1.
A 27-year-old married electrician complains of dizziness, sweating
palms, heart palpitations, and ringing of the ears of more than
18 months’ duration. He has also experienced dry mouth and throat,
periods of extreme muscle tension, and a constant “edgy” and watchful
feeling that has often interfered with his ability to concentrate.
These feelings have been present most of the time during the previous
2 years...Because of these symptoms the patient has seen a family
practitioner, a neurologist, a neurosurgeon, a chiropractor, and an earnose-
throat specialist....He also has many worries. He constantly worries
about the health of his parents...He also worries about whether
he is a “good father,” whether his wife will ever leave him (there is no
indication that she is dissatisfied with the marriage), and whether he is
liked by co-workers on the job. Although he recognizes that his worries
are often unfounded, he can’t stop worrying. For the past 2 years the
patient has had few social contacts because of his nervous
symptoms...he sometimes has to leave work when the symptoms become
intolerable. (Adapted from Spitzer et al., 2002 pp. 298–300.)
From which disorder does he suffer?
Correct Answer
D. Generalized anxiety
Explanation
The individual in the given scenario is experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, sweating, heart palpitations, and ringing of the ears, along with dry mouth and throat, extreme muscle tension, and constant feelings of edginess and watchfulness. These symptoms have been present for more than 18 months and have interfered with his ability to concentrate. He also has excessive worries about various aspects of his life, even though he recognizes that they are often unfounded. These symptoms and worries are indicative of generalized anxiety disorder, which is characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worrying about everyday life events.
2.
Historically, anxiety disorders were considered to be neurotic disorders, which are:
Correct Answer
A. Maladaptive and self-defeating behaviors
Explanation
Anxiety disorders were historically considered to be neurotic disorders because they are characterized by maladaptive and self-defeating behaviors. These behaviors are harmful to the individual and interfere with their daily functioning. This understanding of anxiety disorders has evolved over time, and they are now recognized as a distinct category of mental health disorders.
3.
Fear is seated in the future, anxiety responds to events in the present
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Fear is actually a response to events in the present, while anxiety is focused on future events. Fear is a natural reaction to an immediate threat or danger, triggering the fight-or-flight response. On the other hand, anxiety is a more prolonged feeling of unease or worry about potential future events or outcomes. Therefore, the given statement is false as it incorrectly states that fear is seated in the future and anxiety responds to events in the present.
4.
Fear and anxiety have 3 components but do NOT include:
Correct Answer
C. Psychological components
Explanation
Fear and anxiety have three components: cognitive/subjective components, physiological components, and behavioral components. However, psychological components are not included. Psychological components refer to the mental processes and experiences associated with fear and anxiety, such as thoughts, beliefs, and interpretations. While fear and anxiety can certainly have psychological effects, they are not considered a separate component in this context.
5.
The DSM-IV-TR lists the following criteria for Specific Phobia EXCEPT:
Correct Answer
C. Person does not recognize that the fear is excessive or unreasonable.
Explanation
The DSM-IV-TR lists the criteria for Specific Phobia, which includes marked or persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable, cued by the presence or anticipation of a specific object or situation. It also includes a duration of at least 6 months. However, it does not require that the person does not recognize that the fear is excessive or unreasonable.
6.
All of the phobias listed are considered a specific phobia EXCEPT
Correct Answer
D. Self
Explanation
The phobias listed - Situational, Environmental, Blood-Injection-Injury - are all specific phobias because they involve a fear or anxiety of a specific object or situation. However, "Self" is not considered a specific phobia as it does not fit the criteria of an irrational fear or avoidance of a specific object or situation.
7.
Specific phobias can develop from vicarious learning
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Specific phobias can indeed develop from vicarious learning, which refers to learning through observation or hearing about the experiences of others. For example, if someone witnesses a friend or family member experiencing extreme fear or distress in a specific situation or around a particular object, they may develop a phobia of that situation or object themselves. This can happen without directly experiencing the feared situation or object themselves.
8.
It is likely a person with an Avoidant personality comorbid with Social anxiety but not necessarily likely a person with Social anxiety have an avoidant personality.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The explanation for the given correct answer is that individuals with an Avoidant personality disorder often experience social anxiety as well. This means that it is likely for a person with an Avoidant personality to also have social anxiety. However, it is not necessary for a person with social anxiety to have an Avoidant personality. This suggests that while there may be a correlation between the two, they are not always present together.
9.
Nocturnal Panic Attacks are the same as night terrors
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Nocturnal Panic Attacks are not the same as night terrors. While both occur during sleep, they are different in nature. Nocturnal Panic Attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear or anxiety that wake a person from sleep, causing symptoms such as rapid heart rate, sweating, and shortness of breath. On the other hand, night terrors are characterized by sudden awakenings with intense fear or terror, often accompanied by screaming, thrashing, or other physical manifestations. Therefore, the statement that Nocturnal Panic Attacks are the same as night terrors is false.
10.
The DSM-IV-TR lists several criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder EXCEPT:
Correct Answer
D. Weight loss or gain
Explanation
The DSM-IV-TR lists several criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, including being easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. However, weight loss or gain is not listed as one of the criteria for this disorder. Weight loss or gain may be associated with other mental health conditions or physical illnesses, but it is not specifically linked to Generalized Anxiety Disorder according to the DSM-IV-TR.