Psychological Disorders and Psychotherapy — Important Questions

6 months

Step 1: The chapter specifically states that GAD can be diagnosed when uncontrollable, excessive anxiety and worry persist for more than 6 months about a number of events or activities. Step 2: The 6-month criterion is an important diagnostic guideline from DSM-IV. Step 3: 3 months and 1 month are too short — everyone experiences worry at some point, so a longer duration is needed to confirm the disorder. Step 4: 12 months is too long — it would delay diagnosis unnecessarily. Step 5: 6 months is the correct and specific duration mentioned in the chapter for GAD diagnosis.

Agoraphobia

Step 1: The chapter describes agoraphobia as the fear of public places like shopping malls, crowded streets, and movie halls where the person feels trapped or where escape seems difficult or embarrassing. Step 2: The word 'agoraphobia' comes from the Greek word 'agora' meaning public places. Step 3: Social phobia is the fear of social situations where one may be judged negatively — not specifically about escape from places. Step 4: Specific phobia is a fear of a particular object or situation like snakes or heights — not public spaces in general. Step 5: Panic disorder involves sudden unexpect

Serotonin

Step 1: The chapter clearly states that serotonin, a neurotransmitter, has been highly implicated in OCD. Step 2: Increased levels of serotonin activity are associated with OCD, and medications that affect serotonin levels may provide relief to OCD patients. Step 3: GABA is linked to Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) — not OCD specifically. Step 4: Dopamine and norepinephrine are linked to mood disorders like bipolar disorder, not primarily to OCD. Step 5: A helpful trick: Serotonin is strongly linked to OCD. Also, the brain areas caudate nucleus and orbital frontal cortex are involved in OCD

Inflated self-esteem and decreased need for sleep

Step 1: The chapter describes manic episodes as a period of persistently elevated or irritable mood lasting at least one week. Step 2: Key symptoms of mania include inflated self-esteem (unrealistic belief about one's power), decreased need for sleep, and high levels of energy. Step 3: Option B describes symptoms of a depressive episode, which is the other pole in Bipolar Disorder — not the manic phase. Step 4: Option C describes symptoms of anxiety disorders, not mood disorders. Step 5: Option D describes OCD symptoms (repetitive compulsive behaviour and intrusive obsessive thoughts) — comple