Abnormal Psychology Unit 4 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are the characteristics of individuals with Anorexia Nervosa?

Preoccupation with food thinking and reading about food, collecting recipes, planning for meals, distorted body perceptions.

Which of the following are other psychological problems associated with Anorexia Nervosa? (Select all that apply)

Anxiety (correct)

Insomnia (correct)

High self-esteem

Depression (correct)

What are the overall goals of treatment for Anorexia Nervosa?

Restore proper weight, recover from malnourishment, restore proper eating.

What are the typical treatments for Anorexia Nervosa?

Treatment may take place in day hospitals or outpatient settings, and may involve tube and intravenous feedings in life-threatening cases. Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of individuals with Bulimia Nervosa?

Clients are generally of normal weight or slightly overweight, often experience significant weight fluctuations, may qualify for a diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa, experience binges and compensatory behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

How many binge episodes might a person with Bulimia Nervosa have per week?

Between 1 and 30 binge episodes. Signup and view all the answers

How effective is repeated vomiting in preventing calorie absorption during a binge?

It fails to prevent the absorption of half the calories consumed during a binge. Signup and view all the answers

What are the overall treatment goals for Bulimia?

Eliminate binge-purge patterns, establish good eating habits, eliminate the underlying cause of bulimic patterns. Signup and view all the answers

What role do antidepressants play in treating Bulimia Nervosa?

Prozac is the most commonly used drug, helping as many as 40% of individuals with Bulimia Nervosa. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following factors with their descriptions related to eating disorders:

Psychological problems = Ego, cognitive, and mood disturbances Biological factors = Genetic predispositions and brain function Sociocultural conditions = Societal, family, and multicultural pressures Cognitive factors = Improper labeling of internal sensations and needs Signup and view all the answers

What factors may lead to increased susceptibility to eating disorders according to biological theorists?

Certain genes and low serotonin levels. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'visceral hypersensitivity' refer to in the context of eating disorders?

Increased awareness of bodily 'noise' such as stomach rumbling. Signup and view all the answers

What is substance-induced _________ used for?

To indicate that symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety, hallucinations) are chemically induced. Signup and view all the answers

About 25 percent of people who experience anorexia nervosa are men.

True Signup and view all the answers

A young woman who is very concerned about being attractive to others, is more sexually experienced, and has relatively few obsessive qualities is more likely to be experiencing which disorder?

bulimia Signup and view all the answers

Immediately preceding the onset of an eating disorder, one would MOST likely find that the woman had

been successful in losing weight and had been praised by family. Signup and view all the answers

Compared to people with anorexia nervosa, MOST people with bulimia are of more normal weight.

True Signup and view all the answers

A person who eats large amounts of food in a short period, and does this repeatedly, with no other symptoms, would be said to have what disorder?

binge-eating disorder Signup and view all the answers

The MOST accurate diagnosis for a woman who regularly eats a whole pizza, a carton of ice cream, and a box of donuts at one sitting, then forces herself to throw it all up is

bulimia nervosa Signup and view all the answers

If a person says, 'I must be perfect in every way. I'll be a better person if I deprive myself of food,' that person is engaging in

distorted thinking Signup and view all the answers

What is the first type of food usually eliminated from the diet of the developing restricting-type anorexic person?

sweets Signup and view all the answers

All of the following are compensatory behaviors for someone with bulimia EXCEPT preoccupation with food.

True Signup and view all the answers

If a therapist thought that eating disorders were BEST explained by an interaction of sociocultural, psychological, and biological factors, that therapist would be taking which perspective?

cognitive-behavioral perspective Signup and view all the answers

What does Hilde Bruch believe ineffective parents do that puts their children at risk for eating disorders?

incorrectly interpret their children's needs Signup and view all the answers

The PRIMARY motivating emotion a person with anorexia experiences is

fear Signup and view all the answers

Someone who fasts or exercises strenuously following a binge is engaging in

compensatory behaviors Signup and view all the answers

What is the MOST common outcome for individuals with anorexia nervosa?

recovery Signup and view all the answers

Characteristics of anorexia nervosa include a view that one is currently unattractively thin.

False Signup and view all the answers

If a man walked in on his wife in bed with his best friend and killed both of them in a 'fit of passion,' that man may be eligible for an insanity defense under the

irresistible impulse test Signup and view all the answers

If a court decides that a defendant is mentally unstable, the defendant will not be punished in the usual way.

True Signup and view all the answers

Which one of the following people would never have to stand trial for a crime he or she might have committed?

one judged not guilty by reason of insanity Signup and view all the answers

If you received two-physician certificates, you would have

been involuntarily committed Signup and view all the answers

According to studies regarding psychological disorders and prisoners, which statement is MOST accurate?

Psychological disorders are more common in prison populations than in the general population. Signup and view all the answers

In response to a recommendation by the American Psychiatric Association regarding insanity pleas, current federal practice is MOST like the

M'Naghten Signup and view all the answers

Currently in the United States, patients who are criminally committed to a mental hospital can be released

when they are no longer considered insane. Signup and view all the answers

The version of the insanity defense that declares that a person cannot be held responsible for his or her actions if they were the result of mental disease or mental defect is called the

Durham test Signup and view all the answers

What must be true before a person may be tried for a crime and potentially found guilty?

The person must be capable of helping to defend him or herself in court. Signup and view all the answers

If someone is interested in pursuing a career in a field that combines mental health and the legal and judicial systems, you should direct that person toward

forensic psychology. Signup and view all the answers

A person who had a serious mental illness and was in need of treatment could, nevertheless, not be civilly committed unless that person was also a danger

either to themselves or to others. Signup and view all the answers

The current trend in legislation and treatment regarding people who commit sex crimes and are also mentally ill is to

require both punishment for the crime and treatment. Signup and view all the answers

Civil commitment is for a person who has

been forced to undergo mental health treatment. Signup and view all the answers

The stimulant used by MORE people in the world than any other is

caffeine. Signup and view all the answers

After an accident, Kendra was taken to the hospital with broken legs and arms. She was almost immediately given a shot that reduced her pain. The shot was MOST likely

morphine. Signup and view all the answers

Research suggests that people continue to use tobacco despite its health risks because

nicotine is so addictive. Signup and view all the answers

Women tolerate alcohol LESS well than men because they

have less of a stomach enzyme that breaks down alcohol. Signup and view all the answers

Which one of the following combinations is MOST likely to result in antagonistic effects?

barbiturates and cocaine. Signup and view all the answers

DSM-5 includes gambling disorder as an addictive disorder, along with substance abuse disorders. This inclusion is

unique; gambling disorder is the only disorder in the category that doesn't involve a substance. Signup and view all the answers

"Alcoholism is a disease; you are an alcoholic for life, and must stop drinking." The treatment favored by the person/group being quoted MOST likely is

Alcoholics Anonymous. Signup and view all the answers

An individual who has recently taken a drug angrily grabs some car keys and attempts to drive home. The person appears anxious, and keeps bragging that driving the car won't really be that difficult. MOST likely, that person is experiencing

cocaine intoxication. Signup and view all the answers

Of the following alternatives, the MOST commonly used form of treatment for a substance abuse disorder is

self-help groups. Signup and view all the answers

Which one of the following drugs is a depressant?

opioids. Signup and view all the answers

A person takes a drug at noon. Although remaining awake and alert, the person experiences poor coordination, palpitations, and greatly enhanced visual perceptions. By dinner, the symptoms have pretty well subsided. MOST likely, that person

took LSD. Signup and view all the answers

A client receiving treatment for substance abuse keeps track of times the substance is used, and develops strategies to deal with the substance when there is an opportunity to use it. The client is MOST likely receiving

relapse-prevention training. Signup and view all the answers

A frequent drug user finds that larger doses of a drug are necessary to produce the same 'high' that much lower doses once produced. That drug user is developing

tolerance. Signup and view all the answers

A client being treated for alcohol abuse receives just enough of a drug called curare to produce temporary paralysis just as that client takes a swig of beer. Presumably, sufficient pairings of paralysis and alcohol will reduce the client's desire for alcohol. This procedure is called

aversion therapy. Signup and view all the answers

Researchers have found that substance use disorders are more common among some religious groups than others, and generally are more common among some groups than among others. Together, these findings provide the MOST support for which view of substance abuse disorders?

sociocultural. Signup and view all the answers

An acquaintance of yours uses Ecstasy and says, 'Wow! I was totally energized and tripping. It was like LSD and meth combined.' Your acquaintance's experience with Ecstasy was

common; the drug has both stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. Signup and view all the answers

Criminal commitment refers to a situation where a defendant is judged as mentally unstable and sent to a mental health facility for treatment.

true Signup and view all the answers

Civil commitment refers to a situation where an individual is forced to undergo mental health treatment but is not accused of a crime like in a criminal commitment.

true Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to be judged mentally unstable at the time of the crime?

not guilty by reason of insanity, innocent of crime; receive mental health treatment rather than punishment. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to be judged mentally unstable at the time of the trial?

remain in treatment until they can stand trial. Signup and view all the answers

Insanity is a legal term that refers to a defendant's mental state at the time the crime was committed.

true Signup and view all the answers

Competence refers exclusively to the defendant's mental abilities at the time of the court proceedings.

true Signup and view all the answers

The M'Naghten test states that experiencing a mental disorder at the time of a crime does not by itself mean that the person was insane; the defendant also had to be unable to know right from wrong.

true Signup and view all the answers

The irresistible impulse test emphasized the inability to control one's actions, specifically the 'fit of passion' defense.

true Signup and view all the answers

The criteria for the irresistible impulse test include lack of apparent motive and relief by the patient after the crime.

true Signup and view all the answers

A major criticism of the irresistible impulse test is that it is difficult to distinguish an impulse that simply is not resisted from one that is irresistible.

true Signup and view all the answers

The Durham test involves determining whether the defendant has a mental disorder and if the crime committed was a direct result of that disorder.

true Signup and view all the answers

The American Law Institute test held that people are not criminally responsible if, at the time of the crime, they had a mental disorder or defect preventing them from knowing right or wrong OR from being able to control themselves.

true Signup and view all the answers

Concerns about the insanity defense include the fundamental difference between law and the science of human behavior.

true Signup and view all the answers

Criminal Commitment and Competency to Stand Trial refers to the process where defendants may be judged to be mentally incompetent to stand trial.

true Signup and view all the answers

Why is competence to stand trial so important?

Defendants need to understand the charges against them to participate meaningfully. Signup and view all the answers

The Dusky Standard for Competence is based on the case of Milton Dusky, a 33-year-old man who, along with two teenage boys, kidnapped and raped a 15-year-old girl.

true Signup and view all the answers

Characteristics of people found incompetent typically include being single males, minorities, and low levels of education.

true Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a defendant is found incompetent to stand trial?

He or she is sent to a mental institution for treatment. Signup and view all the answers

How is competently restored?

Usually through psychoactive medication. Signup and view all the answers

Emergency commitment, or '72-hour hold,' requires the agreement of how many physicians?

two Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered dangerous in terms of emergency commitment?

Historically, people with mental illnesses were less likely than others to commit violent or dangerous acts. Signup and view all the answers

Criticisms of civil commitment include the difficulty in assessing dangerousness.

true Signup and view all the answers

An overview of anorexia nervosa indicates that about what percent of cases occur in females?

90%-95% Signup and view all the answers

The peak age of onset for anorexia nervosa is between what ages?

14 and 18 years. Signup and view all the answers

The main symptoms of anorexia nervosa include significantly low weight and intense fears of becoming overweight.

true Signup and view all the answers

Amenorrhea, previously required for a diagnosis of anorexia, refers to what?

the absence of menstruation. Signup and view all the answers

The two subtypes of anorexia nervosa are the restricting type and what other type?

binge-eating/purging type. Signup and view all the answers

The restricting type of anorexia nervosa typically involves losing weight by cutting out sweets and fattening snacks.

true Signup and view all the answers

The binge-eating/purging type of anorexia nervosa involves losing weight by forcing themselves to vomit after meals or abusing laxatives.

true Signup and view all the answers

The typical progression of anorexia nervosa may follow a stressful event and begins with a normal to slightly overweight female on a diet.

true Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Anorexia Nervosa

Approximately 90%-95% of cases are females, with onset typically between ages 14 and 18.
Prevalence in Western countries ranges from 0.5% to 3.5% of females, with increasing rates noted in North America, Europe, and Japan.
Primary symptoms include significantly low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, distorted body perception, and previously required amenorrhea (now not mandatory).
Two subtypes: restricting type (avoids food almost entirely) and binge-eating/purging type (involves purging behaviors after meals).
Common characteristics include preoccupation with food, distorted body images, mild depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
Overall treatment goals focus on restoring proper weight and nutritional health.

Bulimia Nervosa

Individuals generally maintain a normal or slightly overweight status with significant fluctuations in weight.
Binge episodes can range from 1 to 30 times per week, often performed in secret, consuming 1,000 to 10,000 calories rapidly, typically sweet, high-calorie foods.
Binges are associated with feelings of tension prior to eating and feelings of guilt and self-blame afterward, leading to compensatory behaviors like vomiting or excessive exercise.
Some individuals with bulimia may also meet criteria for anorexia nervosa.

Eating Disorders Overview

Anorexia nervosa often begins after weight loss praised by family, while bulimia is related to concerns about attractiveness and sexual experience.
A binge-eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food without compensatory behaviors.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a commonly endorsed therapeutic approach addressing factors leading to eating disorders.

Psychological and Legal Context

Mental disorders are more prevalent in prison populations compared to the general population.
Individuals can be considered incompetent to stand trial if they lack the ability to understand legal proceedings, and they are sent to mental health facilities until competency is restored.
The M'Naghten and irresistible impulse tests are legal standards evaluating insanity, with criticisms regarding their usability in real-world applications.
Emergency commitments can occur under specific situations where individuals are perceived as dangerous, with the agreement of two mental health professionals.

Substance Abuse Disorders

Caffeine is the most widely used stimulant globally.
Alcohol tolerance differs between genders, with women metabolizing alcohol less effectively due to lower levels of a metabolizing enzyme.
The DSM-5 includes gambling disorder alongside substance use disorders, marking it as the sole non-substance-related addictive disorder.
Nicotine is highlighted for its addictive properties, contributing to persistent tobacco use despite health risks.
Treatment methods for substance abuse include self-help groups, aversion therapy, and relapse-prevention training, focusing on building strategies for managing substance use.

Competency in Legal Context

The ability to stand trial requires defendants to engage meaningfully in their legal proceedings, ensuring they comprehend the charges against them.
Found incompetent defendants receive treatment until they're deemed fit for trial; this competency is often restored through medications and education on legal processes.
The criteria for determining competency include characteristics like prior legal involvement, education levels, and current mental health status.### Bulimia Nervosa Overview
Vomiting fails to prevent calorie absorption during binge eating; may cause increased hunger and further bingeing.
Laxatives and diuretics do not effectively reduce calorie intake.

Treatment Objectives for Bulimia

Aim to eliminate binge-purge behaviors.
Foster healthy eating habits.
Address underlying causes of bulimic behavior.

Treatment Modalities

Treatment often occurs in specialized eating disorder clinics.
Programs prioritize both education and therapeutic interventions.

Therapeutic Approaches

Interpersonal therapy (IPT) focuses on improving interpersonal relationships.
Antidepressants like Prozac are effective for about 40% of individuals with bulimia nervosa.

Group Therapy

Facilitates expression of thoughts and experiences among clients.
Effective in approximately 75% of cases.

Relapse Triggers

Stress is a common factor triggering relapses.
Higher likelihood of relapse in those with extensive symptom history, frequent vomiting, substance use issues, and unresolved interpersonal problems.

Anorexia vs. Bulimia

Both disorders often begin after dieting and are characterized by:
- Fear of obesity and a drive to be thin.
- Obsession with food, weight, and self-image.
- Anxiety, depression, and perfectionism.
- Increased risk for suicide and substance abuse.

Binge-Eating Disorder (BED) Features

Involves recurring binge episodes without compensatory behaviors.
Approximately two-thirds become overweight/obese; about 20% of those in weight-control programs have BED.
Higher treatment response rates compared to other eating disorders; typically affects older individuals.

Causes of Eating Disorders

Multidimensional risk perspective identifies several contributing factors:
- Psychological issues (ego, cognitive, mood disturbances).
- Biological predispositions.
- Sociocultural influences (societal and familial pressures).

Psychodynamic Theory

Hilde Bruch linked eating disorders to dysfunctional mother-child interactions leading to ego and perceptual deficiencies.

Parenting Impact

Effective parents meet their child's emotional and biological needs.
Ineffective parents create confusion in children regarding their internal needs.

Cognitive Factors

Cognitive distortions and mislabeling of internal feelings contribute to disordered eating.

Biological Influences

Genetic predisposition increases risk; individuals with relatives who have eating disorders are six times more likely to develop similar issues.
High concordance rates in identical twins for anorexia (70%) and bulimia (23%).

Altered Brain Function

Bulimia is associated with diminished pleasure response to dopamine, leading to binge-eating.
Anorexia triggers anxiety from food stimuli rather than pleasure.

Brain Habits and Eating

Anorexia may involve the dorsal striatum, influencing habitual behavior over conscious willpower.

Physical Sensitivity in Anorexia

Increased awareness of bodily sensations (e.g., stomach noise) may heighten distress during starvation.

Substance Use Disorders

Long-term issues arise from the continued use of substances, affecting psychological stability.

Substance-Induced Disorders

Psychological symptoms may arise directly from drug use, necessitating diagnoses that reflect chemically induced conditions.

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Test your knowledge on key concepts from Unit 4 of Abnormal Psychology. This quiz covers important definitions, symptoms, and misconceptions regarding eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. Perfect for reinforcing your learning and preparing for exams.