Chapter 15 Study Questions

What does “DSM-5” stand for? What is the DSM-5–how & why is it used?

In the DSM-5, how are disorders classified?

What are the positives and negatives of labeling somebody with a mental illness?

What are the three components of the biopsychosocial model of psychological disorders? Be able to state/recognize examples of each component.

What is meant by “schizophrenia”?

Define “positive symptoms” and “negative symptoms.”

Define and be able to give/recognize examples of delusion, hallucination, paranoia, catatonia, and flat affect.

How common is schizophrenia? Be able to describe possible causes of schizophrenia, including dopamine over-activity, abnormal brain activity, genetics, and prenatal environmental risks.

What is bipolar disorder? Be able to recognize/discuss the symptoms of bipolar disorder.

What is depression? Be able to recognize/discuss the symptoms of depression.

What are the potential neurological, cognitive, and socio-cultural causes of depression? What is “rumination”?

Be able to recognize/discuss the findings on suicide in the U.S. What are the relationships among gender, age, suicide attempts, and suicide?

What is meant by “anxiety disorders”? What is a “phobia”? Be able to recognize/discuss the symptoms of phobias.

How do learning theorists explain the cause of phobias?

How do psychobiologists explain the cause of anxiety disorders?

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder? Be able to recognize/discuss the symptoms of OCD. How does hoarding relate to OCD?

How would a learning psychologist explain the cause of OCD?

What is PTSD? Be able to recognize/discuss the symptoms of PTSD. Which category of disorders does it belong to, in the DSM-5?

What is meant by “personality disorder”?

What is antisocial personality disorder? What is narcissistic personality disorder? What is borderline personality disorder? Be able to provide a description for each of these disorders.

What are the two necessary conditions a criminal defendant must meet in order to be considered “not guilty by reason of insanity”?

In the U.S. judicial system, how often do defendants use the insanity defense? How often are those who use it successful? What usually happens when a person is found “not guilty by reason of insanity”?

What is the correct term to use for a person who has “split personality”? (Note: You better not say “schizophrenia”!!)