Test Bank - Chapter 16.3 PDF

**What is psychopharmacotherapy?** - A\) The use of surgery to treat psychological disorders. - B\) The use of drugs to manage or reduce symptoms of psychological disorders. - C\) The use of brain stimulation to alter neural functioning. - D\) The use of non-medical herbal treatments...

**What is psychopharmacotherapy?** - A\) The use of surgery to treat psychological disorders. - B\) The use of drugs to manage or reduce symptoms of psychological disorders. - C\) The use of brain stimulation to alter neural functioning. - D\) The use of non-medical herbal treatments for psychological symptoms.\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* Psychopharmacotherapy involves administering drugs to manage symptoms and improve psychological functioning. **Which of the following best describes the blood-brain barrier?** - A\) A layer of fat cells that protects neurons from external trauma. - B\) A network of cells that regulates the movement of substances between the bloodstream and the brain. - C\) A protective sheath surrounding the spinal cord. - D\) A type of receptor that binds only to neurotransmitters.\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* The blood-brain barrier is a network of tightly packed cells that protects brain cells by regulating what substances can pass from the blood to the brain. **Drug Treatments** 3. **How do SSRIs alleviate symptoms of depression?** - A\) By increasing dopamine production. - B\) By blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the synapse. - C\) By stimulating the production of norepinephrine. - D\) By deactivating enzymes that break down neurotransmitters.\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) prevent serotonin from being reabsorbed, allowing it to remain active in the synapse longer. 4. **Which antidepressant type works by deactivating monoamine oxidase (MAO)?** - A\) SSRIs - B\) Tricyclic antidepressants - C\) MAO inhibitors - D\) SNRIs\ **Answer:** C\ *Explanation:* MAO inhibitors prevent the enzyme monoamine oxidase from breaking down neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. 5. **What is a key drawback of tricyclic antidepressants?** - A\) They are ineffective in treating severe depression. - B\) They are associated with severe side effects such as nausea, weight gain, and seizures. - C\) They increase dopamine to dangerous levels. - D\) They require invasive surgical procedures.\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* Tricyclic antidepressants can cause undesirable side effects, including nausea, weight gain, and even seizures, making them less commonly used today. 6. **St. John's wort is most commonly used as an alternative treatment for:** - A\) Anxiety disorders. - B\) Bipolar disorder. - C\) Depression. - D\) Schizophrenia.\ **Answer:** C\ *Explanation:* St. John's wort is an herbal remedy often used as an alternative to antidepressants for treating mild to moderate depression. **Mood Stabilizers and Antianxiety Drugs** 7. **Which mood stabilizer was historically the standard treatment for bipolar disorder?** - A\) Valproate - B\) Lithium - C\) Clozapine - D\) Fluoxetine\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* Lithium was the first widely prescribed mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder, although it is less commonly used today due to side effects. 8. **Antianxiety drugs primarily target which neurotransmitter?** - A\) Dopamine - B\) Serotonin - C\) Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) - D\) Glutamate\ **Answer:** C\ *Explanation:* Antianxiety drugs enhance the inhibitory effects of GABA to reduce neural activity and alleviate anxiety. **Technological and Surgical Treatments** 9. **What is the goal of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)?** - A\) To sever connections between specific brain regions. - B\) To stimulate or inhibit activity in targeted brain areas using magnetic fields. - C\) To induce a seizure through electrical currents. - D\) To destroy small sections of brain tissue.\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* rTMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate or inhibit specific brain areas, often as a treatment for depression. 10. **Deep brain stimulation (DBS) involves:** - A\) Administering drugs directly into the brain through electrodes. - B\) Inserting wires into the brain to electrically stimulate specific regions. - C\) Using magnetic fields to enhance neuroplasticity. - D\) Triggering controlled seizures in the brain.\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* DBS involves implanting electrodes in specific brain areas to provide targeted electrical stimulation, often for severe depression or OCD. 11. **What is a significant risk associated with early surgical treatments such as lobotomies?** - A\) Increased neurotransmitter production. - B\) Permanent cognitive and emotional impairments. - C\) Enhanced social functioning. - D\) Immediate reduction in all psychological symptoms.\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* Early lobotomies caused severe and often irreversible cognitive and emotional damage, with limited therapeutic success. 12. **How does electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) help alleviate depression symptoms?** - A\) By blocking serotonin reuptake. - B\) By stimulating neurogenesis in the hippocampus. - C\) By directly increasing dopamine levels. - D\) By targeting the prefrontal cortex with a magnetic field.\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* ECT stimulates neurogenesis and alters the activity of brain networks, particularly in the hippocampus and frontal lobes. **Evaluating Treatment Approaches** 13. **Which of the following is a key advantage of combining psychological therapy with antidepressants?** - A\) It eliminates the need for follow-up care. - B\) It improves short-term but not long-term outcomes. - C\) It is more effective than either treatment alone for major depression. - D\) It reduces the risk of medication side effects.\ **Answer:** C\ *Explanation:* Combining antidepressants with therapy has been shown to yield better outcomes than using either treatment alone for major depression. 14. **Why are CBT and other psychological therapies preferred over antianxiety medications for treating generalized anxiety disorder?** - A\) CBT offers faster results than medications. - B\) Antianxiety medications can cause long-term dependency. - C\) CBT is less expensive than medication. - D\) Medications increase the likelihood of panic attacks.\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* Antianxiety medications have a risk of dependency and only work while being taken, whereas CBT provides long-lasting benefits. 15. **A patient with schizophrenia is prescribed Clozapine. Why is regular blood monitoring necessary?** - A\) To ensure the medication reaches therapeutic levels. - B\) To prevent serotonin toxicity. - C\) To monitor for potential damage to white blood cells. - D\) To evaluate changes in dopamine receptor density.\ **Answer:** C\ *Explanation:* Clozapine can compromise white blood cell production, so regular monitoring is crucial for patient safety. 16. **Which antidepressant class directly affects enzymes in the brain to increase neurotransmitter levels?** - A\) SSRIs - B\) MAO inhibitors - C\) Tricyclic antidepressants - D\) SNRIs\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* MAO inhibitors deactivate monoamine oxidase enzymes, preventing the breakdown of neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. 17. **What distinguishes SSRIs from tricyclic antidepressants in their mechanism of action?** - A\) SSRIs affect dopamine levels, while tricyclics target GABA. - B\) SSRIs specifically block serotonin reuptake, while tricyclics affect multiple neurotransmitters. - C\) SSRIs enhance norepinephrine, while tricyclics increase serotonin levels. - D\) SSRIs reduce enzyme activity, while tricyclics block reuptake.\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* SSRIs are selective to serotonin, whereas tricyclic antidepressants impact both serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake. **Comparing Technological and Surgical Treatments** 18. **How does repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) differ from electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?** - A\) rTMS induces seizures, while ECT uses magnetic fields. - B\) rTMS is non-invasive and seizure-free, while ECT involves controlled seizures. - C\) rTMS requires sedation, while ECT is performed on awake patients. - D\) rTMS only treats anxiety, while ECT treats depression.\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* rTMS is a non-invasive therapy using magnetic fields, while ECT induces controlled seizures to stimulate neurogenesis and brain activity. 19. **Which treatment involves the implantation of electrodes to stimulate specific brain regions?** - A\) Deep brain stimulation (DBS) - B\) Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) - C\) Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) - D\) Lobotomy\ **Answer:** A\ *Explanation:* DBS uses surgically implanted electrodes to deliver electrical stimulation to targeted brain areas, often for severe cases of depression or OCD. 1. **A patient with depression reports experiencing few side effects on their new medication but notices a gradual improvement in mood over several weeks. Which type of antidepressant are they most likely taking?** - A\) SSRIs - B\) MAO inhibitors - C\) Tricyclic antidepressants - D\) Benzodiazepines\ **Answer:** A\ *Explanation:* SSRIs are commonly used due to their relatively mild side effects and gradual onset of efficacy in improving mood. 2. **A therapist advises a client against using St. John's wort while taking an SSRI. What is the primary concern with combining these treatments?** - A\) Increased risk of serotonin syndrome. - B\) Reduced efficacy of both treatments. - C\) Increased likelihood of dependence. - D\) Risk of extreme sedation.\ **Answer:** A\ *Explanation:* Combining St. John's wort with an SSRI can cause dangerously high serotonin levels, leading to serotonin syndrome. 3. **A patient experiencing frequent mood swings is prescribed lithium. After two weeks, they report hand tremors and excessive thirst. What should the clinician do next?** - A\) Discontinue lithium immediately. - B\) Recommend psychotherapy instead of medication. - C\) Monitor for lithium toxicity and adjust the dose if necessary. - D\) Switch the patient to an SSRI.\ **Answer:** C\ *Explanation:* Lithium can cause side effects such as tremors and thirst, which may indicate a need to monitor blood levels and adjust the dosage. **Technological and Surgical Treatments** 4. **A patient with severe depression unresponsive to medication and therapy is referred for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). What outcome should the patient expect?** - A\) Immediate and permanent resolution of depression symptoms. - B\) Gradual symptom improvement with potential short-term memory loss. - C\) Complete eradication of depressive episodes with no side effects. - D\) Long-term cognitive impairments and increased anxiety.\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* ECT often provides rapid symptom relief for severe depression, but short-term memory loss can occur as a side effect. 5. **A client undergoing repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) asks how the treatment works. What is the therapist's most accurate explanation?** - A\) "It stimulates specific brain areas using focused magnetic pulses." - B\) "It triggers controlled seizures to reset brain activity." - C\) "It involves implanting electrodes to alter neural pathways." - D\) "It uses medication to enhance electrical signals in the brain."\ **Answer:** A\ *Explanation:* rTMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate or inhibit activity in specific brain regions, particularly to treat depression. 6. **A patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) undergoes deep brain stimulation (DBS). Which outcome indicates the treatment is effective?** - A\) Immediate cessation of all compulsive behaviors. - B\) Gradual reduction in compulsive behaviors and anxiety over time. - C\) Complete elimination of anxiety without behavioral changes. - D\) Increased need for sedative medications.\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* DBS can reduce compulsive behaviors and anxiety over time by targeting brain circuits involved in OCD. **Evaluating Treatment Approaches** 7. **A psychiatrist prescribes both antidepressants and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for a patient with severe depression. What is the rationale for combining these treatments?** - A\) To minimize side effects of medication. - B\) To address both biological and cognitive contributors to depression. - C\) To avoid dependency on psychotherapy. - D\) To ensure immediate symptom relief.\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* Combining therapy and medication targets the biological basis of depression while addressing maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors. 8. **A client with generalized anxiety disorder relies heavily on benzodiazepines for symptom relief but reports difficulty functioning without them. What alternative approach should the clinician recommend?** - A\) Increase the dosage of benzodiazepines. - B\) Switch to a different class of antianxiety drugs. - C\) Integrate CBT to provide long-term anxiety management skills. - D\) Recommend mindfulness-based therapy only.\ **Answer:** C\ *Explanation:* CBT provides long-term strategies to manage anxiety, reducing reliance on benzodiazepines, which carry a risk of dependence. 9. **A patient with schizophrenia refuses to continue antipsychotic medication due to weight gain. What adjustment might the psychiatrist consider?** - A\) Transition to a different antipsychotic with fewer metabolic side effects. - B\) Discontinue medication entirely. - C\) Increase the current medication dose to improve efficacy. - D\) Combine the current medication with an SSRI.\ **Answer:** A\ *Explanation:* Some antipsychotics have fewer metabolic side effects, making them a better option for patients concerned about weight gain. **Real-World Applications** 10. **A primary care doctor screens patients for depression during routine checkups. Why is this practice important?** - A\) To prescribe antidepressants for all patients. - B\) To identify early signs of depression and refer patients for treatment. - C\) To reduce the overall use of medication in the population. - D\) To evaluate the effectiveness of existing treatments.\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* Screening during routine visits can detect depression early, enabling timely intervention and reducing the risk of severe symptoms. 11. **A college student reports difficulty focusing, loss of appetite, and frequent crying spells. What should the student health counselor recommend?** - A\) Immediate referral for ECT. - B\) A trial of St. John's wort without professional oversight. - C\) A comprehensive evaluation for depression and possible treatment options. - D\) Avoidance of academic stressors until symptoms subside.\ **Answer:** C\ *Explanation:* Comprehensive evaluation helps determine the underlying issue and guide appropriate treatment, whether medication, therapy, or both. 12. **A community health center provides free internet-based CBT (iCBT) for patients in rural areas. What is the primary benefit of this program?** - A\) It eliminates the need for clinical oversight. - B\) It ensures equal access to evidence-based mental health care. - C\) It reduces the effectiveness of traditional therapy. - D\) It replaces the need for drug treatments.\ **Answer:** B\ *Explanation:* iCBT expands access to evidence-based therapy, particularly for individuals in underserved areas.