Final

Question 1

What differentiates MDD from Persistent Depressive Disorder?

Answer 1

MDD involves more severe symptoms for ≥2 weeks, while PDD is chronic, less severe, lasting ≥2 years.

Question 2

Name three biological structures affected in MDD.

Answer 2

The prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and anterior cingulate cortex.

Question 3

What is the “permissive model” of depression?

Answer 3

It posits serotonin imbalance disrupts norepinephrine and dopamine regulation, contributing to depression.

Question 4

What is a major side effect of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)?

Answer 4

Drowsiness, dry mouth, and sexual dysfunction.

Question 5

What distinguishes Bipolar I from Bipolar II?

Answer 5

Bipolar I includes full manic episodes, while Bipolar II involves only hypomanic and depressive episodes.

Question 6

Define rapid cycling in bipolar disorder.

Answer 6

Experiencing ≥4 mood episodes within one year.

Question 7

What percentage of bipolar disorder is heritable?

Answer 7

Between 60% and 87%.

Question 8

What is a significant drawback of lithium treatment?

Answer 8

Requires careful monitoring due to potential toxicity and long-term organ effects.

Question 9

What are the two key pharmacological criteria for substance use disorders?

Answer 9

Tolerance and withdrawal.

Question 10

Which substance has the highest rates of dependence?

Answer 10

Nicotine (32%), followed by heroin (23%).

Question 11

Name two biological treatments for opioid addiction.

Answer 11

Naloxone (overdose reversal) and buprenorphine (partial agonist/antagonist).

Question 12

What is the DSM-5 criterion for “risky use” in substance use disorders?

Answer 12

Use in physically hazardous situations or causing physical/psychological problems.

Question 13

What are positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia?

Answer 13

Positive: Delusions, hallucinations. Negative: Flat affect, avolition, anhedonia.

Question 14

What neurotransmitter is central to schizophrenia’s biochemical model?

Answer 14

Dopamine, with excess in some areas and deficiency in others.

Question 15

Name a side effect of first-generation antipsychotics.

Answer 15

Tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements), portruding tongue, pursed lips

Question 16

What is the goal of cognitive therapy for schizophrenia?

Answer 16

To identify triggers, reframe delusions, and reduce anxiety-provoking beliefs.

Question 17

What is the key difference between delusional disorder and schizophrenia?

Answer 17

Delusional disorder involves persistent delusions without the broader psychotic symptoms seen in schizophrenia.

Question 18

Name two types of delusions commonly seen in psychotic disorders.

Answer 18

Persecutory (belief of being targeted) and grandiose (belief of having special powers or status).

Question 19

What are common comorbidities with schizophrenia?

Answer 19

Substance use disorders, depression, and cardiovascular diseases.

Question 20

What is the “dopamine hypothesis” of schizophrenia?

Answer 20

The theory that excessive dopamine activity in some brain regions and deficient activity in others contribute to symptoms.

Question 21

What psychosocial treatment strategies are effective for schizophrenia?

Answer 21

Family therapy to reduce expressed emotion, cognitive therapy to reframe delusions, and social skills training.

Question 22

What is the significance of “prodromal symptoms” in schizophrenia?

Answer 22

Early warning signs (e.g., social withdrawal, mild hallucinations) that precede full-blown psychosis.

Question 23

What is the purpose of criminal commitment?

Answer 23

To determine a defendant’s competency to stand trial or after a verdict of “Not Criminally Responsible by Reason of Mental Disorder” (NCRMD).

Question 24

What are the criteria for NCRMD?

Answer 24

The person must have been incapable of appreciating the nature of their actions or knowing their actions were wrong due to a mental disorder.

Question 25

What is civil commitment?

Answer 25

A procedure to hospitalize individuals with mental illness who may pose a risk to themselves or others without them committing a crime.

Question 26

What rights do patients have under civil commitment laws?

Answer 26

The right to treatment, the right to refuse treatment, and the right to appeal commitment decisions.

Question 27

What is the role of "expressed emotion" in family interactions and relapse in schizophrenia?

Answer 27

High levels of criticism, hostility, or over-involvement increase the likelihood of relapse.

Question 28

What are some controversies surrounding community treatment orders?

Answer 28

Balancing patients’ autonomy with public safety and ensuring adherence

Question 29

What is the definition of a psychoactive substance?

Answer 29

Any natural or synthesized product that alters perceptions, thoughts, emotions, or behaviors.

Question 30

What are the DSM-5 categories of substance-related disorders?

Answer 30

Substance Intoxication, Substance Withdrawal, and Substance Use Disorders.

Question 31

What is tolerance, and how is it classified?

Answer 31

Tolerance is needing increased amounts of a substance to achieve the same effect or experiencing diminished effects with continued use.

Question 32

What are withdrawal symptoms for heavy cannabis users?

Answer 32

Irritability, restlessness, sleep problems, and appetite loss.

Question 33

Who is most at risk for hallucinogen-induced psychotic disorders?

Answer 33

Individuals with a family history of schizophrenia or those with pre-existing psychological conditions.

Question 34

Who is most at risk for developing depressive disorders?

Answer 34

Women (2:1 ratio compared to men), individuals with a family history of mood disorders, and adolescents experiencing significant stress.

Question 35

What are cultural differences in the presentation of depressive disorders?

Answer 35

Some cultures emphasize somatic symptoms (e.g., physical complaints) over emotional symptoms due to linguistic or cultural norms.

Question 36

What is “double depression”?

Answer 36

It refers to major depressive episodes occurring alongside Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD).

Question 37

What are two common psychotic features seen in severe Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

Answer 37

Delusions (e.g., guilt or punishment) and auditory hallucinations (e.g., self-critical voices).

Question 38

What is the typical onset age for Major Depressive Disorder?

Answer 38

The average onset age is 25 years, but it is increasingly observed in adolescents.

Question 39

What psychosocial factor significantly increases the risk of MDD in adolescence?

Answer 39

Stressful life events such as family conflict, loss, or relationship breakups.

Question 40

Who is most at risk for developing Bipolar Disorder?

Answer 40

Individuals with a family history of bipolar disorder, women (higher rates of mixed episodes), and those with early onset severe depression.

Question 41

What is the prevalence of Bipolar Disorder?

Answer 41

Bipolar I affects approximately 1.3% of the population, while Cyclothymic Disorder affects around 0.4%.

Question 42

What is the gender ratio for rapid cycling in bipolar disorder?

Answer 42

Women are more likely than men to experience rapid cycling

Question 43

What are key symptoms of a manic episode?

Answer 43

Grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, flight of ideas, increased activity, and risky behaviors.

Question 44

What is the average age of onset for Bipolar Disorder?

Answer 44

Around 18 years, with early-onset cases linked to more severe outcomes.

Question 45

What are common triggers for bipolar episodes?

Answer 45

Stressful life events, sleep disruptions, and significant interpersonal changes.

Question 46

Who is most at risk for developing substance use disorders?

Answer 46

young adults aged 18-25, individuals with a family history of addiction, and those experiencing mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression.

Question 47

What is the most commonly abused substance?

Answer 47

Alcohol, followed by cannabis and opioids.

Question 48

What are the primary risk factors for opioid addiction?

Answer 48

Prescription painkiller misuse, younger age (late teens to early 20s), and higher prevalence in men and Indigenous populations.

Question 49

What are some complications associated with substance use disorders?

Answer 49

Health issues (e.g., liver damage, HIV), social problems (e.g., unemployment), and increased risk of accidents or legal issues.

Question 50

What percentage of alcohol users develop dependence?

Answer 50

Around 9% of alcohol users, with higher risks for early-onset drinkers.

Question 51

How does route of administration affect substance addiction?

Answer 51

Faster routes (e.g., injection, smoking) are associated with higher addiction potential.

Question 52

Who is most at risk for developing schizophrenia?

Answer 52

Young adults in their late teens to early 20s (earlier in men), those with a family history of schizophrenia, and individuals exposed to prenatal stress or complications.

Question 53

What is the prevalence of schizophrenia worldwide?

Answer 53

Approximately 0.2% to 1.5%.

Question 54

What are the two primary categories of symptoms in schizophrenia?

Answer 54

Positive symptoms (e.g., delusions, hallucinations) and negative symptoms (e.g., flat affect, avolition).

Question 55

What environmental factors contribute to schizophrenia?

Answer 55

Early-life stress, prenatal malnutrition, or viral infections during the second trimester of pregnancy.

Question 56

What is "hypofrontality" in schizophrenia?

Answer 56

Reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex, linked to cognitive deficits.

Question 57

What is the difference between schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder?

Answer 57

Schizoaffective disorder involves symptoms of schizophrenia combined with mood disorder symptoms.