Which symptom is most commonly associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
- A. Frequent mood swings
- B. Intrusive, repetitive thoughts
- C. Hallucinations
- D. Flashbacks
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Intrusive, repetitive thoughts. Intrusive, repetitive thoughts are the hallmark symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Individuals with OCD experience persistent, unwanted thoughts or obsessions that lead to repetitive behaviors or compulsions. These thoughts are intrusive and difficult to control, causing significant distress and interfering with daily activities. While mood swings, hallucinations, and flashbacks can be present in other mental health conditions, they are not the primary symptoms associated with OCD.
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A patient with social anxiety disorder is learning cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques. Which skill is most likely being taught?
- A. Avoiding social situations that cause anxiety
- B. Challenging and changing negative thoughts
- C. Using deep breathing exercises during social interactions
- D. Taking anti-anxiety medication before social events
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. In cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for social anxiety disorder, the focus is on challenging and changing negative thoughts that contribute to anxiety. This process involves identifying distorted thought patterns and replacing them with more balanced and realistic thoughts, helping individuals develop healthier perspectives on social situations. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because avoiding social situations, using deep breathing exercises, and taking medication are not the primary skills taught in CBT for social anxiety disorder. CBT aims to address the underlying thought patterns and behaviors that maintain anxiety, rather than avoidance or temporary relief.
Which intervention should a healthcare professional implement to help a patient with social anxiety disorder?
- A. Encourage participation in group therapy sessions.
- B. Suggest practicing relaxation techniques during social interactions.
- C. Advise the patient to avoid social situations that cause anxiety.
- D. Teach the patient cognitive restructuring techniques.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Teaching cognitive restructuring techniques is an effective intervention for patients with social anxiety disorder. This approach helps individuals challenge and change their negative thought patterns, leading to improved coping mechanisms in social situations. Choice A, encouraging participation in group therapy sessions, may be overwhelming for individuals with social anxiety. Choice B, suggesting relaxation techniques, may offer short-term relief but does not address the underlying cognitive distortions. Choice C, advising avoidance of social situations, reinforces avoidance behaviors and does not promote long-term improvement in managing social anxiety.
A patient diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder has been undergoing therapy for several months. Which outcome indicates that the patient is progressing in therapy?
- A. The patient has developed a strong therapeutic relationship with the therapist.
- B. The patient's different personalities are beginning to merge.
- C. The patient is able to recall traumatic events without dissociating.
- D. The patient reports fewer gaps in memory.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In dissociative identity disorder, the merging of different personalities is a crucial indicator of progress in therapy. As the different identities merge, it signifies that the patient is integrating fragmented aspects of their self, leading to a more cohesive sense of identity and a reduction in dissociative symptoms. This process is a significant therapeutic milestone in the treatment of dissociative identity disorder as it promotes internal cohesion and decreases internal conflict. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while developing a strong therapeutic relationship, recalling traumatic events without dissociating, and reporting fewer gaps in memory are important aspects of therapy, the merging of different personalities is specifically indicative of substantial progress in treating dissociative identity disorder.
What is the primary goal of exposure therapy for a patient with specific phobia?
- A. To eliminate the phobic response completely
- B. To increase the patient's exposure to the feared object
- C. To help the patient confront and reduce their fear gradually
- D. To provide immediate relief from anxiety symptoms
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The primary goal of exposure therapy for a patient with a specific phobia is to help them confront their fear gradually, leading to a reduction in their fear response over time. This gradual exposure helps the individual learn to manage and cope with their phobia, ultimately reducing the intensity of their fear reactions. Choice A is incorrect because while the goal is to reduce the fear response, complete elimination may not always be feasible. Choice B is incorrect as the focus is not solely on increasing exposure but on gradual confrontation. Choice D is incorrect as the therapy aims for long-term reduction rather than immediate relief.
What is the primary benefit of using exposure therapy for patients with phobias?
- A. To eliminate the phobia completely
- B. To gradually reduce the patient's fear and anxiety
- C. To teach the patient relaxation techniques
- D. To provide immediate relief from anxiety
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary benefit of using exposure therapy for patients with phobias is to gradually reduce the patient's fear and anxiety. Exposure therapy involves exposing the individual to the feared object or situation in a controlled manner to help them confront their fears and learn that the perceived threat is not as harmful as initially believed. Over time, repeated exposure can lead to a decrease in anxiety and fear responses, helping the individual manage and overcome their phobia. Choice A is incorrect because exposure therapy aims to reduce fear and anxiety, not necessarily eliminate the phobia completely. Choice C is incorrect as although relaxation techniques might be part of the therapy, the primary goal is fear reduction. Choice D is incorrect as exposure therapy typically involves gradual exposure rather than providing immediate relief.
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