Abnormal Psychology Quizzes: Test Your Knowledge of Mental Health

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Anxiety

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Delusions

Question 2

Which therapy approach has proven particularly effective in alleviating symptoms of borderline personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Psychoanalytic therapy

Answer

Medication

Answer

There is no effective treatment for borderline personality disorder.

Question 3

Which anxiety disorder involves intense fear and avoidance of specific situations or objects, such as heights or spiders?

Accepted Answer

Specific phobia

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

Answer

Social anxiety disorder (SAD)

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Extreme mood swings

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Delusions

Answer

Disorganized speech

Question 5

Which therapy approach has stronger evidence for treating depression: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or psychodynamic therapy? Explain your answer with specific examples.

Accepted Answer

CBT has more research support for its effectiveness in treating depression.

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy is better at addressing the unconscious conflicts that cause depression.

Answer

Both CBT and psychodynamic therapy are equally effective, but CBT is more cost-effective.

Question 6

How do cultural factors influence the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

Cultural factors should be considered in both the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.

Answer

Cultural background is irrelevant to the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.

Answer

Cultural factors should be considered in the diagnosis but not the treatment of mental disorders.

Question 7

How do social factors like poverty, discrimination, and education access affect the prevalence and development of psychological disorders?

Accepted Answer

Poverty and discrimination can increase the risk of mental health issues, while education access can protect against them.

Answer

Social factors have no influence on the development of psychological disorders.

Answer

Social factors only affect people who are already at risk for mental illness.

Question 8

How do mindfulness-based interventions help manage mood disorders? Explain their impact on emotional regulation and psychological well-being.

Accepted Answer

Mindfulness techniques help reduce mood disorder symptoms by promoting acceptance and non-judgmental awareness of emotions.

Answer

Mindfulness techniques only focus on suppressing negative emotions, reducing the ability to experience positive emotions.

Answer

Mindfulness-based interventions have not been proven effective in treating mood disorders.

Answer

Mindfulness-based interventions are only effective for specific mood disorders, like bipolar disorder.

Question 9

As per the DSM-5, which of the following is the main diagnostic criterion for Major Depressive Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Persistent depressed mood or anhedonia for at least two weeks

Answer

Difficulty sleeping or concentrating for at least one week

Answer

Irritability or anger toward others

Answer

Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities

Question 10

What emerging therapy uses computer simulations to create immersive experiences for treatment?

Accepted Answer

Virtual Reality Therapy (VRT)

Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Answer

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Answer

Psychoanalytic Therapy

Question 11

In schizophrenia, how do brain structure, functioning, and symptom severity interact?

Accepted Answer

Brain structure and functioning influence symptom severity together.

Answer

Brain structure alone determines symptom severity.

Answer

Brain functioning causes structural abnormalities.

Answer

Neither brain structure nor functioning affects symptom severity.

Question 12

How does early intervention contribute to preventing psychological disorders?

Accepted Answer

Early detection and intervention can prevent symptoms from worsening and potentially prevent disorders from developing.

Answer

It eliminates the need for long-term treatment.

Answer

It guarantees a complete recovery from any psychological disorder.

Answer

Its benefits are only for children and adolescents.

Question 13

Which ethical principles are essential for psychologists to follow when working with clients?

Accepted Answer

Maintain confidentiality

Accepted Answer

Obtain informed consent

Accepted Answer

Fulfill the duty to warn

Answer

Ignore ethical guidelines

Question 14

Which symptom is a primary diagnostic criterion for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) according to the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Persistent, intrusive thoughts that cause significant anxiety or distress

Answer

Excessive, uncontrollable worry about past mistakes

Answer

Compulsive behaviors, such as excessive gambling or shopping

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Suicidal thoughts

Answer

Excessive worry

Answer

Muscle tension

Answer

Difficulty sleeping

Question 16

The biopsychosocial model of mental illness proposes that psychological disorders are caused by:

Accepted Answer

An interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors

Answer

Biological factors only

Answer

Psychological factors only

Answer

Social factors only

Question 17

The DSM-5 is primarily used to:

Accepted Answer

Classify mental health disorders

Answer

Classify physical illnesses

Answer

Classify neurological disorders

Answer

Classify genetic conditions

Question 18

Which of the following is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by extreme and irrational fears of specific objects or situations?

Accepted Answer

Phobia

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

Social anxiety disorder

Answer

Panic disorder

Question 19

The humanistic approach to psychology emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

Personal growth and self-actualization

Answer

The unconscious mind

Answer

Behavior and reinforcement

Answer

The role of genetics in mental health

Question 20

Which of the following is a core symptom of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Excessive and persistent worry and fear

Answer

Hallucinations and delusions

Answer

Impaired cognitive functioning

Answer

Difficulty in sleeping

Question 21

What is the neurotransmitter that is primarily implicated in the development of depression?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Noradrenaline

Answer

Glutamate

Question 22

Which type of therapy focuses on challenging and changing maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic Therapy

Answer

Person-centered Therapy

Answer

Behavioral Therapy

Question 23

What is the term for an intense fear of being in social situations?

Accepted Answer

Social Anxiety Disorder

Answer

Agoraphobia

Answer

Phobia

Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Question 24

What is the primary diagnostic criterion for Bipolar Disorder Type I?

Accepted Answer

At least one manic episode

Answer

At least one hypomanic episode

Answer

At least one major depressive episode

Answer

Both a manic episode and a major depressive episode

Question 25

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

Accepted Answer

Obsessions and compulsions

Answer

Delusions and hallucinations

Answer

Anxiety and depression

Answer

Mood swings and irritability

Question 26

What is the primary aim of psychopharmacological treatment for mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

To alleviate symptoms

Answer

To address underlying psychological issues

Answer

To enhance social functioning

Answer

To prevent relapse

Question 27

Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Increased appetite

Answer

Excessive worry

Answer

Avoidance behaviors

Answer

Physical symptoms (e.g., sweating, trembling)

Question 28

According to the biopsychosocial model, which factors contribute to the development of psychological disorders?

Accepted Answer

Biological, psychological, and social factors in combination

Answer

Biological factors solely

Answer

Psychological factors solely

Answer

Social factors solely

Question 29

Which treatment approach focuses on changing maladaptive thinking patterns and behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Answer

Psychoanalysis

Answer

Humanistic therapy

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Question 30

A person experiencing ongoing thoughts of contamination and engages in excessive hand washing may be diagnosed with which disorder?

Accepted Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer

Schizophrenia

Answer

Depression

Answer

Bipolar disorder

Question 31

Which neurotransmitter is believed to influence the development and treatment of depression?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Glutamate

Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 32

Which diagnostic tool is used widely to classify and diagnose mental health disorders?

Accepted Answer

DSM-5

Answer

MMPI

Answer

Beck Depression Inventory

Answer

Rorschach Inkblot Test

Question 33

Which of the following is NOT a common stigma associated with mental illness?

Accepted Answer

People with mental illness are highly intelligent

Answer

People with mental illness are dangerous

Answer

People with mental illness cannot hold jobs

Answer

People with mental illness are weak-willed

Question 34

Which ethical principle requires mental health professionals to prioritize the welfare of their clients?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Question 35

Which personality disorder is characterized by a persistent pattern of manipulation, deceit, and lack of empathy?

Accepted Answer

Antisocial personality disorder

Answer

Borderline personality disorder

Answer

Paranoid personality disorder

Answer

Avoidant personality disorder

Question 36

Which anxiety disorder is the most prevalent in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

Panic disorder

Answer

Social anxiety disorder

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Question 37

Which of the following is NOT included in the diagnostic criteria for personality disorders?

Accepted Answer

Neurotic tendencies

Answer

Enduring patterns of inflexible and maladaptive personality traits

Answer

Significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning

Answer

Onset in childhood or adolescence

Question 38

What is the central focus of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)?

Accepted Answer

Identifying and modifying negative thoughts and behaviors

Answer

Exploring unconscious conflicts

Answer

Building a strong therapeutic alliance

Answer

Prescribing medication

Question 39

What is the term for an abrupt episode of intense fear and anxiety that often includes physical symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Panic attack

Answer

Anxiety attack

Answer

Phobia

Answer

Obsession

Question 40

What is the key difference between a delusion and a hallucination?

Accepted Answer

Delusions are false beliefs, while hallucinations are sensory experiences.

Answer

Hallucinations are false beliefs, while delusions are sensory experiences.

Answer

Delusions and hallucinations are both false beliefs.

Answer

Delusions and hallucinations are both sensory experiences.

Question 41

What is the ethical principle that obligates psychologists to protect the privacy of their clients?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 42

Which of the following is a characteristic of abnormal behavior, according to the definition used in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Causing personal distress or impairment in important areas of life

Answer

Deviation from social norms that the person finds acceptable

Answer

Presence of a medical condition that is causing the symptoms

Answer

Statistical rarity

Question 43

The primary diagnostic manual used by mental health professionals to classify psychological disorders is the:

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11)

Answer

American Psychiatric Association Manual

Answer

World Health Organization Manual

Question 44

Which of the following is NOT a biopsychosocial factor that can contribute to the development of psychological disorders?

Accepted Answer

Purely physical factors

Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Stressful life events

Answer

Lack of social support

Question 45

The main goal of psychodynamic therapy is to:

Accepted Answer

Uncover and resolve unconscious conflicts that may be contributing to the symptoms

Answer

Reduce symptoms through reinforcement

Answer

Challenge maladaptive thoughts and behaviors

Answer

Improve coping mechanisms through problem-solving

Question 46

Which of the following disorders is characterized by persistent delusions and hallucinations that interfere with daily functioning?

Accepted Answer

Schizophrenia

Answer

Depression

Answer

Bipolar disorder

Answer

Anxiety disorder

Question 47

Which of the following is a common symptom of generalized anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry or nervousness

Answer

Persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness

Answer

Mood swings and impulsive behaviors

Answer

Hallucinations and disorganized speech

Question 48

The most effective treatment for alcohol use disorder typically involves:

Accepted Answer

Detoxification, therapy, and support groups

Answer

Medication, electroconvulsive therapy, and hypnosis

Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis, and meditation

Answer

Exercise, healthy diet, and stress management

Question 49

Which of the following is a strength-based approach to working with individuals with psychological disorders?

Accepted Answer

Focusing on the client's strengths and abilities rather than solely on their symptoms and deficits

Answer

Emphasizing the diagnosis and symptoms to create an accurate treatment plan

Answer

Viewing the client through a purely medical model, focusing on their disorder

Answer

Ignoring the social and cultural context of the client's life

Question 50

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

Accepted Answer

Excessive energy levels

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Delusions

Answer

Disorganized speech

Question 51

Which of the following mental health conditions is characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry and fear?

Accepted Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

Panic disorder

Answer

Social anxiety disorder

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Question 52

Which mental health disorder is the most prevalent in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Anxiety disorder

Answer

Mood disorder

Answer

Psychotic disorder

Answer

Personality disorder

Question 53

Which of the following is the primary symptom commonly associated with schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Hallucinations and delusions

Answer

Chronic feelings of worry and apprehension

Answer

Persistent depressed mood and loss of interest

Answer

Antisocial behavior and lack of empathy

Question 54

Which therapeutic approach emphasizes the modification of unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Answer

Psychoanalysis

Answer

Humanistic therapy

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Question 55

What is the unconscious psychological mechanism by which we shield ourselves from anxiety-provoking thoughts and emotions called?

Accepted Answer

Repression

Answer

Projection

Answer

Rationalization

Answer

Displacement

Question 56

How can we distinguish between a diagnosis and a prognosis?

Accepted Answer

A diagnosis establishes the specific disorder present, while a prognosis predicts its potential course and outcome.

Answer

A diagnosis predicts the course of the disorder, while a prognosis establishes the specific disorder present.

Answer

They are essentially the same concept.

Answer

A diagnosis is made by a psychiatrist, while a prognosis is made by a psychologist.

Question 57

Which of the following is a recognized symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Intrusive and repetitive thoughts and behaviors

Answer

Excessive feelings of fear and nervousness

Answer

Sustained low mood and loss of interest in activities

Answer

Intense apprehension in social situations

Question 58

What term describes a condition in which an individual exhibits an inflated and unrealistic sense of self-importance?

Accepted Answer

Narcissism

Answer

Antisocial personality disorder

Answer

Borderline personality disorder

Answer

Histrionic personality disorder

Question 59

What is the primary goal of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for mood disorders?

Accepted Answer

To identify and change negative thought patterns

Answer

To prescribe medication to regulate neurochemical imbalances

Answer

To provide emotional support and coping strategies

Answer

To explore unconscious conflicts and early childhood experiences

Question 60

Which type of psychological disorder is characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer

Anxiety disorder

Answer

Personality disorder

Answer

Mood disorder

Question 61

How do environmental factors and social support affect mental health?

Accepted Answer

Environmental factors can increase risk, while social support can reduce it.

Answer

Environmental factors have no impact, but social support can prevent disorders.

Answer

Environmental factors are always positive, while social support is always negative.

Answer

Social support and environmental factors have no effect on mental health.

Question 62

What is a primary symptom of major depressive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Sustained sadness or low mood

Answer

Elevated mood

Answer

Increased energy

Answer

Racing thoughts

Question 63

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

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry about many different things

Answer

Sudden and unexpected panic attacks

Answer

Unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors

Question 64

Which of the following is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significant impairments in social interaction and communication abilities?

Accepted Answer

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Answer

Schizophrenia

Answer

Anxiety disorder

Answer

Mood disorder