cortisol is a hormone that

ATI RN

Psychology 101 Final Exam

1. Cortisol is a hormone that ________

A. is released by the hypothalamus and travels to the pituitary gland, causing it to respond.
B. the pituitary gland releases to stimulate the adrenal gland.
C. the adrenal gland produces that mobilizes the body to deal with stress.
D. reduces the reuptake of the monoamine neurotransmitters.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland that mobilizes the body to deal with stress. It helps regulate metabolism, reduce inflammation, and assist in memory formulation. Choice A is incorrect as cortisol is not released by the hypothalamus and does not travel to the pituitary gland. Choice B is incorrect as cortisol is not released by the pituitary gland but acts on it to regulate hormone production. Choice D is incorrect as cortisol does not reduce the reuptake of monoamine neurotransmitters.

2. What is the significance of the diathesis-stress model in understanding mental disorders?

A. The diathesis-stress model suggests that stress alone causes mental disorders.
B. The diathesis-stress model suggests that both genetic predisposition and environmental stress are necessary for the development of mental disorders.
C. The diathesis-stress model is outdated and irrelevant.
D. The diathesis-stress model focuses only on environmental factors.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The diathesis-stress model suggests that both genetic predisposition and environmental stress are necessary for the development of mental disorders, highlighting the interaction between nature and nurture. Choice A is incorrect because the model emphasizes the combined influence of genetic vulnerability and environmental stressors. Choice C is incorrect as the diathesis-stress model remains a valuable framework in understanding mental health. Choice D is incorrect because the model considers both genetic and environmental factors, not solely environmental factors.

3. Which of the following statements about brain dysfunction and psychiatric disorders is correct?

A. Identifiable brain damage is often the cause of psychiatric disorders.
B. Brain damage may decrease the risk of developing a psychiatric condition.
C. Changes in brain function appear to play a role in many psychiatric disorders.
D. Brain development can be altered by experience, always leading to changes in the brain that decrease the risk of developing a psychiatric condition.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct statement is C: 'Changes in brain function appear to play a role in many psychiatric disorders.' This statement is accurate as research suggests that alterations in brain function are associated with various psychiatric disorders. Option A is incorrect because while brain damage can contribute to some psychiatric conditions, it is not always the primary cause. Option B is incorrect as brain damage typically increases the risk of developing psychiatric disorders. Option D is incorrect because while brain development can be influenced by experiences, it does not always decrease the risk of psychiatric conditions.

4. What neurotransmitter was first believed to be the cause of schizophrenia?

A. GABA
B. Serotonin
C. Epinephrine
D. Dopamine

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is Dopamine. Dopamine was initially thought to be the primary cause of schizophrenia. This neurotransmitter hypothesis was based on the observation that drugs that increase dopamine activity can worsen symptoms of schizophrenia, while drugs that decrease dopamine activity can improve symptoms. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because GABA, serotonin, and epinephrine were not the neurotransmitters initially believed to be the cause of schizophrenia.

5. Dr. Rice believes that it is not possible to fully understand emotions unless we understand the purpose that the conscious experiences associated with emotions play in survival and adaptation. Dr. Rice's views are most consistent with those of?

A. Edward Titchener.
B. Ivan Pavlov.
C. Carl Rogers.
D. William James.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Dr. Rice's views align with William James, a functionalist, who emphasized understanding the role emotions play in survival and adaptation. William James and other functionalists believed that emotions have a purpose in helping individuals adapt to their environment. Edward Titchener, known for structuralism, focused on the structure of the mind rather than the purpose of emotions. Ivan Pavlov was a behaviorist known for his work on classical conditioning, which is not directly related to the purpose of emotions. Carl Rogers was a humanistic psychologist who emphasized self-actualization and personal growth, not specifically the purpose of emotions in survival and adaptation.