🧠MCAT Behavioral Sciences Review - 7 Flashcards
(166 cards)
1
Q
What is the purpose of the Science Mastery Assessment in MCAT prep?
A
To help identify key topics and assess personal strengths and weaknesses in content understanding.
2
Q
If a student answers 0–7 questions correctly, how much time should they spend studying the chapter?
A
About 1 hour to read the chapter in full and take limited notes.
3
Q
What should a student do after answering 8–11 questions correctly on the quiz?
A
Spend 20-40 minutes reviewing missed questions and corresponding subchapters.
4
Q
What is the recommended review time for students who answer 12–15 questions correctly?
A
Less than 20 minutes reviewing all questions from the quiz.
5
Q
Which of the following is an example of a negative symptom seen in schizophrenia?
A
Disturbance of affect.
6
Q
What phenomenon occurs when a schizophrenic patient repeats what the psychiatrist says?
A
Echolalia.
7
Q
What is the most likely preliminary diagnosis for a patient who is extremely neat and tidy but has conflicts with coworkers?
A
Obsessive–compulsive personality disorder.
8
Q
Which statement is true regarding a major depressive episode?
A
It may involve a decrease in sleep.
9
Q
What best describes the physician’s approach if they prescribe an SSRI for depression due to low serotonin levels?
A
Biomedical approach with direct therapy.
10
Q
Based on the scenario described, what is the most likely diagnosis for the patient found wandering with no identification?
A
Dissociative amnesia with dissociative fugue.
11
Q
Agoraphobia is most often seen in association with which other psychiatric diagnosis?
A
Panic disorder.
12
Q
In a sample of 50 participants, how many with phobias will likely be excluded from a fear response study?
A
5.
13
Q
What two disorders could the symptoms of appetite disturbance, substantial weight change, and excessive guilt indicate?
A
Major depressive and bipolar disorders.
14
Q
What should the physician ask about to distinguish between major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder?
A
Whether the patient has also had manic episodes.
15
Q
Which of the following is NOT a risk factor or diagnostic criterion for Alzheimer’s disease?
A
Decreased abundance of serotonin and norepinephrine.
16
Q
Splitting is a defense mechanism commonly seen with which personality disorder?
A
Borderline personality disorder.
17
Q
What is the most likely diagnosis for a patient with complete paralysis of the left arm due to psychological factors?
A
Conversion disorder.
18
Q
Which neurotransmitter is likely to be present in decreased levels in a patient exhibiting slowed movement and a shuffling gait?
A
Dopamine.
19
Q
Which statement is true regarding bipolar disorders?
A
They are associated with increased levels of serotonin in the brain.
20
Q
What are the two main classification systems for psychological disorders that are important for the MCAT?
A
Biomedical approach and biopsychosocial approach.
21
Q
What does the biomedical approach to psychological disorders emphasize?
A
Interventions that focus on symptom reduction.
22
Q
What is the main critique of the biomedical approach in treating psychological disorders?
A
It fails to consider lifestyle and socioeconomic factors.
23
Q
What does the biopsychosocial approach consider in diagnosing and treating disorders?
A
Biological, psychological, and social components.
24
Q
What is the DSM-5 used for?
A
To classify and diagnose psychological disorders based on symptom descriptions.
25
What is a common criticism by Thomas Szasz regarding mental illness?
Labeling individuals as mentally ill forces them to conform to societal norms.
26
Fill in the blank: Psychological disorders are characterized by _______.
[sets of thoughts, feelings, or actions that cause noticeable distress].
27
What is the goal of the biopsychosocial model in treating psychological disorders?
To provide both direct and indirect therapy.
28
What edition of the DSM is currently in use?
Fifth edition (DSM-5).
29
What does DSM-5 stand for?
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition
30
What is the primary basis for the classification scheme in DSM-5?
Descriptions of symptoms
31
How many diagnostic classes of mental disorders are included in DSM-5?
20 diagnostic classes
32
What percentage of the U.S. population is affected by any mental disorder?
18.3%
33
What is the one-year prevalence of major depressive disorder in the U.S.?
6.7%
34
True or False: The DSM-5 includes neurodevelopmental disorders.
False
35
What study did David Rosenhan conduct?
He studied whether it was possible to be judged sane in a psychiatric hospital.
36
What is the primary focus of the DSM-5 in diagnosing mental disorders?
Fitting lists of compiled symptoms into categories
37
What are the major positive symptoms of schizophrenia?
Delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thought, disorganized behavior, catatonia
38
What are the major negative symptoms of schizophrenia?
Disturbance of affect, avolition
39
What is the term for false beliefs that are discordant with reality?
Delusions
40
Fill in the blank: Schizophrenia literally means _______.
split mind
41
What is the required duration for diagnosing schizophrenia?
Continuous signs for at least six months
42
What are the phases of schizophrenia?
Prodromal phase, active phase, residual phase
43
What disorder is characterized by psychotic symptoms limited to delusions?
Delusion Disorder
44
What is the mnemonic for recalling symptoms of major depressive episodes?
SIG E. CAPS
45
What is a major depressive episode defined as?
A 2-week period with 5 of the 9 depressive symptoms
46
What is the difference between major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder?
Duration and severity of symptoms
47
What type of hallucinations is most common in psychotic disorders?
Auditory hallucinations
48
What is avolition?
Decreased engagement in purposeful, goal-directed actions
49
What is the term for a severe reduction in the intensity of affect expression?
Blunting
50
What does the downward drift hypothesis state?
Schizophrenia causes a decline in socioeconomic status
51
What are the symptoms of obsessive–compulsive disorder?
Obsessions and compulsions
52
What is the average time for a pseudopatient to be discharged from a psychiatric hospital according to Rosenhan's study?
Three weeks
53
What is the difference between psychotic disorders and schizophrenia?
Presence, severity, and duration of psychotic symptoms
54
What is the classification of symptoms like thought broadcasting, thought withdrawal, and thought insertion?
Delusions
55
What is the key diagnostic feature of major depressive disorder (MDD)?
Presence of major depressive episodes lasting at least 2 weeks
## Footnote
A major depressive episode requires 5 of the 9 defined depressive symptoms, including either depressed mood or anhedonia.
56
What is a major depressive episode?
A 2-week (or longer) period with at least 5 depressive symptoms
## Footnote
Symptoms must impair daily social or work-related activities.
57
What is persistent depressive disorder (PDD) also known as?
Dysthymia
## Footnote
Diagnosis occurs when an individual experiences a depressed mood for at least 2 years.
58
Can major depressive episodes coincide with persistent depressive disorder?
Yes
## Footnote
A patient can receive both PDD and MDD diagnoses if they meet the criteria for both.
59
What is the most common first-line treatment for depression?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
## Footnote
SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin, increasing its levels in the synapse.
60
What distinguishes other depressive disorders from major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder?
Age of incidence and apparent cause
## Footnote
Examples include disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and postpartum depression.
61
What is disruptive mood dysregulation disorder?
A disorder typically diagnosed between ages 6 and 10 characterized by persistent emotional irritability
## Footnote
It addresses concerns about overdiagnosis of bipolar disorders in children.
62
What is the key feature of premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
Mood changes occurring a few days before menses
## Footnote
Symptoms resolve after menses onset.
63
How is seasonal affective disorder (SAD) categorized?
As major depressive disorder with seasonal onset
## Footnote
Symptoms are present only in winter months and may relate to melatonin metabolism.
64
What is the primary characteristic of bipolar and related disorders?
Presence of manic and depressive symptoms
## Footnote
Symptoms can be severe enough to be labeled as episodes.
65
What are the 7 manic symptoms defined by DSM-5?
* Distractibility
* Irresponsibility
* Grandiosity
* Flight of thoughts
* Activity or agitation
* Sleep
* Talkative
## Footnote
These symptoms can be remembered with the mnemonic DIG FAST.
66
What qualifies as a hypomanic episode?
Presence of manic symptoms for at least 4 days without impairment
## Footnote
Requires at least 3 of the 7 defined manic symptoms.
67
What is the key feature of bipolar I disorder?
Presence of manic episodes
## Footnote
Depressive symptoms are not required for diagnosis.
68
What distinguishes bipolar II disorder from bipolar I disorder?
Presence of both a major depressive episode and a hypomanic episode without a manic episode
## Footnote
If both major depressive and manic episodes occur, a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder is made.
69
What defines cyclothymic disorder?
Presence of manic and depressive symptoms not severe enough to be considered episodes
## Footnote
Symptoms must occur for the majority of time over a 2-year period.
70
What is the monoamine or catecholamine theory of depression?
Theory that too much norepinephrine and serotonin leads to mania, while too little leads to depression
## Footnote
While more recent research has shown this is not entirely accurate, it is a common explanation.
71
What is fear defined as in the context of anxiety disorders?
An emotional response to an immediate threat
## Footnote
Anxiety is viewed as fear of an upcoming or future event.
72
What is a phobia?
An irrational fear of something that results in a compelling desire to avoid it
## Footnote
Specific phobias are linked to a specific object or situation.
73
What characterizes separation anxiety disorder?
Excessive fear of being separated from caregivers or home environment
## Footnote
Symptoms persist beyond the age where they are developmentally appropriate.
74
What is the key diagnostic feature of social anxiety disorder?
Fear or anxiety towards social situations with the belief of negative perception by others
## Footnote
Avoidant behaviors are often conditioned to reduce anxiety.
75
What defines panic disorder?
Recurrence of unexpected panic attacks
## Footnote
Panic attacks involve a misfiring of the sympathetic nervous system.
76
What is agoraphobia?
Fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult
## Footnote
Often comorbid with panic disorder and social anxiety disorder.
77
What is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
Persistent worry about multiple things for at least six months
## Footnote
Worrying is difficult to control and impacts daily functioning.
78
What is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
A disproportionate and persistent worry about many different things for at least six months.
## Footnote
GAD includes worries about mortgage payments, job performance, and political issues.
79
What are the common physical symptoms associated with generalized anxiety disorder?
* Fatigue
* Muscle tension
* Sleep problems
80
What percentage of the US population experiences generalized anxiety disorder in a 12-month period?
Approximately 3%
81
What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
A disorder characterized by obsessions (persistent, intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive tasks) that relieve tension but impair daily life.
82
What does it mean that obsessions and compulsions in OCD are ego-dystonic?
Individuals know their behavior is irrational but feel compelled to perform the compulsions to relieve anxiety.
83
What is body dysmorphic disorder?
A disorder where a person has an unrealistic negative evaluation of their appearance, often focusing on a specific body part.
84
What is hoarding disorder?
A disorder characterized by the need to save items, often leading to excessive acquisition and impairment in daily life.
85
What are trichotillomania and excoriation disorder?
* Trichotillomania: Compulsion to pull out hair
* Excoriation disorder: Compulsion to pick at skin
86
What defines trauma- and stressor-related disorders?
Disorders where a traumatic event is the source of symptoms, including fear, helplessness, and maladaptive responses.
87
What are the key symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
* Intrusion symptoms
* Arousal symptoms
* Avoidance symptoms
* Negative cognitive symptoms
88
What differentiates acute stress disorder from PTSD?
Acute stress disorder has similar symptoms lasting less than one month.
89
What is dissociative amnesia?
An inability to recall past experiences, often linked to trauma.
90
What is dissociative identity disorder (DID)?
A disorder with two or more distinct personalities that take control of the person's behavior.
91
What is depersonalization/derealization disorder?
A disorder where individuals feel detached from their own minds and bodies or from their surroundings.
92
What characterizes somatic symptom disorder?
Presence of at least one somatic symptom accompanied by disproportionate concerns about its seriousness.
93
What is illness anxiety disorder?
A disorder characterized by excessive worry about having or developing a serious medical condition.
94
What is conversion disorder?
A disorder with symptoms affecting motor or sensory functions that are incompatible with the patient's neurophysiological condition.
95
How are personality disorders defined?
Patterns of behavior that are inflexible and maladaptive, causing distress or impaired functioning in cognition, emotions, interpersonal functioning, or impulse control.
96
What are the three clusters of personality disorders?
* Cluster A: Paranoid, schizotypal, schizoid
* Cluster B: Antisocial, borderline, histrionic, narcissistic
* Cluster C: Avoidant, dependent, obsessive-compulsive
97
What is paranoid personality disorder?
A disorder marked by pervasive distrust of others and suspicion regarding their motives.
98
What defines schizotypal personality disorder?
A pattern of odd or eccentric thinking, including ideas of reference and magical thinking.
99
What is the essential feature of antisocial personality disorder?
A pattern of disregard for and violations of the rights of others.
100
What is borderline personality disorder characterized by?
Pervasive instability in interpersonal behavior, mood, and self-image, along with intense fear of abandonment.
101
What is histrionic personality disorder?
A disorder characterized by constant attention-seeking behavior and dramatic, extroverted personality traits.
102
What is identity disturbance in borderline personality disorder characterized by?
Uncertainty about self-image, sexual identity, long-term goals, or values.
## Footnote
Often accompanied by intense fear of abandonment.
103
What defense mechanism do individuals with borderline personality disorder commonly use?
Splitting.
## Footnote
This involves viewing others as either all good or all bad.
104
What are common behaviors associated with borderline personality disorder?
* Suicide attempts
* Self-mutilation (cutting or burning)
105
What characterizes histrionic personality disorder?
Constant attention-seeking behavior.
## Footnote
Individuals are often dramatic, extroverted, and may use seductive behavior.
106
What are the key features of narcissistic personality disorder?
* Grandiose sense of self-importance
* Need for constant admiration
* Disturbances in interpersonal relationships
* Feelings of entitlement
107
True or False: Individuals with narcissistic personality disorder have stable self-esteem.
False.
## Footnote
They often have very fragile self-esteem.
108
What are the three personality disorders in Cluster C?
* Avoidant personality disorder
* Dependent personality disorder
* Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
109
What is a key characteristic of avoidant personality disorder?
Extreme shyness and fear of rejection.
110
What does dependent personality disorder involve?
A continuous need for reassurance and dependence on a specific person.
111
What are the features of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD)?
* Perfectionism
* Inflexibility
* Preference for rules and order
* Stubbornness
* Lack of desire to change
112
How does obsessive-compulsive personality disorder differ from obsessive-compulsive disorder?
OCPD is lifelong and ego-syntonic, whereas OCD has focal obsessions and compulsions that are ego-dystonic.
113
What are the symptoms of a manic episode?
* Elevated mood
* Irritability
* Rapid speech
* Lack of need for sleep
114
What diagnosis is most likely for Patient A based on the symptoms described?
Bipolar I disorder.
## Footnote
Patient A exhibits symptoms of a manic episode.
115
What are the negative symptoms of schizophrenia exhibited by Patient B?
* Avolition
* Flat or blunted affect
* Alogia
116
What is echolalia in the context of schizophrenia?
Repetition of words or short phrases.
117
What features describe a major depressive episode?
Depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, significant weight change, insomnia or hypersomnia, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, and difficulty concentrating.
118
What features describe a manic episode?
* Elevated mood
* Increased energy
* Decreased need for sleep
* Grandiosity
119
What are the features of major depressive disorder?
Presence of one or more major depressive episodes.
120
What distinguishes bipolar I disorder from bipolar II disorder?
Bipolar I disorder requires at least one manic episode, while bipolar II disorder requires at least one hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode.
121
What defines cyclothymic disorder?
Periods of hypomanic symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years.
122
In obsessive-compulsive disorder, what is the patient's obsession regarding the apartment door latch?
Fear of someone breaking into the apartment.
123
In obsessive-compulsive disorder, what is the patient's compulsion related to the apartment door latch?
Checking the latch five times before going to bed.
124
What is the relationship between obsession and compulsion in obsessive-compulsive disorder?
The compulsion is performed to alleviate the anxiety caused by the obsession.
125
What features describe Cluster A personality disorders?
Odd or eccentric behaviors.
126
What features describe Cluster B personality disorders?
Dramatic, emotional, or erratic behaviors.
127
What features describe Cluster C personality disorders?
Anxious or fearful behaviors.
128
What is the impact of depression on neurotransmitter levels?
Reduced norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine levels; elevated glucocorticoids (cortisol) levels
## Footnote
The monoamine theory of depression suggests that decreased levels of these neurotransmitters contribute to depressive symptoms.
129
What are the general features of Alzheimer's disease?
Gradual memory loss, disorientation, problems with abstract thought, changes in mood or behavior, and loss of initiative
## Footnote
Symptoms can inhibit normal daily function and are most common in individuals older than 65.
130
What is the role of dopamine in schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is associated with an excess of dopamine in the brain
## Footnote
Treatments often involve neuroleptics, which block dopamine receptors.
131
What are some risk factors for developing schizophrenia?
Genetic predisposition, trauma at birth (hypoxemia), and excessive marijuana use in adolescence
## Footnote
First-degree relatives of individuals with schizophrenia have a tenfold increased risk.
132
List the markers associated with depression.
* Abnormally high glucose metabolism in the amygdala
* Hippocampal atrophy
* Abnormally high glucocorticoids
* Decreased norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine
## Footnote
These markers indicate physiological changes linked to depression.
133
What genetic factors increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease?
Mutations in presenilin genes on chromosomes 1 and 14, and mutations in the apolipoprotein E gene on chromosome 19
## Footnote
Individuals with Down syndrome have a higher risk due to the presence of the β-amyloid precursor protein gene on chromosome 21.
134
What are common symptoms of Parkinson's disease?
* Bradykinesia
* Resting tremor
* Pill-rolling tremor
* Masklike facies
* Cogwheel rigidity
* Shuffling gait
## Footnote
Depression and dementia can also occur in patients with Parkinson's disease.
135
How does dopamine production relate to Parkinson's disease?
There is decreased dopamine production in the substantia nigra
## Footnote
This reduction leads to the characteristic symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
136
What is the relationship between schizophrenia and dopamine levels?
Schizophrenia is associated with excess dopamine, while Parkinson's disease is associated with a deficit of dopamine
## Footnote
Antipsychotic medications can cause parkinsonian side effects due to dopamine blockade.
137
What are the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease that impair daily function?
Memory loss, disorientation, mood changes, poor judgment, and loss of initiative
## Footnote
These symptoms are indicative of the disease and can significantly affect daily living.
138
What is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)?
A manual used to diagnose psychological disorders based on symptom patterns
## Footnote
The current version was published in May 2013.
139
What are positive symptoms of schizophrenia?
* Delusions
* Hallucinations
* Disorganized speech
* Disorganized behavior
## Footnote
Positive symptoms add behaviors or experiences that are not typically present.
140
What are the negative symptoms of schizophrenia?
* Disturbance of affect
* Avolition
## Footnote
Negative symptoms represent a loss of normal functions or behaviors.
141
What are the biological markers associated with Alzheimer's disease?
* Diffuse atrophy of the brain
* Flattened sulci
* Enlarged cerebral ventricles
* Deficient blood flow in parietal lobes
* Reduced acetylcholine and ChAT levels
* Senile plaques of β-amyloid
* Neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau protein
## Footnote
These markers help in identifying Alzheimer's disease during imaging studies.
142
What is the primary treatment for Parkinson's disease?
L-DOPA, a precursor that is converted to dopamine in the brain
## Footnote
This treatment helps to manage the symptoms related to dopamine deficiency.
143
What is the major depressive disorder?
At least one major depressive episode
## Footnote
It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in activities.
144
What is the persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)?
Presence of depressive symptoms for at least two years that do not meet criteria for major depressive disorder
## Footnote
Symptoms are often less severe than those of major depressive disorder.
145
What defines bipolar I disorder?
At least one manic episode
## Footnote
It may also include depressive episodes.
146
What are the symptoms of panic disorder?
Recurrent panic attacks, intense fear, and sympathetic nervous system activity
## Footnote
Panic disorder may lead to agoraphobia.
147
What characterizes obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
Obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive tasks to relieve tension)
## Footnote
OCD causes significant impairment in daily life.
148
What is conversion disorder?
Unexplained symptoms affecting motor or sensory function, often associated with prior trauma
## Footnote
Symptoms cannot be explained by a neurological condition.
149
What are the three clusters of personality disorders?
* Cluster A: Odd, eccentric
* Cluster B: Dramatic, emotional, erratic
* Cluster C: Anxious, fearful
## Footnote
Each cluster contains various specific personality disorders.
150
What is paranoid personality disorder?
A pervasive distrust and suspicion of others
## Footnote
Individuals often believe others are out to harm them.
151
What personality disorders are included in Cluster A?
Paranoid, schizotypal, schizoid
## Footnote
Cluster A disorders are characterized by odd or eccentric behavior.
152
What are the characteristics of Antisocial PD?
Disregard for the rights of others
## Footnote
Antisocial Personality Disorder is often associated with manipulative behavior.
153
Which personality disorder involves instability in relationships, mood, and self-image?
Borderline PD
## Footnote
Splitting and recurrent suicide attempts are characteristic of this disorder.
154
What is the primary behavior associated with Histrionic PD?
Constant attention-seeking behavior
## Footnote
Individuals with Histrionic Personality Disorder often use their appearance to draw attention.
155
What are the key features of Avoidant PD?
Extreme shyness and fear of rejection
## Footnote
Individuals fear negative evaluation and avoid social interactions.
156
What is the biological basis of Schizophrenia?
Associated with genetic factors, birth trauma, adolescent marijuana use, and family history
## Footnote
There are also high levels of dopaminergic transmission in individuals with Schizophrenia.
157
What neurotransmitter levels are associated with Depression?
High levels of glucocorticoids and low levels of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine
## Footnote
These neurochemical changes are thought to contribute to depressive symptoms.
158
What distinguishes Bipolar I disorder from Bipolar II disorder?
Bipolar I disorder has at least one manic episode; Bipolar II disorder has at least one hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode
## Footnote
Manic episodes are defined by elevated mood and increased energy.
159
Fill in the blank: Obsessions are persistent, intrusive _______ that produce tension.
thoughts
## Footnote
Compulsions are repetitive tasks that relieve the tension caused by obsessions.
160
True or False: Positive symptoms of schizophrenia include delusions and hallucinations.
True
## Footnote
Positive symptoms are characterized by the presence of abnormal behaviors.
161
What are the cardinal symptoms of a major depressive episode?
Depressed mood, loss of interest, sleep disturbance, feelings of guilt, lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite, psychomotor symptoms, suicidal thoughts
## Footnote
At least one of the symptoms must be depressed mood or anhedonia.
162
What is the relationship between dopamine levels and Parkinson's disease?
Decreased production of dopamine by cells in the substantia nigra
## Footnote
This decrease leads to motor symptoms such as bradykinesia and resting tremor.
163
Which personality disorders are categorized under Cluster C?
Avoidant, dependent, obsessive-compulsive
## Footnote
Cluster C disorders are characterized by anxious or fearful behavior.
164
What is the impact of antipsychotic medication on positive symptoms of schizophrenia?
They are likely to improve
## Footnote
Negative symptoms are largely unaffected by antipsychotic medications.
165
What is the role of cortisol levels in depression?
Increased levels
## Footnote
Elevated cortisol is commonly found in individuals with depression.
166
Fill in the blank: The presence of _______ is characteristic of Borderline Personality Disorder.
splitting
## Footnote
Splitting refers to viewing others as either all good or all bad.
