PSYC 140 EXAM 5 Neurodevelopmental & Psychological
Disorders Questions with Correct Answers & Detailed
Rationales 2026/2027 Edition
SECTION 1: ATTENTION-DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
(ADHD)
(Questions 1–20)
Question 1: Which of the following symptoms is categorized as a symptom of
inattention?
• A) Frequently forgets things
• B) Fidgets with hands or feet
• C) Interrupts others
• D) Runs about or climbs excessively
Answer: A
Rationale: Frequently forgetting things is a symptom of inattention. Other
inattention symptoms include failing to give close attention to details, difficulty
sustaining attention, not listening when spoken to, and losing things necessary for
tasks.
Question 2: It is currently hypothesized that drug use during pregnancy may
increase the likelihood of a child having ADHD.
• A) True
• B) False
Answer: A
Rationale: True. Prenatal exposure to substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and
cocaine has been associated with an increased risk of ADHD. Environmental
factors during pregnancy are believed to interact with genetic predispositions.
,Question 3: Which of the following is NOT a symptom of hyperactivity-
impulsivity in ADHD?
• A) Fidgeting
• B) Difficulty remaining seated
• C) Difficulty sustaining attention
• D) Blurting out answers
Answer: C
Rationale: Difficulty sustaining attention is a symptom of inattention, not
hyperactivity-impulsivity. Hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms include fidgeting,
difficulty remaining seated, running or climbing excessively, blurting out answers,
and interrupting others.
Question 4: The DSM-5 requires that ADHD symptoms be present for at least:
• A) 3 months
• B) 6 months
• C) 9 months
• D) 12 months
Answer: B
Rationale: The DSM-5 requires that ADHD symptoms be present for at least 6
months to a degree that is inconsistent with developmental level and that
negatively impacts social, academic, or occupational functioning.
Question 5: For a diagnosis of ADHD in children, symptoms must be present
before age:
• A) 7
• B) 12
• C) 10
, • D) 15
Answer: B
Rationale: The DSM-5 requires that several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive
symptoms were present before age 12. This changed from the previous DSM-IV
requirement of age 7.
Question 6: Which of the following is a core feature of ADHD?
• A) Mental retardation
• B) Persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity
• C) Social communication deficits
• D) Restricted interests
Answer: B
Rationale: ADHD is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or
hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.
Question 7: The most effective treatment approach for ADHD typically includes:
• A) Medication only
• B) Behavioral therapy only
• C) A combination of medication and behavioral therapy
• D) Dietary changes only
Answer: C
Rationale: The most effective treatment for ADHD typically includes a
combination of medication (stimulants or non-stimulants) and behavioral
therapy/parent training. The multimodal approach addresses both biological and
behavioral aspects of the disorder.
Question 8: Which of the following is a common comorbid condition with
ADHD?
, • A) Autism Spectrum Disorder
• B) Bipolar Disorder
• C) Oppositional Defiant Disorder
• D) Schizophrenia
Answer: C
Rationale: Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a common comorbid condition
with ADHD. Other common comorbidities include Conduct Disorder, anxiety
disorders, and learning disabilities.
Question 9: Stimulant medications for ADHD work primarily by:
• A) Decreasing dopamine levels
• B) Increasing dopamine and norepinephrine availability in the brain
• C) Increasing serotonin levels
• D) Blocking GABA receptors
Answer: B
Rationale: Stimulant medications (methylphenidate, amphetamines) work by
increasing dopamine and norepinephrine availability in the prefrontal cortex and
other brain regions. This improves attention and impulse control.
Question 10: Which of the following is NOT a non-pharmacological treatment for
ADHD?
• A) Behavioral therapy
• B) Parent training
• C) Antipsychotic medication
• D) Cognitive behavioral therapy
Answer: C
Disorders Questions with Correct Answers & Detailed
Rationales 2026/2027 Edition
SECTION 1: ATTENTION-DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
(ADHD)
(Questions 1–20)
Question 1: Which of the following symptoms is categorized as a symptom of
inattention?
• A) Frequently forgets things
• B) Fidgets with hands or feet
• C) Interrupts others
• D) Runs about or climbs excessively
Answer: A
Rationale: Frequently forgetting things is a symptom of inattention. Other
inattention symptoms include failing to give close attention to details, difficulty
sustaining attention, not listening when spoken to, and losing things necessary for
tasks.
Question 2: It is currently hypothesized that drug use during pregnancy may
increase the likelihood of a child having ADHD.
• A) True
• B) False
Answer: A
Rationale: True. Prenatal exposure to substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and
cocaine has been associated with an increased risk of ADHD. Environmental
factors during pregnancy are believed to interact with genetic predispositions.
,Question 3: Which of the following is NOT a symptom of hyperactivity-
impulsivity in ADHD?
• A) Fidgeting
• B) Difficulty remaining seated
• C) Difficulty sustaining attention
• D) Blurting out answers
Answer: C
Rationale: Difficulty sustaining attention is a symptom of inattention, not
hyperactivity-impulsivity. Hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms include fidgeting,
difficulty remaining seated, running or climbing excessively, blurting out answers,
and interrupting others.
Question 4: The DSM-5 requires that ADHD symptoms be present for at least:
• A) 3 months
• B) 6 months
• C) 9 months
• D) 12 months
Answer: B
Rationale: The DSM-5 requires that ADHD symptoms be present for at least 6
months to a degree that is inconsistent with developmental level and that
negatively impacts social, academic, or occupational functioning.
Question 5: For a diagnosis of ADHD in children, symptoms must be present
before age:
• A) 7
• B) 12
• C) 10
, • D) 15
Answer: B
Rationale: The DSM-5 requires that several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive
symptoms were present before age 12. This changed from the previous DSM-IV
requirement of age 7.
Question 6: Which of the following is a core feature of ADHD?
• A) Mental retardation
• B) Persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity
• C) Social communication deficits
• D) Restricted interests
Answer: B
Rationale: ADHD is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or
hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.
Question 7: The most effective treatment approach for ADHD typically includes:
• A) Medication only
• B) Behavioral therapy only
• C) A combination of medication and behavioral therapy
• D) Dietary changes only
Answer: C
Rationale: The most effective treatment for ADHD typically includes a
combination of medication (stimulants or non-stimulants) and behavioral
therapy/parent training. The multimodal approach addresses both biological and
behavioral aspects of the disorder.
Question 8: Which of the following is a common comorbid condition with
ADHD?
, • A) Autism Spectrum Disorder
• B) Bipolar Disorder
• C) Oppositional Defiant Disorder
• D) Schizophrenia
Answer: C
Rationale: Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a common comorbid condition
with ADHD. Other common comorbidities include Conduct Disorder, anxiety
disorders, and learning disabilities.
Question 9: Stimulant medications for ADHD work primarily by:
• A) Decreasing dopamine levels
• B) Increasing dopamine and norepinephrine availability in the brain
• C) Increasing serotonin levels
• D) Blocking GABA receptors
Answer: B
Rationale: Stimulant medications (methylphenidate, amphetamines) work by
increasing dopamine and norepinephrine availability in the prefrontal cortex and
other brain regions. This improves attention and impulse control.
Question 10: Which of the following is NOT a non-pharmacological treatment for
ADHD?
• A) Behavioral therapy
• B) Parent training
• C) Antipsychotic medication
• D) Cognitive behavioral therapy
Answer: C
