Causes of Mental Disorders: A Comprehensive Guide for Psychology Students

Question 1

According to the biopsychosocial model, which of the following is NOT a contributing factor to mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

Spiritual factors

Answer

Biological factors

Answer

Psychological factors

Answer

Social factors

Question 2

Which of the following neurotransmitters is associated with low levels in depression?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Glutamate

Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 3

What is the term for an abrupt onset of intense fear and anxiety, often accompanied by physical symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Panic attack

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

Social anxiety disorder

Question 4

Which of the following is a common symptom of major depressive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Anhedonia

Answer

Euphoria

Answer

Mania

Answer

Delusions

Question 5

Which of the following is not considered a biological factor contributing to the development of mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

Socioeconomic status

Answer

Genetics

Answer

Neurotransmitter imbalances

Answer

Prenatal stress

Question 6

According to the cognitive-behavioral model, which factor is central to the development of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Distorted thought patterns

Answer

Early childhood experiences

Answer

Genetics

Answer

Neurotransmitter imbalances

Question 7

Which type of research design is most appropriate for investigating the effectiveness of a new psychotherapy intervention?

Accepted Answer

Randomized controlled trial

Answer

Case study

Answer

Correlational study

Answer

Observational study

Question 8

The concept of 'resilience' in mental health refers to:

Accepted Answer

Inherent ability to adapt and overcome adversity

Answer

Susceptibility to developing mental disorders

Answer

Lack of emotional regulation skills

Answer

Severity of symptoms experienced

Question 9

The 'recovery model' in mental health care focuses on:

Accepted Answer

Empowerment and self-management

Answer

Symptom reduction as the primary goal

Answer

Long-term institutionalization

Answer

Medication as the only effective treatment

Question 10

Which of the following is a major biological risk factor for schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Childhood trauma

Answer

Substance abuse

Answer

Stressful life events

Question 11

The theory that investigates the interplay between genetics and the environment in the development of mental disorders is called:

Accepted Answer

Diathesis-stress theory

Answer

Genetic theory

Answer

Epigenetic theory

Answer

Genomic theory

Question 12

Which neurotransmitter is associated with mood regulation and has been implicated in depression?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Glutamate

Answer

GABA

Question 13

The primary function of anxiety is to:

Accepted Answer

Signal potential threats

Answer

Ensure conformity to social norms

Answer

Enhance problem-solving skills

Answer

Maintain emotional equilibrium

Question 14

The therapeutic approach that focuses on unconscious processes and their influence on behavior is known as:

Accepted Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Answer

Humanistic therapy

Answer

Existential therapy

Question 15

The ethical principle that requires researchers to minimize harm and protect the welfare of participants is:

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Question 16

Which of these is NOT a major risk factor for developing a mental disorder?

Accepted Answer

Optimistic outlook on life

Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

History of childhood abuse or neglect

Answer

Social isolation or lack of social support

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT considered a biological factor contributing to the development of mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

Childhood trauma

Answer

Neurochemical imbalances

Answer

Genetic predispositions

Answer

Structural brain abnormalities

Question 18

According to the biopsychosocial model, which factors interact to influence mental health?

Accepted Answer

Biological, psychological, and social

Answer

Genetic, environmental, and behavioral

Answer

Cognitive, emotional, and developmental

Answer

Neurological, psychological, and spiritual

Question 19

Which psychological factor is commonly associated with an increased risk of depression?

Accepted Answer

Negative thinking patterns

Answer

Positive thinking

Answer

High resilience

Answer

Strong social support

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Mood swings

Answer

Delusions

Question 21

Which neurotransmitter is often implicated in mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Glutamate

Question 22

According to the diathesis-stress model, what role do genetic factors play in the development of mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

They increase vulnerability to environmental stressors

Answer

They determine the specific type of disorder that develops

Answer

They are the sole cause of mental disorders

Answer

They have no influence on the development of mental disorders

Question 23

Which of the following cognitive processes is considered a contributing factor to the development and maintenance of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Negative Thinking Patterns

Answer

Positive Reframing

Answer

Problem-Solving Skills

Answer

Cognitive Flexibility

Question 24

Which of the following models emphasizes the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in the development of mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

Biopsychosocial Model

Answer

Genetic Model

Answer

Environmental Model

Answer

Cognitive Model

Question 25

According to the diathesis-stress model, mental disorders develop when:

Accepted Answer

Genetic vulnerability interacts with environmental stressors

Answer

Environmental stressors are sufficiently severe

Answer

Genetic vulnerability is present without environmental stressors

Answer

Environmental stressors are present without genetic vulnerability

Question 26

A primary goal of evidence-based practice in mental health is to:

Accepted Answer

Improve Patient Outcomes

Answer

Reduce Stigma Associated with Mental Illness

Answer

Promote Professional Development

Answer

Expand Access to Mental Health Services

Question 27

Which physiological factor is associated with the development of mental disorders such as depression?

Accepted Answer

Reduced serotonin levels

Answer

Elevated dopamine levels

Answer

Increased cortisol production

Question 28

The biopsychosocial model of mental disorders emphasizes the interconnectedness of which factors?

Accepted Answer

Biological, psychological, and social factors

Answer

Genetic, cognitive, and environmental factors

Answer

Neurochemical, behavioral, and personality factors

Answer

Emotional, interpersonal, and cultural factors

Question 29

Negative cognitive biases, such as self-criticism and catastrophizing, are strongly associated with the development of which mental disorder?

Accepted Answer

Depression

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer

Bipolar disorder

Answer

Anxiety disorder

Question 30

Which of the following is a protective factor against the development of mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

Resilience and coping skills

Answer

Genetic vulnerability

Answer

Exposure to adverse childhood experiences

Answer

Substance abuse

Question 31

Which neurotransmitter imbalance is associated with major depressive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin deficiency

Answer

Dopamine deficiency

Answer

Glutamate excess

Answer

Norepinephrine excess

Question 32

Type I trauma, involving exposure to life-threatening events, is most strongly associated with the development of which mental disorder?

Accepted Answer

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

Major depressive disorder

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Question 33

According to the diathesis-stress model, mental disorders are believed to arise from the interaction between:

Accepted Answer

Vulnerability factors and environmental stressors

Answer

Genetic predispositions and personality traits

Answer

Cognitive distortions and behavioral patterns

Answer

Neurochemical imbalances and social influences

Question 34

According to the biopsychosocial model, mental disorders:

Accepted Answer

Are caused by a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors

Answer

Are solely caused by biological factors

Answer

Are solely caused by environmental factors

Answer

Are incurable and cannot be effectively treated

Question 35

The cognitive-behavioral model suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Cognitive distortions can contribute to emotional distress and maladaptive behaviors

Answer

Thoughts, behaviors, and emotions are independent processes and do not influence each other

Answer

Mental disorders are solely caused by environmental stressors

Answer

Personality traits are fixed and cannot be changed through therapy

Question 36

Which type of psychological therapy focuses on changing maladaptive thoughts and behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Answer

Psychoanalysis

Answer

Humanistic therapy

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Question 37

The DSM-5 is primarily used to:

Accepted Answer

Classify and diagnose mental disorders

Answer

Provide treatment recommendations for mental disorders

Answer

Develop research protocols for studying mental disorders

Answer

Assess the severity of symptoms in mental disorders

Question 38

Which of the following is not considered a characteristic of mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

Helpfulness in navigating life challenges

Answer

Impairment in functioning

Answer

Distress

Answer

Deviation from social norms

Question 39

The evidence-based practice movement in psychology emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

Using interventions that are supported by scientific research

Answer

Relying solely on clinical experience when making treatment decisions

Answer

Tailoring interventions to meet the unique needs of each client

Answer

Combining different theoretical approaches in treatment, regardless of their empirical support

Question 40

Which of the following is a well-established genetic risk factor for developing schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Family history of schizophrenia

Answer

Exposure to prenatal stress

Answer

Childhood trauma

Answer

Drug abuse

Question 41

According to the cognitive-behavioral model of depression, which cognitive distortion is a central feature of the disorder?

Accepted Answer

Negative self-talk

Answer

Magical thinking

Answer

Attention bias

Answer

Catastrophizing

Question 42

Which of the following is a protective factor against the development of generalized anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Strong social support network

Answer

History of childhood adversity

Answer

Parental neglect

Answer

Perfectionistic personality traits

Question 43

Which neurotransmitter system is predominantly implicated in mood disorders such as depression?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 44

For investigating the causal relationship between stress and mental illness, which research design is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal study

Answer

Cross-sectional study

Answer

Correlation study

Answer

Randomized controlled trial

Question 45

The primary focus of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders is to:

Accepted Answer

Challenge negative thought patterns

Answer

Eliminate avoidance behaviors

Answer

Increase self-esteem

Answer

Promote relaxation

Question 46

The term 'comorbidity' in mental health refers to:

Accepted Answer

The co-occurrence of multiple disorders in an individual

Answer

The gradual onset of symptoms

Answer

The severity of a disorder

Answer

The risk of developing a subsequent disorder

Question 47

According to the biopsychosocial model, which set of factors plays a significant role in both the onset and maintenance of mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

A combination of biological, psychological, and social factors

Answer

Biological factors only

Answer

Psychological factors only

Answer

Social factors exclusively

Question 48

Which neurotransmitter imbalance is commonly found in individuals with depression?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin deficiency

Answer

Dopamine deficiency

Answer

Norepinephrine deficiency

Answer

Acetylcholine deficiency

Question 49

According to the stress-diathesis model, what combination of factors is thought to contribute to the development of mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

Both a stressor and a genetic predisposition

Answer

Severe stressors alone

Answer

Genetic predisposition alone

Answer

Neither a stressor nor a predisposition

Question 50

Which type of psychotherapy is characterized by a focus on changing maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Humanistic therapy

Answer

Client-centered therapy

Question 51

The biopsychosocial model of mental disorders emphasizes the complex interplay of:

Accepted Answer

Biological, psychological, and social factors

Answer

Cognitive, behavioral, and emotional factors

Answer

Environmental, genetic, and cultural factors

Answer

Psychoanalytic, humanistic, and existential factors

Question 52

Research indicates a strong connection between which neurotransmitter and mood regulation?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 53

A person experiencing persistent, distressing thoughts and repetitive behaviors may receive a diagnosis of:

Accepted Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

Schizophrenia

Answer

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Question 54

Which form of therapy aims to identify and modify maladaptive thoughts and beliefs?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Answer

Psychoanalysis

Answer

Person-centered therapy

Answer

Gestalt therapy

Question 55

According to the diathesis-stress model, the development of mental disorders results from:

Accepted Answer

An interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental stressors

Answer

Environmental stressors acting independently

Answer

Genetic predisposition acting independently

Answer

Unknown causes

Question 56

The cultural formulation interview is primarily designed to:

Accepted Answer

Assess the impact of culture on mental health symptoms and experiences

Answer

Diagnose mental disorders across different cultures

Answer

Provide culturally sensitive treatment plans

Answer

Prevent mental disorders in diverse cultural groups

Question 57

A therapist who adopts a humanistic approach to therapy is likely to:

Accepted Answer

Encourage the client's growth, self-discovery, and potential

Answer

Explore the client's unconscious conflicts and motivations

Answer

Utilize cognitive techniques to modify the client's thoughts

Answer

Prescribe medication to alleviate the client's symptoms