PSYC 210 MODULE 1-8 & FINAL
EXAM BUNDLE 2026/2027 –
ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY PORTAGE
LEARNING | 450 VERIFIED
QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED
RATIONALES | INSTANT PDF
DOWNLOAD
PSYC 210: Abnormal Psychology – Module 1: Foundations
Q1. A client reports deep unhappiness yet continues to work and socialize
effectively. The clinician notes that distress without impairment is often
insufficient for diagnosis. In applying the concept of the distress criterion,
which conclusion is most accurate?
A. The distress criterion has been abandoned by all modern diagnostic systems
B. Only biological tests can validate the relevance of distress
C. Integration of multiple criteria is required; distress contributes but is rarely used in
isolation
D. The single criterion of distress is always sufficient for diagnosis regardless of other
factors
Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Modern approaches to abnormality combine several
indicators. While distress is relevant, diagnosis typically requires evidence of distress,
impairment, or risk rather than any single dimension alone. Context and clinical
significance remain central.
Q2. A behavior that is statistically rare but highly valued (e.g., exceptional
creativity) illustrates why rarity alone cannot define disorder. In applying the
concept of the deviance criterion, which conclusion is most accurate?
A. Integration of multiple criteria is required; deviance contributes but is rarely used
in isolation
B. Only biological tests can validate the relevance of deviance
C. The deviance criterion has been abandoned by all modern diagnostic systems
D. The single criterion of deviance is always sufficient for diagnosis
,Correct Answer: A. Rationale: Modern approaches to abnormality combine several
indicators. While deviance is relevant, diagnosis typically requires evidence of distress,
impairment, or risk rather than any single dimension alone.
Q3. Most individuals with mental disorders are not violent; dangerousness is
neither necessary nor sufficient for most diagnoses. In applying the danger
criterion, which conclusion is most accurate?
A. The danger criterion has been abandoned by all modern diagnostic systems
B. Integration of multiple criteria is required; danger contributes but is rarely used in
isolation
C. Only biological tests can validate the relevance of danger
D. The single criterion of danger is always sufficient for diagnosis
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Dangerousness is relevant in some contexts but is not a
standalone diagnostic criterion. Diagnosis requires a combination of distress,
impairment, or risk, along with clinical context.
Q4. Behaviors considered abnormal in one society may be normative or valued
in another, requiring culturally informed assessment. In applying the concept of
cultural relativism, which conclusion is most accurate?
A. Cultural relativism has been abandoned by all modern diagnostic systems
B. Only biological tests can validate the relevance of cultural relativism
C. The single criterion of cultural relativism is always sufficient for diagnosis
D. Integration of multiple criteria is required; cultural relativism contributes but is
rarely used in isolation
Correct Answer: D. Rationale: Cultural context is essential, but cultural relativism alone
is insufficient for diagnosis. It must be integrated with other criteria such as distress
and impairment.
PSYC 210: Abnormal Psychology – Module 3: Mood Disorders
Q5. Which of the following best describes the primary characteristic of a major
depressive episode?
A. Elevated mood and increased energy lasting at least one week
B. Five or more depressive symptoms during the same two-week period
C. Recurrent binge eating episodes followed by compensatory behaviors
D. Persistent delusions and hallucinations lasting at least six months
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: A major depressive episode requires five or more
symptoms present during the same two-week period, representing a change from
previous functioning. At least one symptom must be depressed mood or loss of
interest/pleasure. Elevated mood is characteristic of mania, and binge eating is
characteristic of eating disorders.
,Q6. What is the essential feature of anhedonia?
A. Excessive worry about multiple life domains
B. Loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities
C. Sudden onset of intense fear peaking within minutes
D. Persistent difficulty discarding possessions
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Anhedonia is the loss of interest or pleasure in activities
that were previously enjoyable. It is a core symptom of depressive disorders and is one
of the two symptoms required for a major depressive episode. Excessive worry is
characteristic of generalized anxiety, and difficulty discarding possessions is hoarding
disorder.
Q7. According to the DSM-5, how long must symptoms persist for a diagnosis
of persistent depressive disorder in adults?
A. At least two weeks
B. At least two months
C. At least two years
D. At least five years
Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) in adults
requires a depressed mood for most of the day, more days than not, for at least two
years. In children and adolescents, the duration requirement is at least one year. Major
depressive disorder requires only two weeks.
Q8. What is psychomotor retardation in the context of depression?
A. Slowed physical movement and cognitive processing
B. Rapid, pressured speech and excessive movement
C. Involuntary muscle twitching and spasms
D. Loss of memory for recent events
Correct Answer: A. Rationale: Psychomotor retardation refers to slowed physical
movement and cognitive processing that may accompany depression. It can be
observed as slowed speech, delayed responses, and reduced body movement.
Psychomotor agitation involves increased, purposeless activity.
PSYC 210: Abnormal Psychology – Module 5: Dissociative &
Eating Disorders
Q9. What is the full name of the dissociative disorder DID?
A. Dissociative Inhibited Disorder
B. Dissociated Inhibition Disorder
C. Depressive Identity Disorder
D. Dissociative Identity Disorder
, Correct Answer: D. Dissociative Identity Disorder. Rationale: DID is characterized by the
presence of two or more distinct personality states and gaps in recall of everyday
events or personal information.
Q10. What is the defining feature of DID?
A. Presence of two or more distinct personality states
B. Gaps in recall of everyday events or personal information
C. Answers A and B
D. None of the above
Correct Answer: C. Answers A and B. Rationale: The defining features of dissociative
identity disorder include both the presence of two or more distinct personality states
and recurrent gaps in the recall of everyday events, important personal information,
and/or traumatic events.
Q11. What are the primary symptoms of anorexia nervosa?
A. Recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by purging
B. Restriction of food intake resulting in significantly low body weight, intense fear of
gaining weight, and distorted perception of body weight
C. Excessive worry about multiple life domains
D. Persistent difficulty discarding possessions
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Anorexia nervosa is characterized by restriction of food
intake resulting in significantly low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, and a
distorted perception or lack of recognition of the seriousness of low body weight. It
includes restricting and binge-eating/purging subtypes.
Q12. What is the difference between the binge-eating/purging subtype of
anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa?
A. Individuals with the purging subtype of anorexia nervosa maintain weight loss
through vomiting or laxative use, whereas individuals with bulimia nervosa are
generally within a normal weight range.
B. Individuals with anorexia nervosa are always overweight.
C. Individuals with bulimia nervosa do not engage in binge eating.
D. There is no difference.
Correct Answer: A. Rationale: Individuals with the purging subtype of anorexia nervosa
maintain weight loss through vomiting or laxative use, whereas individuals with
bulimia nervosa are generally within a normal weight range.
PSYC 210: Abnormal Psychology – Module 6: Sleep-Wake &
Substance Use Disorders
EXAM BUNDLE 2026/2027 –
ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY PORTAGE
LEARNING | 450 VERIFIED
QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED
RATIONALES | INSTANT PDF
DOWNLOAD
PSYC 210: Abnormal Psychology – Module 1: Foundations
Q1. A client reports deep unhappiness yet continues to work and socialize
effectively. The clinician notes that distress without impairment is often
insufficient for diagnosis. In applying the concept of the distress criterion,
which conclusion is most accurate?
A. The distress criterion has been abandoned by all modern diagnostic systems
B. Only biological tests can validate the relevance of distress
C. Integration of multiple criteria is required; distress contributes but is rarely used in
isolation
D. The single criterion of distress is always sufficient for diagnosis regardless of other
factors
Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Modern approaches to abnormality combine several
indicators. While distress is relevant, diagnosis typically requires evidence of distress,
impairment, or risk rather than any single dimension alone. Context and clinical
significance remain central.
Q2. A behavior that is statistically rare but highly valued (e.g., exceptional
creativity) illustrates why rarity alone cannot define disorder. In applying the
concept of the deviance criterion, which conclusion is most accurate?
A. Integration of multiple criteria is required; deviance contributes but is rarely used
in isolation
B. Only biological tests can validate the relevance of deviance
C. The deviance criterion has been abandoned by all modern diagnostic systems
D. The single criterion of deviance is always sufficient for diagnosis
,Correct Answer: A. Rationale: Modern approaches to abnormality combine several
indicators. While deviance is relevant, diagnosis typically requires evidence of distress,
impairment, or risk rather than any single dimension alone.
Q3. Most individuals with mental disorders are not violent; dangerousness is
neither necessary nor sufficient for most diagnoses. In applying the danger
criterion, which conclusion is most accurate?
A. The danger criterion has been abandoned by all modern diagnostic systems
B. Integration of multiple criteria is required; danger contributes but is rarely used in
isolation
C. Only biological tests can validate the relevance of danger
D. The single criterion of danger is always sufficient for diagnosis
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Dangerousness is relevant in some contexts but is not a
standalone diagnostic criterion. Diagnosis requires a combination of distress,
impairment, or risk, along with clinical context.
Q4. Behaviors considered abnormal in one society may be normative or valued
in another, requiring culturally informed assessment. In applying the concept of
cultural relativism, which conclusion is most accurate?
A. Cultural relativism has been abandoned by all modern diagnostic systems
B. Only biological tests can validate the relevance of cultural relativism
C. The single criterion of cultural relativism is always sufficient for diagnosis
D. Integration of multiple criteria is required; cultural relativism contributes but is
rarely used in isolation
Correct Answer: D. Rationale: Cultural context is essential, but cultural relativism alone
is insufficient for diagnosis. It must be integrated with other criteria such as distress
and impairment.
PSYC 210: Abnormal Psychology – Module 3: Mood Disorders
Q5. Which of the following best describes the primary characteristic of a major
depressive episode?
A. Elevated mood and increased energy lasting at least one week
B. Five or more depressive symptoms during the same two-week period
C. Recurrent binge eating episodes followed by compensatory behaviors
D. Persistent delusions and hallucinations lasting at least six months
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: A major depressive episode requires five or more
symptoms present during the same two-week period, representing a change from
previous functioning. At least one symptom must be depressed mood or loss of
interest/pleasure. Elevated mood is characteristic of mania, and binge eating is
characteristic of eating disorders.
,Q6. What is the essential feature of anhedonia?
A. Excessive worry about multiple life domains
B. Loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities
C. Sudden onset of intense fear peaking within minutes
D. Persistent difficulty discarding possessions
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Anhedonia is the loss of interest or pleasure in activities
that were previously enjoyable. It is a core symptom of depressive disorders and is one
of the two symptoms required for a major depressive episode. Excessive worry is
characteristic of generalized anxiety, and difficulty discarding possessions is hoarding
disorder.
Q7. According to the DSM-5, how long must symptoms persist for a diagnosis
of persistent depressive disorder in adults?
A. At least two weeks
B. At least two months
C. At least two years
D. At least five years
Correct Answer: C. Rationale: Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) in adults
requires a depressed mood for most of the day, more days than not, for at least two
years. In children and adolescents, the duration requirement is at least one year. Major
depressive disorder requires only two weeks.
Q8. What is psychomotor retardation in the context of depression?
A. Slowed physical movement and cognitive processing
B. Rapid, pressured speech and excessive movement
C. Involuntary muscle twitching and spasms
D. Loss of memory for recent events
Correct Answer: A. Rationale: Psychomotor retardation refers to slowed physical
movement and cognitive processing that may accompany depression. It can be
observed as slowed speech, delayed responses, and reduced body movement.
Psychomotor agitation involves increased, purposeless activity.
PSYC 210: Abnormal Psychology – Module 5: Dissociative &
Eating Disorders
Q9. What is the full name of the dissociative disorder DID?
A. Dissociative Inhibited Disorder
B. Dissociated Inhibition Disorder
C. Depressive Identity Disorder
D. Dissociative Identity Disorder
, Correct Answer: D. Dissociative Identity Disorder. Rationale: DID is characterized by the
presence of two or more distinct personality states and gaps in recall of everyday
events or personal information.
Q10. What is the defining feature of DID?
A. Presence of two or more distinct personality states
B. Gaps in recall of everyday events or personal information
C. Answers A and B
D. None of the above
Correct Answer: C. Answers A and B. Rationale: The defining features of dissociative
identity disorder include both the presence of two or more distinct personality states
and recurrent gaps in the recall of everyday events, important personal information,
and/or traumatic events.
Q11. What are the primary symptoms of anorexia nervosa?
A. Recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by purging
B. Restriction of food intake resulting in significantly low body weight, intense fear of
gaining weight, and distorted perception of body weight
C. Excessive worry about multiple life domains
D. Persistent difficulty discarding possessions
Correct Answer: B. Rationale: Anorexia nervosa is characterized by restriction of food
intake resulting in significantly low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, and a
distorted perception or lack of recognition of the seriousness of low body weight. It
includes restricting and binge-eating/purging subtypes.
Q12. What is the difference between the binge-eating/purging subtype of
anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa?
A. Individuals with the purging subtype of anorexia nervosa maintain weight loss
through vomiting or laxative use, whereas individuals with bulimia nervosa are
generally within a normal weight range.
B. Individuals with anorexia nervosa are always overweight.
C. Individuals with bulimia nervosa do not engage in binge eating.
D. There is no difference.
Correct Answer: A. Rationale: Individuals with the purging subtype of anorexia nervosa
maintain weight loss through vomiting or laxative use, whereas individuals with
bulimia nervosa are generally within a normal weight range.
PSYC 210: Abnormal Psychology – Module 6: Sleep-Wake &
Substance Use Disorders
