ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY FINAL EXAM
Question 1
Which of the following best defines abnormal behavior?
A. Any behavior that is uncommon
B. Any behavior that violates social norms
C. Behavior associated with distress, dysfunction, deviance, or danger
D. Any behavior caused by biological factors
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Abnormal behavior is commonly evaluated using the Four Ds framework: distress,
dysfunction, deviance, and danger. These criteria help clinicians determine whether a person's
thoughts, emotions, or behaviors significantly interfere with daily functioning.
Question 2
The biopsychosocial model emphasizes:
A. Biological factors only
B. Psychological factors only
C. Social factors only
D. Interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The biopsychosocial model proposes that mental disorders result from the interaction of
biological vulnerabilities, psychological processes, and environmental or social influences.
Question 3
Which manual is primarily used for psychiatric diagnosis in the United States?
A. ICD-10
B. DSM-5-TR
C. MMPI-2
D. WAIS-IV
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The DSM-5-TR provides standardized diagnostic criteria for mental disorders and is widely
used by mental health professionals in the United States.
Question 4
A panic attack is best described as:
A. A long-term depressive episode
B. A sudden surge of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms
,C. A psychotic episode
D. A memory disturbance
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Panic attacks involve sudden and intense fear accompanied by symptoms such as rapid
heartbeat, sweating, trembling, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Question 5
Which neurotransmitter is most commonly linked to depression?
A. Acetylcholine
B. Serotonin
C. Histamine
D. Endorphin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Serotonin plays an important role in mood regulation. Low levels or dysregulation of
serotonin have been associated with depressive symptoms.
Question 6
Obsessions are:
A. Repetitive behaviors
B. Intrusive and unwanted thoughts
C. Delusions
D. Hallucinations
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Obsessions are persistent thoughts, urges, or images that are intrusive, distressing, and
difficult to control.
Question 7
Compulsions are:
A. False beliefs
B. Sensory disturbances
C. Repetitive behaviors performed to reduce anxiety
D. Mood swings
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed in response to obsessions
in an attempt to reduce distress or prevent feared outcomes.
, Question 8
Social Anxiety Disorder is characterized by:
A. Fear of open spaces
B. Fear of contamination
C. Intense fear of social situations and evaluation by others
D. Fear of heights
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder experience significant fear of embarrassment,
criticism, or negative evaluation in social settings.
Question 9
For a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder, symptoms must be present for at least:
A. 3 days
B. 1 week
C. 2 weeks
D. 6 months
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: DSM-5-TR criteria require depressive symptoms to persist for at least two weeks and
represent a change from previous functioning.
Question 10
Which symptom is characteristic of Major Depressive Disorder?
A. Grandiosity
B. Elevated mood
C. Anhedonia
D. Flight of ideas
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Anhedonia refers to a diminished interest or pleasure in activities and is a core symptom of
depression.
Question 11
A manic episode is characterized by:
A. Persistent sadness
B. Elevated mood and increased energy
C. Severe anxiety only
D. Memory impairment
Question 1
Which of the following best defines abnormal behavior?
A. Any behavior that is uncommon
B. Any behavior that violates social norms
C. Behavior associated with distress, dysfunction, deviance, or danger
D. Any behavior caused by biological factors
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Abnormal behavior is commonly evaluated using the Four Ds framework: distress,
dysfunction, deviance, and danger. These criteria help clinicians determine whether a person's
thoughts, emotions, or behaviors significantly interfere with daily functioning.
Question 2
The biopsychosocial model emphasizes:
A. Biological factors only
B. Psychological factors only
C. Social factors only
D. Interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The biopsychosocial model proposes that mental disorders result from the interaction of
biological vulnerabilities, psychological processes, and environmental or social influences.
Question 3
Which manual is primarily used for psychiatric diagnosis in the United States?
A. ICD-10
B. DSM-5-TR
C. MMPI-2
D. WAIS-IV
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The DSM-5-TR provides standardized diagnostic criteria for mental disorders and is widely
used by mental health professionals in the United States.
Question 4
A panic attack is best described as:
A. A long-term depressive episode
B. A sudden surge of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms
,C. A psychotic episode
D. A memory disturbance
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Panic attacks involve sudden and intense fear accompanied by symptoms such as rapid
heartbeat, sweating, trembling, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Question 5
Which neurotransmitter is most commonly linked to depression?
A. Acetylcholine
B. Serotonin
C. Histamine
D. Endorphin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Serotonin plays an important role in mood regulation. Low levels or dysregulation of
serotonin have been associated with depressive symptoms.
Question 6
Obsessions are:
A. Repetitive behaviors
B. Intrusive and unwanted thoughts
C. Delusions
D. Hallucinations
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Obsessions are persistent thoughts, urges, or images that are intrusive, distressing, and
difficult to control.
Question 7
Compulsions are:
A. False beliefs
B. Sensory disturbances
C. Repetitive behaviors performed to reduce anxiety
D. Mood swings
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed in response to obsessions
in an attempt to reduce distress or prevent feared outcomes.
, Question 8
Social Anxiety Disorder is characterized by:
A. Fear of open spaces
B. Fear of contamination
C. Intense fear of social situations and evaluation by others
D. Fear of heights
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder experience significant fear of embarrassment,
criticism, or negative evaluation in social settings.
Question 9
For a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder, symptoms must be present for at least:
A. 3 days
B. 1 week
C. 2 weeks
D. 6 months
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: DSM-5-TR criteria require depressive symptoms to persist for at least two weeks and
represent a change from previous functioning.
Question 10
Which symptom is characteristic of Major Depressive Disorder?
A. Grandiosity
B. Elevated mood
C. Anhedonia
D. Flight of ideas
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Anhedonia refers to a diminished interest or pleasure in activities and is a core symptom of
depression.
Question 11
A manic episode is characterized by:
A. Persistent sadness
B. Elevated mood and increased energy
C. Severe anxiety only
D. Memory impairment
