AP Psychology
Study Guide “Psychological Disorders”
Unit 12--Myers
Ms Chauvin
The purpose of this study guide is to assist you in the reading of the MYERS
textbook. Use your text to answer the following questions. Answer all in
questions in complete sentences: no bullets, no listing. Each question should
be obvious from reading your answer.
1. What are the criteria for judging whether behavior is psychologically
disordered, and discuss the controversy over the diagnosis of attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder.
2. Describe the goals and the content of the DSM-IV-TR.
3. Define “anxiety disorders,” and contrast the symptoms of generalized anxiety
disorder and panic disorder.
4. Explain how a phobia differs from the fears we all experience.
5. Describe the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, and discuss
survivor resiliency and post-traumatic growth.
6. Describe somatoform disorders, and explain how the symptoms differ from
other physical symptoms.
7. Describe the symptoms of dissociative disorders.
8. Define dissociative identity disorder, and discuss the controversy regarding
its diagnosis.
9. Define mood disorders, and contrast major depressive disorder and bipolar
disorder.
10. Explain the development of mood disorders, paying special attention to the
biological and social-cognitive perspectives.
11. Describe the symptoms of schizophrenia, and differentiate delusions and
hallucinations.
12. Distinguish between the five subtypes of schizophrenia, and contrast chronic
and acute schizophrenia.
13. Outline some abnormal brain chemistry, functions, and structures associated
with schizophrenia, and discuss the possible link between prenatal infections
and schizophrenia.
14. Discuss the evidence for a genetic contribution to the development of
schizophrenia and describe some psychological factors that may be early
warning signs of schizophrenia in children.
15. Contrast the five clusters of personality disorders, and describe the
behaviors and brain activity associated with antisocial personality disorder.