ATI RN

1. Understanding the causes of mental disorders is important because ________

• A. effective treatment is not possible without such an understanding.
• B. classification of disorders cannot be done without such information.
• C. such knowledge might make both the prevention and cure of mental disorders possible.
• D. disagreements about the causes of psychopathology have long limited the advancements made in the study of abnormal psychology.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Understanding the causes of mental disorders is crucial because it can potentially lead to both prevention and cure. By identifying the root causes, strategies can be developed to prevent the onset of disorders, and effective treatments can be tailored to address these causes directly. This approach can make treatments more efficient, as addressing the underlying factors contributing to the disorder can result in better outcomes for individuals. Choices A and B are incorrect because while understanding causes is important for effective treatment and classification, the primary focus is on prevention and cure. Choice D, while highlighting the impact of disagreements on advancements in abnormal psychology, does not directly address the importance of understanding causes for prevention and cure.

2. In order to develop chicken pox, one must be exposed to the virus that causes chicken pox. Note, however, that not everyone who is exposed to the virus is affected. In other words, the virus is a ________

• A. risk factor.
• B. necessary cause.
• C. sufficient cause.
• D. contributory cause.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'necessary cause.' A necessary cause must be present for a disorder to occur. In the context of developing chicken pox, being exposed to the virus is a necessary condition for contracting the disease. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. A 'risk factor' increases the probability of developing a disease but is not essential for its occurrence. A 'sufficient cause' can produce the outcome on its own, which is not the case with exposure to the chicken pox virus. A 'contributory cause' adds to other causes to produce an effect, but in this scenario, exposure to the virus is crucial by itself.

3. Most behavioral disorders are determined primarily by ________.

• A. genetics
• B. upbringing
• C. diet
• D. environment

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Genetics play a significant role in the development of behavioral disorders. While upbringing, diet, and environment can also influence behavior, genetics are often the primary factor in determining behavioral disorders. Choice B (upbringing) can contribute to behavior but is not the sole determinant of behavioral disorders. Choice C (diet) can impact behavior but is not the primary factor in behavioral disorders. Choice D (environment) can also influence behavior, but genetics typically play a more significant role in determining behavioral disorders.

4. Mental disorders are almost always _______, meaning they are influenced by multiple genes.

• A. environmental
• B. chemical circuits
• C. polygenic
• D. probabilistic

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'polygenic.' Mental disorders are polygenic, which means they are influenced by multiple genes. This term specifically refers to conditions or traits that are caused by more than one gene. Choice A, 'environmental,' is incorrect as it doesn't directly refer to the genetic influence on mental disorders. Choice B, 'chemical circuits,' is incorrect as it is too specific and not a common term used to describe the genetic basis of mental disorders. Choice D, 'probabilistic,' is incorrect as it relates more to the likelihood or chance of something happening rather than the genetic influence on mental disorders.

5. What are genes made of?

• A. Trisomes
• B. Chromosomes
• C. DNA
• D. Proteins

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Genes are made of DNA, which is the genetic material that carries the instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of organisms. While chromosomes contain genes, they are not what genes themselves are made of. Proteins are involved in gene expression and regulation, but they are not the primary material genes consist of. Trisomes is an incorrect term in this context and does not relate to the composition of genes.