substance) and withdrawal (discomfort without it) are both signs of a substance use disorder.
Q153. What does the term “tolerance” mean in the context of substance use?
Answer – C) Needing larger amounts over time to get the same effect
Explanation: Tolerance means that the body adjusts to the drug, requiring more of it to achieve the same outcome as before.
Q154. When do withdrawal symptoms usually appear?
Answer – C) When the substance is stopped or reduced
Explanation: Withdrawal symptoms occur when someone who is dependent stops using or cuts down on the substance, leading to physical and mental discomfort.
Q155. Which of the following is not a usual sign of substance dependency?
Answer – B) Improved sleep and energy
Explanation: Substance use usually disrupts sleep and lowers energy. Craving, neglecting duties, and interpersonal issues are commonly found symptoms.
Q156. What does addiction usually involve?
Answer – B) A strong need or urge to use a substance again and again
Explanation: Addiction means a person feels a powerful craving or compulsion to keep using a substance, even if it causes harm.
Q157. What is meant by psychological dependence on a substance?
Answer – B) Feeling emotionally or mentally dependent on the substance
Explanation: Psychological dependence means a person feels they *need* the substance to deal with stress, emotions, or daily life, even if their body doesn’t physically need it.
Q158. Which of these is a behavior commonly seen in people with addiction?
Answer – C) Losing control and being unable to stop using the substance
Explanation: One major sign of addiction is that the person can’t stop using the substance, even when they want to or when it causes problems in life.
Q159. Alcohol, tobacco (nicotine), and cannabis are all examples of:
Answer – C) Substances that affect the brain and mood (psychoactive substances)
Explanation: These substances change how a person thinks, feels, or behaves. That’s why they are called *psychoactive*.
Q160. Which type of therapy is commonly used to help people with substance use problems?
Answer – C) Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Explanation: CBT helps people recognize negative thinking patterns and behaviors related to substance use, and teaches healthier ways to cope.
Major Psychological Disorders important parts to remember!
Disorder Type | Description | Examples |
---|---|---|
Anxiety Disorders | Intense and persistent fear or worry, often with physical symptoms. | Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Phobias, Panic |
Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders | Repetitive intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and actions (compulsions). | OCD, Body Dysmorphic Disorder |
Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders | Develop after exposure to extreme stress or trauma. | PTSD, Adjustment Disorder |
Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders | Physical symptoms without medical cause, linked to psychological distress. | Somatic Symptom Disorder, Illness Anxiety |
Dissociative Disorders | Disruptions in memory, identity, or awareness. | Dissociative Amnesia, DID |
Depressive Disorders | Persistent low mood, loss of interest, and fatigue. | Major Depressive Disorder |
Bipolar and Related Disorders | Alternating periods of depression and mania/hypomania. | Bipolar I & II Disorder |
Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders | Distorted thinking, hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized behavior. | Schizophrenia, Brief Psychotic Disorder |
Neurodevelopmental Disorders | Early-onset disorders affecting cognitive and social functioning. | Autism, ADHD |
Disruptive, Impulse-Control and Conduct Disorders | Problems with self-control of emotions and behaviors that violate social rules. | Conduct Disorder, Intermittent Explosive Disorder |
Feeding and Eating Disorders | Disturbed eating behaviors with severe health consequences. | Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge-Eating Disorder |
Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders | Involves addiction to substances or behaviors. | Alcohol Use Disorder, Drug Dependence |
1. Important People (Name + Contribution)
- Emil Kraepelin – First classified mental disorders scientifically
- Sigmund Freud – Introduced the psychodynamic model of psychological disorders
- Aaron Beck – Proposed the Cognitive Theory of Depression
- Albert Ellis – Developed Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) for treating disorders
- Thomas Szasz – Criticized the medical model of mental illness (“Myth of Mental Illness”)
- DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) – Published by the American Psychiatric Association for classifying disorders
- ICD (International Classification of Diseases) – WHO’s classification system for mental and physical disorders
2. Important Theories / Laws / Models
- Biological Model – Disorders arise due to biological factors like genetics, brain abnormalities, neurotransmitters
- Psychodynamic Model – Disorders stem from unconscious conflicts (Freud)
- Cognitive-Behavioral Model – Faulty thinking and maladaptive behavior patterns cause disorders (Beck and Ellis)
- Humanistic-Existential Model – Disorders occur due to lack of self-awareness and self-acceptance
- Sociocultural Model – Cultural, social, and family environment affect mental health
- Diathesis-Stress Model – Disorders develop due to a vulnerability (diathesis) + stressful experiences
3. Important Terms to Highlight
- Psychological Disorder – Syndrome with significant disturbance in thinking, emotion, behavior
- Diagnosis – Identifying and labeling a disorder based on symptoms
- DSM-5 – Standard classification manual for mental disorders
- ICD-11 – WHO’s classification system including mental and physical disorders
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders – Disorders that appear early (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder)
- Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders – Disorders involving delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking
- Depressive Disorders – Major disturbances in mood (e.g., Major Depressive Disorder)
- Bipolar Disorders – Alternating episodes of depression and mania
- Anxiety Disorders – Excessive fear or anxiety (e.g., Phobias, Panic Disorder)
- Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders – Intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions)
- Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders – Disorders arising after exposure to a traumatic event (e.g., PTSD)
- Dissociative Disorders – Disruptions in consciousness, memory, or identity
- Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders – Psychological distress expressed through physical symptoms
- Substance Use Disorders – Problems arising from misuse of substances like alcohol, drugs
- Personality Disorders – Enduring patterns of thinking, feeling, behaving that are inflexible and maladaptive
4. Important Tables
Table: Models of Psychological Disorders
Model | Key Idea | Example |
---|---|---|
Biological Model | Brain structure, neurotransmitters, genetics cause disorders | Schizophrenia linked to dopamine |
Psychodynamic Model | Unconscious conflicts cause disorders | Anxiety from repressed childhood fears |
Cognitive-Behavioral Model | Faulty thoughts and behavior patterns cause disorders | Depression from negative self-beliefs |
Humanistic-Existential Model | Disorders due to lack of self-awareness and meaning | Depression from lack of purpose |
Sociocultural Model | Society and culture contribute to disorders | Eating disorders influenced by cultural standards |
Table: Key Differences – DSM-5 vs ICD-11
Basis | DSM-5 | ICD-11 |
---|---|---|
Publisher | American Psychiatric Association | World Health Organization |
Scope | Only mental disorders | Mental + physical disorders |
Main Purpose | Diagnosis and research | Global healthcare system usage |
Examples | Major Depressive Disorder, Schizophrenia | Same disorders plus others |