Chapter 13: Diagnosing Disorders Worksheet

Question 1

Sam’s friends are starting to worry about him. Normally energetic and fun-loving, Sam has become withdrawn and sullen. He has lost weight, is constantly tired, and hasn’t been showing up to basketball practice or to his fraternity meetings. In his conversations with others, he expresses feelings of doubt and unworthiness, and seems to be entertaining suicidal thoughts.

Answer 1

major depression

Question 2

If you interacted with Scott briefly, you might think that he is normal. However, once he told you about the government’s plot against him and how he was going to be rescued by some alien friends, you would start to suspect that he has a mental disorder.

Answer 2

Paranoid Schizophrenia

Question 3

Casey, who has just suffered a serious knee injury, cannot undergo an MRI because he has an irrational fear of narrow, enclosed places.

Answer 3

Specific Phobia

Question 4

While teaching her class one day, Theresa suddenly begins having difficulty breathing. Her heart starts pounding wildly, and she feels weak and dizzy. She feels as if she’s having a heart attack and is honestly afraid that she is going to die in the next minute or two. (Assume she is NOT having a heart attack.)

Answer 4

Panic attack/disorder

Question 5

Because Amy feels “dirty” a lot of the time, she spends much of her day at the sink, washing and rewashing her hands hundreds of times until they are red and raw.

Answer 5

ocd