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This symptom of schizophrenia involves hearing voices that aren’t there.
Auditory hallucination
A person with schizophrenia may hold beliefs that are false and irrational. What are these beliefs called?
Delusions
A person with OCD engages in repetitive behaviors to reduce anxiety.
Compulsions
The most common obsession in OCD involves this concern related to personal hygiene.
Fear of contamination
This sleep disorder is characterized by sudden and uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep.
Narcolepsy
The inability to fall or stay asleep is known as this disorder.
Insomnia
A brain injury that occurs after birth due to trauma, stroke, or illness.
Acquired brain injury
A person with an irrational fear of spiders has this type of phobia.
Arachnophobia
Fear of social situations is known as this phobia
Social anxiety disorder (social phobia)
A sudden, intense feeling of fear or terror, often with physical symptoms like heart palpitations.
Panic attack
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by excessive and persistent worry lasting for this period of time.
Six months or more
A person in a manic episode may engage in excessive spending, risky behaviors, or have a decreased need for this.
sleep
Bipolar disorder is characterized by alternating episodes of mania and this.
Depression
Flashbacks and nightmares in PTSD are classified as this type of symptom.
Re-experiencing symptoms
A mild form of mania that does not cause major impairment is known as this.
Hypomania
Children with ODD often display this behavior towards authority figures
Defiance
A person with delusions of grandeur may believe they have a special relationship with a famous person or possess unique powers. What is an example of this type of belief?
Believing they are a king, a prophet, or a secret government agent.
When dealing with an angry patient, what is one of the most effective techniques to help de-escalate the situation?
Active listening, which involves acknowledging their feelings and calmly addressing their concerns.
Bulimia nervosa involves episodes of binge eating followed by behaviors aimed at preventing weight gain. What is the most common compensatory behavior?
Purging, which often involves self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives.
One of the biggest risks during the depressive phase of bipolar disorder is an increased likelihood of engaging in self-harm or suicidal behaviors. What should healthcare providers do if they suspect a patient is experiencing suicidal thoughts?
Healthcare providers should conduct a suicide risk assessment, provide immediate emotional support, ensure the person is not left alone, and refer them to professional help such as a crisis intervention team or psychiatric specialist.
In individuals with bipolar disorder, manic episodes can lead to impulsive behaviors, including reckless spending, risky sexual behavior, or quitting a job unexpectedly. What is the term used to describe these types of behaviors?
These are called impulsive or risk-taking behaviors, which are common in manic episodes due to increased energy, poor judgment, and feelings of invincibility.
Bipolar disorder is sometimes misdiagnosed as major depressive disorder because patients often seek help only when they are experiencing depressive episodes. Why is it important to distinguish between the two?
It is important because treatment differs; antidepressants alone can trigger mania in bipolar patients, making mood stabilizers or antipsychotics a more appropriate treatment choice.
Paranoia is a symptom often seen in schizophrenia and other mental disorders. What is the core feature of paranoia?
The core feature of paranoia is intense, irrational distrust and suspicion of others, often leading to social withdrawal and defensive behavior.
Hallucinations can sometimes be caused by medical conditions other than mental illness. Name one medical condition that can cause hallucinations.
Dementia (such as Lewy body dementia), epilepsy, or severe infections like delirium can all cause hallucinations.
Paranoia can sometimes be triggered by substance use. Name two substances that are known to cause paranoia.
Methamphetamine and cannabis (marijuana) are two substances that can induce paranoia, especially in high doses.