PSYC101 General Psychology
Final Assessment Review
Module 9 (Questions & Solutions)
2025
©2025
, 1. Case Study – Depressive Disorders:
Jason, a 45‑year‑old male, reports experiencing a persistently depressed
mood for the past 6 months. He complains of significant sleep
disturbances, decreased appetite, and feelings of guilt and
worthlessness. He denies any history of manic episodes.
Question: Based on Jason’s symptoms, which diagnosis is most
appropriate?
A. Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
B. Bipolar II Disorder
C. Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood
D. Major Depressive Disorder
ANS: D. Major Depressive Disorder
Rationale: Major Depressive Disorder is characterized by prolonged
depressed mood and other key symptoms (e.g., sleep and appetite
disturbances) that persist for at least 2 weeks. Jason’s 6‑month duration
without any signs of mania supports the diagnosis of MDD rather than
dysthymia (which generally requires a period of 2 years) or a bipolar
spectrum disorder.
---
2. Case Study – Bipolar Disorders:
Maria, a 28‑year‑old woman, describes alternating periods of deep
depression with episodes of unusually elevated mood, increased energy,
decreased need for sleep, and excessive goal-directed activity lasting
about one week. These mood shifts have significantly disrupted her social
and occupational functioning.
Question: Which diagnosis does Maria’s presentation most closely align
with?
A. Cyclothymic Disorder
B. Bipolar II Disorder
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, C. Bipolar I Disorder
D. Major Depressive Disorder with Hypomanic Features
ANS: C. Bipolar I Disorder
Rationale: Bipolar I Disorder is diagnosed when a patient experiences
at least one full manic episode (lasting at least one week), often
interspersed with depressive episodes. Maria’s week-long episodes of
elevated mood that markedly affect her functioning point to a manic
episode, making Bipolar I the best choice.
---
3. Case Study – Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder:
David, a 35‑year‑old man, is troubled by recurring, intrusive thoughts
about contamination. To neutralize these distressing thoughts, he spends
several hours daily engaging in repetitive cleaning rituals.
Question: Which disorder best explains David’s symptoms?
A. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
B. Specific Phobia
C. Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder
D. Social Anxiety Disorder
ANS: C. Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder
Rationale: The defining features of OCD include intrusive, unwanted
obsessions and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to alleviate
the resulting anxiety. David’s persistent contamination fears and
excessive cleaning rituals clearly meet these criteria.
---
4. Case Study – Panic and Agoraphobia:
Linda, a 32‑year‑old woman, experiences recurrent, unexpected panic
attacks. She develops a persistent fear of being alone in situations where
an attack might occur, subsequently avoiding places such as shopping
malls and public transportation.
©2025
Final Assessment Review
Module 9 (Questions & Solutions)
2025
©2025
, 1. Case Study – Depressive Disorders:
Jason, a 45‑year‑old male, reports experiencing a persistently depressed
mood for the past 6 months. He complains of significant sleep
disturbances, decreased appetite, and feelings of guilt and
worthlessness. He denies any history of manic episodes.
Question: Based on Jason’s symptoms, which diagnosis is most
appropriate?
A. Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
B. Bipolar II Disorder
C. Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood
D. Major Depressive Disorder
ANS: D. Major Depressive Disorder
Rationale: Major Depressive Disorder is characterized by prolonged
depressed mood and other key symptoms (e.g., sleep and appetite
disturbances) that persist for at least 2 weeks. Jason’s 6‑month duration
without any signs of mania supports the diagnosis of MDD rather than
dysthymia (which generally requires a period of 2 years) or a bipolar
spectrum disorder.
---
2. Case Study – Bipolar Disorders:
Maria, a 28‑year‑old woman, describes alternating periods of deep
depression with episodes of unusually elevated mood, increased energy,
decreased need for sleep, and excessive goal-directed activity lasting
about one week. These mood shifts have significantly disrupted her social
and occupational functioning.
Question: Which diagnosis does Maria’s presentation most closely align
with?
A. Cyclothymic Disorder
B. Bipolar II Disorder
©2025
, C. Bipolar I Disorder
D. Major Depressive Disorder with Hypomanic Features
ANS: C. Bipolar I Disorder
Rationale: Bipolar I Disorder is diagnosed when a patient experiences
at least one full manic episode (lasting at least one week), often
interspersed with depressive episodes. Maria’s week-long episodes of
elevated mood that markedly affect her functioning point to a manic
episode, making Bipolar I the best choice.
---
3. Case Study – Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder:
David, a 35‑year‑old man, is troubled by recurring, intrusive thoughts
about contamination. To neutralize these distressing thoughts, he spends
several hours daily engaging in repetitive cleaning rituals.
Question: Which disorder best explains David’s symptoms?
A. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
B. Specific Phobia
C. Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder
D. Social Anxiety Disorder
ANS: C. Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder
Rationale: The defining features of OCD include intrusive, unwanted
obsessions and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to alleviate
the resulting anxiety. David’s persistent contamination fears and
excessive cleaning rituals clearly meet these criteria.
---
4. Case Study – Panic and Agoraphobia:
Linda, a 32‑year‑old woman, experiences recurrent, unexpected panic
attacks. She develops a persistent fear of being alone in situations where
an attack might occur, subsequently avoiding places such as shopping
malls and public transportation.
©2025
