Abnormal Psychology (DSM-5-TR 6) 2026 Prep

1. How does the DSM-5-TR primarily define a "Mental Disorder"? A) A culturally approved response to a common stressor B) A syndrome characterized by clinically significant disturbance in an individual's cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior C) Any behavior that deviates from the statistical average D) An expected response to the death of a loved one Correct Answer: B) A syndrome characterized by clinically significant disturbance in an individual's cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior 2. What is the fundamental difference between a "Categorical" and a "Dimensional" approach to diagnosis? A) Categorical uses numbers; Dimensional uses words B) Categorical groups disorders into distinct "yes/no" buckets; Dimensional views symptoms on a continuum or spectrum C) Categorical is for children; Dimensional is for adults D) There is no difference Correct Answer: B) Categorical groups disorders into distinct "yes/no" buckets; Dimensional views symptoms on a continuum or spectrum 3. The "Diathesis-Stress Model" proposes that psychological disorders arise from: A) Purely genetic mutations B) Purely environmental trauma C) An interaction between a biological/psychological vulnerability (diathesis) and an environmental trigger (stress) D) A viral infection in the brain Correct Answer: C) An interaction between a biological/psychological vulnerability (diathesis) and an environmental trigger (stress) 4. What does the term "Comorbidity" mean in psychopathology? A) A disorder that is fatal B) The simultaneous presence of two or more disorders in the same individual C) The cause of a psychological disorder D) A symptom of extreme anxiety Correct Answer: B) The simultaneous presence of two or more disorders in the same individual 5. "Ego-syntonic" refers to symptoms or traits that are: A) Deeply distressing to the patient B) Perceived by the individual as acceptable, unobjectionable, and part of the self C) Caused by brain damage D) Responsive only to medication Correct Answer: B) Perceived by the individual as acceptable, unobjectionable, and part of the self 6. Which term describes symptoms that are alien, distressing, and unacceptable to the individual's self-concept? A) Ego-syntonic B) Ego-dystonic C) Psychosomatic D) Idiopathic Correct Answer: B) Ego-dystonic 7. The "RDoC" (Research Domain Criteria) initiative by the NIMH aims to classify mental disorders based on: A) Traditional DSM symptom checklists B) Observable behavior and neurobiological measures across dimensional systems C) Psychoanalytic theory D) Patient self-diagnosis Correct Answer: B) Observable behavior and neurobiological measures across dimensional systems 8. In 2026, "Digital Phenotyping" is increasingly used in clinical assessment to: A) Genetically modify patients B) Collect continuous data from a patient's smartphone/wearables to track behavioral and physiological markers of mental health C) Digitize old medical records D) Play therapy games online Correct Answer: B) Collect continuous data from a patient's smartphone/wearables to track behavioral and physiological markers of mental health 9. What is the core feature of "Generalized Anxiety Disorder" (GAD)? A) Panic attacks triggered by specific objects B) Excessive, uncontrollable, and pervasive worry about everyday events for at least 6 months C) Compulsive hand washing D) Flashbacks of a traumatic event Correct Answer: B) Excessive, uncontrollable, and pervasive worry about everyday events for at least 6 months 10. A "Panic Attack" is characterized by: A) A mild feeling of nervousness before a speech B) An abrupt surge of intense fear or discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes, accompanied by physical symptoms (e.g., palpitations, shortness of breath) C) A long-term state of depression D) Hallucinations of threatening figures Correct Answer: B) An abrupt surge of intense fear or discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes, accompanied by physical symptoms 11. "Agoraphobia" is defined as a marked fear or anxiety about: A) Spiders and insects B) Situations from which escape might be difficult or help might not be available in the event of panic-like symptoms C) Public speaking only D) Enclosed spaces exclusively Correct Answer: B) Situations from which escape might be difficult or help might not be available in the event of panic-like symptoms 12. "Social Anxiety Disorder" (Social Phobia) involves intense fear of: A) Being in high places B) Social situations where the individual may be scrutinized, judged, or negatively evaluated by others C) Contracting a serious illness D) Leaving the house under any circumstances Correct Answer: B) Social situations where the individual may be scrutinized, judged, or negatively evaluated by others 13. In Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), "Obsessions" are: A) Repetitive behaviors performed to reduce anxiety B) Recurrent and persistent thoughts, urges, or images that are experienced as intrusive and unwanted C) A deep passion for a hobby D) Rational fears about the future Correct Answer: B) Recurrent and persistent thoughts, urges, or images that are experienced as intrusive and unwanted 14. In OCD, "Compulsions" are: A) Unwanted intrusive thoughts B) Repetitive behaviors or mental acts that an individual feels driven to perform in response to an obsession C) Aggressive outbursts D) Hallucinations Correct Answer: B) Repetitive behaviors or mental acts that an individual feels driven to perform in response to an obsession 15. "Body Dysmorphic Disorder" (BDD) is characterized by: A) A desire to undergo gender transition B) Preoccupation with one or more perceived defects or flaws in physical appearance that are not observable or appear slight to others C) A fear of gaining weight leading to starvation D) A delusion that one's body is dead Correct Answer: B) Preoccupation with one or more perceived defects or flaws in physical appearance that are not observable or appear slight to others 16. "Trichotillomania" is a disorder characterized by: A) Skin picking B) Recurrent pulling out of one's hair, resulting in hair loss C) Hoarding useless items D) Intense fear of the number 13 Correct Answer: B) Recurrent pulling out of one's hair, resulting in hair loss