Question 1

What manual do mental health professionals primarily use in the United States to diagnose psychological disorders?

Accepted Answer

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), published by the American Psychiatric Association, is the primary tool used for diagnosing psychological disorders in the U.S.

Question 2

What are the three core criteria used to define a behavior as a psychological disorder?

Accepted Answer

A behavior is considered a psychological disorder if it is dysfunctional (interferes with daily life), distressing (causes personal suffering), and deviant (violates social norms or expectations).

Question 3

What is the medical model of psychological disorders?

Accepted Answer

The medical model views psychological disorders as diseases with biological causes that can be diagnosed, treated, and potentially cured, similar to physical illnesses.

Question 4

What does the biopsychosocial model propose about the causes of psychological disorders?

Accepted Answer

The biopsychosocial model proposes that psychological disorders result from an interaction of biological factors (genetics, brain chemistry), psychological factors (thoughts, emotions), and social/cultural factors (environment, relationships).

Question 5

What is the diathesis-stress model in the context of psychological disorders?

Accepted Answer

The diathesis-stress model proposes that a person develops a disorder when a biological or psychological predisposition (diathesis) is triggered by environmental stressors.

Psychological Disorders – CLEP Exam Prep

Also Included in the Study Bundle

Practice Tests

Study Guides

Match Game

Try These Cards

Want to keep studying?

Related Study Decks

Cell Biology – CLEP Exam Prep

Civil War & Reconstruction

CLEP College Level Examination Program — Complete Bundle

Genetics & Evolution – CLEP Exam Prep

Learning & Memory – CLEP Psychology Exam Prep

Social Institutions – CLEP Sociology Exam Prep

Ready for the full exam?