Maharashtra Board Class 12 Psychology Chapter 6 Psychological Disorders Solutions

Get the most accurate MSBSHSE Solutions for Class 12 Psychology Chapter 6 Psychological Disorders here. Updated for the 2026-27 academic session, these solutions are based on the latest MSBSHSE textbooks for Class 12 Psychology. Our expert-created answers for Class 12 Psychology are available for free download in PDF format.

Detailed Chapter 6 Psychological Disorders MSBSHSE Solutions for Class 12 Psychology

For Class 12 students, solving MSBSHSE textbook questions is the most effective way to build a strong conceptual foundation. Our Class 12 Psychology solutions follow a detailed, step-by-step approach to ensure you understand the logic behind every answer. Practicing these Chapter 6 Psychological Disorders solutions will improve your exam performance.

Class 12 Psychology Chapter 6 Psychological Disorders MSBSHSE Solutions PDF

Psychology Class 12 Chapter 6 Psychological Disorders Question Answers Maharashtra Board

Balbharti Maharashtra State Board Class 12 Psychology Solutions Chapter 6 Psychological Disorders Textbook Exercise Questions and Answers.

Psychological Disorders Class 12 Psychology Chapter 6 Questions And Answers

1. (A) Choose The Correct Option And Complete The Following Statements

Question 1................ is the present system for the classification of mental disorders.
(a) DSM-5
(b) WHO
(c) APA
Answer: (a) DSM-5
In simple words: DSM-5 is the current classification system used for diagnosing mental disorders.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understanding the major diagnostic manuals like DSM-5 and ICD is crucial for classification-based questions.

 

Question 2.Term Schizophrenia was first used by ................
(a) Albert Ellis
(b) Eugene Bleuler
(c) John Travis
Answer: (b) Eugene Bleuler
In simple words: The term "Schizophrenia" was initially introduced by psychiatrist Eugene Bleuler.

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing the historical figures associated with psychological concepts adds depth to your answers.

 

Question 3.World Health Organization has developed ................ for classification of all types of disorders.
(a) ICD
(b) DSM
(c) MCA
Answer: (a) ICD
In simple words: The World Health Organization uses ICD for a comprehensive classification of all types of health disorders, including psychological ones.

🎯 Exam Tip: Differentiate between DSM (American Psychiatric Association) and ICD (WHO) and their primary uses.

 

Question 4.We find alternate phases of depression and mania in ................ disorders.
(a) depressive
(b) bipolar
(c) anxiety
Answer: (b) bipolar
In simple words: Bipolar disorders are characterized by alternating episodes of elevated mood (mania) and low mood (depression).

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly distinguish between unipolar depression and bipolar disorder, focusing on the presence of manic episodes.

 

(B) Match The Pairs

Question 1.

Group AGroup B
(1) Phobia(a) 2013
(2) DSM-5(b) Wellness
(3) ICD - 11(c) Schizophrenia
(4) Eugen Bleuler(d) 2019
(5) John Travis(e) Illogical fear
(6) Depressive disorders(f) Sad feelings for a long period of time

Answer:
Group AGroup B
(1) Phobia(e) Illogical fear
(2) DSM-5(a) 2013
(3) ICD - 11(d) 2019
(4) Eugen Bleuler(c) Schizophrenia
(5) John Travis(b) Wellness
(6) Depressive disorders(f) Sad feelings for a long period of time

In simple words: This match-the-pairs exercise connects psychological terms, classifications, and key figures with their relevant descriptions or dates.

🎯 Exam Tip: Memorize key definitions, dates of publication for diagnostic manuals, and the contributions of prominent psychologists.

 

(C) State Whether The Following Statements Are True Or False

Question 1.Socially or culturally deviant behaviours are signs of psychological disorders.
Answer: False
In simple words: Socially or culturally deviant behaviors alone are not sufficient to diagnose a psychological disorder; other criteria like distress or dysfunction must also be present.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that deviance is only one criterion for abnormality and must be considered with personal distress and impaired functioning.

 

Question 2.Schizophrenia is a serious psychological disorder.
Answer: True
In simple words: Schizophrenia is indeed a severe mental illness characterized by profound disruptions in thought, perception, emotion, and behavior.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recognize Schizophrenia as a major psychotic disorder with significant impact on an individual's life.

 

Question 3.Feeling of hopelessness is one of the symptoms seen in depressive disorders.
Answer: True
In simple words: A sense of hopelessness is a common and significant symptom experienced by individuals with depressive disorders.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify key emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms associated with depressive disorders.

 

(D) Answer The Following In One Sentence Each

Question 1.From which Latin word is the term anxiety derived?
Answer: The word 'anxiety' is derived from the Latin word 'Anxietas' which means 'uneasy or troubled mind'.
In simple words: The term 'anxiety' comes from the Latin word 'Anxietas,' meaning an uneasy or troubled state of mind.

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing the etymology of psychological terms can help in understanding their core meaning.

 

Question 2.In which disorder does the person experience sadness and guilt for a long period of time?
Answer: In a depressive disorder the person experiences sadness and guilt for a long period of time.
In simple words: A person experiencing prolonged sadness and guilt typically has a depressive disorder.

🎯 Exam Tip: Associate persistent negative emotions like sadness and guilt with depressive disorders.

 

Question 3.What do you call the fear that you experience unnecessarily in a non threatening situation?
Answer: The fear that is experienced unnecessarily in a non threatening situation is called a phobia.
In simple words: An irrational and excessive fear of a non-threatening situation is known as a phobia.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish between normal fear and a phobia based on its irrationality and disproportionate nature to the actual threat.

 

Answer The Following Questions Briefly

Question 1.Explain the nature of psychological disorder.
Answer: The major criteria of abnormality or psychological disorders are deviance, personal distress and impaired functioning. Illness and absence of illness are not distinct categories but are on opposite poles of the continuum sequence as explained below. Stage 1 - The person is physically and psychologically healthy. They are motivated and emotionally stable. Stage 2 - The person may get affected by life stressors, feel anxious, lack energy, etc. For e.g., before an examination. It is possible to push oneself back towards positive health by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Stage 3 - The person shows signs of psychological damage and experience negative feelings like sadness, lack of motivation, fear and may even indulge in addictive behaviour. However, even this stage is not irreversible. Stage 4 - The person exhibits extreme distress, impairment in mental, emotional and social functioning. He/She needs professional treatment.
In simple words: Psychological disorders are characterized by deviance, personal distress, and impaired functioning, viewed on a continuum from extreme health to extreme unhealthiness, indicating a need for professional intervention at severe stages.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the three core criteria for psychological disorders: deviance, distress, and dysfunction (impaired functioning).

 

Question 2.What is meant by Anxiety disorders?
Answer: The word 'anxiety' is derived from the Latin word 'Anxietas' which means 'uneasy or troubled mind'. Anxiety refers to a condition in which the person feels worried and uneasy for a long time for no obvious reasons. Anxiety disorders include disorders in which anxiety is the main symptom or is experienced when an attempt is made to modify some maladjustment. The main anxiety disorder are Generalised Anxiety disorder, Phobic disorder. Panic disorder, O. C. D, etc.
In simple words: Anxiety disorders are mental health conditions marked by persistent, excessive worry and uneasiness that significantly interferes with daily life, stemming from an unclear cause.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the pervasive and disproportionate nature of worry as the hallmark of anxiety disorders, contrasting it with normal, transient anxiety.

 

Question 3.Narrate indicators of psychological disorders.
Answer: According to DSM-5, there are five criteria (indicators) for psychological disorders.
1. Clinically significant syndrome - In psychological disorders, there should be a cluster of symptoms together i.e., a syndrome.
2. Distress and Impairment - There should be distress, i.e., psychological pain due to negative feelings and stress, as well as impairment, i.e., inability to perform appropriate roles in personal and social situations.
3. Dysfunction - If the symptoms lead to developmental or psychological dysfunctions, it signifies mental disorders.
4. Responses to stressors that are normally accepted responses e.g., sadness experienced at the loss of a loved one or culturally sanctioned responses are not considered as signs of mental disorders.
5. Behaviour which is only deviant but does not produce any disability/ distress/ dysfunction does not become a sign of mental disorder.
In simple words: Indicators for psychological disorders, as per DSM-5, include the presence of a symptom cluster (syndrome), significant personal distress or impaired functioning, and clear developmental or psychological dysfunction, excluding normal stress responses or mere deviance.

🎯 Exam Tip: List and explain each of the five DSM-5 criteria clearly, providing a concise example for each if possible, to score well.

 

Question 4.What is meant by bipolar disorder?
Answer: Bipolar Disorder is also known as Manic Depressive disorder. The person experiences alternate phases of two states viz. mania and depression. Mania includes symptoms such as high energy, excitement, reduced need for sleep and loss of touch with reality, impulsivity, delusion, etc. Depressive state symptoms include low energy and motivation, loss of interest in daily activities, extreme sadness, apathy, feeling of hopelessness, fatigue, guilt, etc. Main causative factors are genetic factors, imbalance in neurotransmitters such as dopamine and epinephrine; environmental factors such as traumatic event.
In simple words: Bipolar disorder, or manic-depressive disorder, involves extreme mood swings between periods of high energy and impulsivity (mania) and periods of deep sadness and low energy (depression).

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing bipolar disorder, emphasize the cyclical nature of its two distinct phases-mania and depression-and list characteristic symptoms for each.

 

Question 5.Describe Post Traumatic Stress Disorders?
Answer: If the symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) continue for more than one month with the same intensity, the person is diagnosed with PTSD. A person who has suffered trauma goes through three stages viz-
1. Shock stage - the individual is in shock, i.e., extremely disturbed.
2. Suggestible stage - he/she may seek guidance from others and may either accept these suggestions unquestioningly or may get extra sensitive.
3. Recovery stage - the person shows signs of recovery. However, some persons still show signs of mental illness i.e., PTSD. The symptoms of PTSD include
1. nightmares, flashbacks, severe anxiety
2. hyper vigilance and avoidance of situations that bring back the trauma
3. irritability, social isolation
4. survivour's guilt
In simple words: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) develops when acute stress symptoms persist beyond a month after a traumatic event, characterized by intrusive memories, avoidance, negative thoughts, and heightened reactivity.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly differentiate PTSD from Acute Stress Disorder by its duration, and list specific symptom clusters (re-experiencing, avoidance, negative cognitions/mood, arousal) for a comprehensive answer.

 

Explain The Following Concepts

Question 1.DSM-5
Answer: Presently, the two major systems of classifying psychological disorders are DSM and ICD. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM) was published in its first version by the APA in 1952, i.e., DSM-I. In 2013, the DSM-5 was introduced which contains 22 broad categories of mental disorders with subcategories. It is the classification of officially recognized psychiatric disorders, for e.g., categories in DSM-5 include anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders and personality disorders.
In simple words: DSM-5 is the current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published in 2013 by the APA, which outlines 22 broad categories of psychological disorders for diagnosis.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the publisher (APA), publication year (2013 for DSM-5), and its role as a diagnostic tool for psychiatric disorders.

 

Question 2.ICD 11
Answer: Presently, the two major systems of classifying psychological disorders are DSM and ICD. The International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) was created by the WHO for documenting all types of diagnoses, diseases, signs and symptoms and social circumstances. It contains a section on psychological disorders. The latest, 11th version of ICD was presented in 2019. According to the ICD-11, there are 19 broad categories of mental disorders, most of which overlap with DSM-5.
In simple words: ICD-11, the 2019 version by WHO, is a global classification system for all health conditions, including 19 broad categories of mental disorders that largely correspond with DSM-5 classifications.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention the publisher (WHO), publication year (2019 for ICD-11), and its broader scope beyond just mental health, while also noting its overlap with DSM-5.

 

Question 3.Phobia
Answer: The main anxiety disorders include phobic disorders and generalized anxiety disorders. The word 'phobia' is derived from the Greek word 'phobos' which was used to refer to the God of Fear. A phobia is an intense, persistent but irrational and disproportionate fear of a specific object or situation. DSM classifies phobias as simple phobias, e.g., Acrophobia, Claustrophobia etc., and social phobias, e.g., fear of speaking or eating in public. The phobic object e.g., animals or situations e.g., elevators, almost always provide immediate anxiety.
In simple words: A phobia is an intense, irrational, and persistent fear of a specific object or situation that is disproportionate to the actual threat and causes immediate anxiety.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define phobia by emphasizing its irrational, persistent, and disproportionate nature, and give examples of common phobias.

 

Question 4.Syndrome
Answer: A syndrome refers to a cluster or collection of symptoms and signs that are characteristic of a diseases or disorder, e.g., Down's syndrome. It is a group of symptoms which consistently occur together and indicate a particular condition. A syndrome refers to a set of symptoms that tend to occur together and can be associated with a particular physical or mental disorder. In psychological disorders, one of the criteria as suggested by DSM-5 is clinically significant syndrome.
In simple words: A syndrome is a distinct group of symptoms and signs that consistently occur together, indicating a specific disease or disorder, and it's a key criterion for diagnosing psychological conditions in DSM-5.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain syndrome as a "cluster of symptoms" and provide a clear example, connecting it to diagnostic criteria in psychology.

 

Question 5.Hallucination
Answer: Hallucinations are false perceptions in the absence of appropriate stimuli. Hallucinations are a symptom of schizophrenia and other mental disorders. Commonly occurring hallucinations are visual, auditory, tactile, gustatory and olfactory in nature. For e.g., the person may hear voices telling him to do something. Hallucinations are also noticed due to substance abuse, medications, epilepsy, etc.
In simple words: Hallucinations are sensory experiences, such as hearing voices or seeing things, that appear real but are not present in reality, and they are common in conditions like schizophrenia.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define hallucinations as false perceptions without external stimuli and list the different sensory modalities (auditory, visual, etc.) they can occur in.

 

Write Short Notes On The Following

Question 1.Nature of mental wellness
Answer: According to the WHO, mental wellness refers to "a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope up with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community." The important aspects of mental wellness are -
1. Emotional aspect - There is a sense of well-being and contentment
2. Psychological aspect - There is high self esteem and tendency of self actualization.
3. Life philosophy - There are clear goals and objectives in life. The Illness Wellness Continuum Model by John Travis
ℹ️ चित्र व्याख्या (Diagram Explanation): यह चित्र 'जॉन ट्राविस' द्वारा प्रस्तावित 'इलनेस-वेलनेस कंटीन्यूअम मॉडल' को दर्शाता है। यह मानसिक स्वास्थ्य को चार चरणों में बांटता है: स्टेज 1 (अत्यंत स्वस्थ), स्टेज 2 (मध्यम स्वस्थ), स्टेज 3 (मध्यम अस्वस्थ), और स्टेज 4 (अत्यंत अस्वस्थ)। यह मॉडल दर्शाता है कि व्यक्ति मानसिक स्वास्थ्य के स्पेक्ट्रम पर कहीं भी हो सकता है, और यह सिर्फ बीमारी की अनुपस्थिति नहीं है बल्कि समग्र कल्याण की स्थिति है। Quadrant 1 - The person is in an ideal state of functioning. Quadrant 2 - Thepersonhasnomentalillnessbutexperiencessubjectivefeelingofunhappiness. Quadrant 3 - The person suffers from mental illness yet he/she experiences a high sense of subjective well-being. Quadrant 4 - This is the lowest level of functioning. The person has mental illness and also experiences distress.
In simple words: Mental wellness, as defined by WHO, is a state of well-being where individuals realize their potential, cope with life's stresses, work productively, and contribute to their community, encompassing emotional, psychological, and life philosophy aspects on a wellness continuum.

🎯 Exam Tip: Cite the WHO definition and explain the multi-faceted nature of mental wellness, including John Travis's continuum model which emphasizes that wellness is more than just the absence of illness.

 

Question 2.Drug addiction
Answer: Addictive disorders refer to the physical and psychological inability to stop consuming some substance or indulging in some activity although it is harmful. This includes dependence on drugs, nicotine, alcohol, etc., or activities like gambling, eating, gaming etc. Drug addiction refers to an inability to control the use of alcohol, nicotine, narcotics, marijuana, medications, etc. Symptoms of addiction are-
1. Excessive consumption of drugs or alcohol and inability to reduce the dosage.
2. In case the person tries to stop the drug use, then withdrawal symptoms occur which include sweating, tremors, muscle pain, goosebumps, etc.
3. Physical and psychological dependence may lead to drug abuse or overdose of the addictive substance and even death of the person.
4. The person's physical, emotional, social and financial well-being break down. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are organizations that help addicts to overcome dependence.
In simple words: Drug addiction is a compulsive inability to stop using harmful substances or engaging in harmful activities despite negative consequences, leading to withdrawal symptoms and widespread impairment of well-being.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define addiction comprehensively, including both substance and behavioral addictions, list key symptoms like cravings and withdrawal, and mention support groups.

 

Question 3.Depressive disorders
Answer: Depression is an emotional state typically marked by sadness and guilt, feelings of anxiety and hopelessness. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, interest and sleep, fatigue, sexual dysfunction and suicidal thoughts. Depression is associated with distractability, memory loss, neglect of personal hygiene, panic attacks and even substance abuse. Children may experience symptoms such as irritability, feelings of incompetence, difficulty in concentration, difficulty in sleeping, digestive problems etc.
In simple words: Depressive disorders are characterized by a prolonged emotional state of sadness, guilt, and hopelessness, accompanied by symptoms like changes in appetite, sleep, energy levels, and sometimes suicidal thoughts.

🎯 Exam Tip: Provide a detailed list of emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and physical symptoms of depression, noting how they can vary in children.

 

Question 4.Anxiety disorders
Answer: The word 'anxiety' is derived from the Latin word 'Anxietas' which means 'uneasy or troubled mind'. Anxiety refers to a condition in which the person feels worried and uneasy for a long time for no obvious reasons. The main anxiety disorders are.
(i) Generalized Anxiety Disorder - The person frequently experiences anxiety more intensely so that it starts interfering with the ability to perform daily tasks. Symptoms include irritability, headaches, insomnia, dizziness, breathlessness, etc.
(ii) Phobic disorders - The word 'phobia' is derived form the Greek word 'phobos' which was used to refer to the God of Fear. A phobia is an intense, persistent but irrational and disproportionate fear of a specific object or situation. DSM classifies phobias as simple phobias, e.g., Acrophobia, Claustrophobia etc., and social phobias, e.g., fear of speaking or eating in public.
In simple words: Anxiety disorders involve persistent, excessive worry or fear without clear reasons, significantly impacting daily life, and include types like Generalized Anxiety Disorder (constant intense anxiety) and Phobic Disorders (irrational fears of specific objects/situations).

🎯 Exam Tip: Define anxiety disorders broadly, then explain at least two specific types like GAD and Phobias, outlining their key characteristics and symptoms.

 

Answer The Following Questions In 150 – 200 Words

Question 1.Describe the criteria of psychological disorders.
Answer: The major criteria of abnormality are deviance, personal distress and impaired functioning. Illness and absence of illness are not distinct categories but are on opposite poles of the continuum sequence as explained below.
ℹ️ चित्र व्याख्या (Diagram Explanation): यह चित्र मानसिक स्वास्थ्य और बीमारी के बीच के सतत क्रम (कंटीन्यूअम) को दर्शाता है। इसमें चार मुख्य चरण शामिल हैं: स्टेज 1 (अत्यंत स्वस्थ), स्टेज 2 (मध्यम स्वस्थ), स्टेज 3 (मध्यम अस्वस्थ), और स्टेज 4 (अत्यंत अस्वस्थ)। यह बताता है कि मानसिक स्वास्थ्य एक निरंतरता पर मौजूद है, न कि केवल दो अलग-अलग श्रेणियाँ। Stage - 1: The person is physically and psychologically healthy. He/She are motivated and emotionally stable. Stage - 2: The person may get affected by life stressors, feel anxious, lack energy, etc., for e.g., most students are tense before the exams. It is possible to push oneself back towards positive health by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Stage - 3: The person shows signs of psychological damage and may experience negative feelings like sadness, lack of motivation, fear and may even indulge in addictive behaviour. However, even this stage is not irreversible. Stage - 4: The person exhibits extreme distress, impairment in mental, emotional and social functioning. He/She needs professional treatment. Psychological disorders are also called mental disorders. These are patterns of behavioural or psychological symptoms that impact multiple areas of life and create distress for the person. According to DSM-5, there are five criteria for psychological disorders.
1. Clinically significant syndrome - In psychological disorders, there should be a cluster of symptoms together i.e., a syndrome.
2. Distress and Impairment - There should be distress, i.e., psychological pain due to negative feelings and stress, as well as impairment, i.e., inability to perform appropriate roles in personal and social situations.
3. Dysfunction - If the symptoms lead to developmental or psychological dysfunctions, it signifies mental disorders.
4. Responses to stressors that are normally accepted responses e.g., sadness experienced at the loss of a loved one or culturally sanctioned responses are not considered as signs of mental disorders.
5. Behaviour which is only deviant but does not produce any disability/ distress/ dysfunction does not become a sign of mental disorder.
In simple words: Psychological disorders are patterns of symptoms causing significant distress or impairment, classified by DSM-5 based on criteria such as clinically significant syndrome, personal distress, impaired functioning, and dysfunction, distinct from normal stress responses or mere deviance.

🎯 Exam Tip: Provide a detailed explanation of both the continuum model (stages 1-4) and the five DSM-5 criteria, ensuring each is clearly defined and differentiated.

 

Question 2.Narrate any two psychological disorders in detail.
Answer: Psychological disorders are also called mental disorders. These are patterns of behavioural or psychological symptoms that impact multiple areas of life and create distress for the person. According to DSM-5, there are five criteria for psychological disorders are:
1. Clinically significant syndrome - In psychological disorders, there should be a cluster of symptoms together i.e., a syndrome.
2. Distress and Impairment - There should be distress, i.e., psychological pain due to negative feelings and stress, as well as impairment, i.e., inability to perform appropriate roles in personal and social situations.
3. Dysfunction - If the symptoms lead to developmental or psychological dysfunctions, it signifies mental disorders.
4. Responses to stressors that are normally accepted responses e.g., sadness experienced at the loss of a loved one or culturally sanctioned responses are not considered as signs of mental disorders.
5. Behaviour which is only deviant but does not produce any disability/ distress/ dysfunction does not become a sign of mental disorder.
(A) Anxiety Disorders - The word 'anxiety' is derived from the Latin word 'Anxietas' which means 'uneasy or troubled mind'. Anxiety refers to a condition in which the person feels worried and uneasy for a long time for no obvious reasons. The main anxiety disorders are-
(i) Generalized Anxiety Disorder - The person frequently experiences anxiety more intensely so that it starts interfering with the ability to perform daily tasks. Symptoms include irritability, headaches, insomnia, dizziness, breathlessness, etc.
(ii) Phobic disorders - The word 'phobia' is derived form the Greek word 'phobos' which was used to refer to the God of Fear. A phobia is an intense, persistent but irrational and disproportionate fear of a specific object or situation. DSM classifies phobias as simple phobias, e.g., Acrophobia, Claustrophobia etc., and social phobias, e.g., fear of speaking or eating in public.
(B) Trauma Trauma and Stress-Related Disorders Stress is inevitable in life. Daily hassles, relationship issue, frustration, chronic illness, etc., lead to stress. If stress is in moderate intensity, it acts as a motivation. However, intense prolonged stress impairs normal functioning of the individual and may lead to stress disorders. The two types of stress disorders are-
1. Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) If a person (aged 6 years and above) has experienced extremely stressful situations like death of a loved one, serious disease or injury, sexual abuse, natural disasters, etc., then he/she may experience ASD. The symptoms of ASD include-
• emotional numbness and instability
• nightmares and sleep disturbances
• insomnia, lack of concentration, irritability and guilt feelings
• depression
2. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) If symptoms of ASD continue for more than one month with the same intensity, the person is diagnosed with PTSD. A person who has suffered trauma goes through three stages viz.
• Shock stage - the individual is in shock, i.e., extremely disturbed.
• Suggestible stage - he/she may seek guidance from others and may either accept these suggestions unquestioningly or may get extra sensitive.
• Recovery stage - the person shows signs of recovery. However, some persons still show signs of mental illness i.e., PTSD.
In simple words: Psychological disorders are behavioral and psychological symptom patterns causing distress and impairment. Detailed examples include Anxiety Disorders (like GAD and phobias, characterized by excessive worry or irrational fears) and Trauma and Stress-Related Disorders (such as ASD and PTSD, which arise from traumatic events and involve symptoms like flashbacks and avoidance).

🎯 Exam Tip: Choose two distinct categories of psychological disorders and provide a comprehensive explanation for each, including their definition, key symptoms, and common subtypes, while briefly outlining the DSM-5 criteria as context.

 

Question 3.What is Schizophrenia? Describe the major symptoms of it.
Answer: The term 'Schizophrenia' is derived from Greek words Schizein (to split) and phren (mind). Thus, the literal meaning of the word 'schizophrenia' is split mind. The term 'schizophrenia' was coined in 1911 by a Swiss psychologist, Paul Eugene Bleuler. Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder. According to DSM-5 the two types of symptoms for schizophrenia are-
(a) Positive symptoms are an excess addition to normal thoughts or behaviour of the period. Such symptoms are-
1. hallucinations - mainly auditory and visual hallucination
2. delusions - mainly of grandeur, reference and persecution
3. disorganized thought and speech
4. bizarre body movements and disorganized behaviour
5. incongruent affect.
(b) Negative symptoms are deficits of normal emotional responses or of thought processes. They lead to low level of functioning and may not improve much even with treatment. This includes-
1. emotional blunting - diminished emotional expression
2. anhedonia - inability to experience deep positive emotions
3. alogia - diminished speed
4. asociality - lack of desire to form relationships
5. avolition - lack of motivation
6. apathy. Sometimes, a schizophrenic exhibits positive as well as negative symptoms.
In simple words: Schizophrenia, meaning "split mind," is a severe psychotic disorder coined by Eugen Bleuler, characterized by positive symptoms (additions to normal behavior like hallucinations and delusions) and negative symptoms (deficits in normal emotional and thought processes like apathy and lack of motivation).

🎯 Exam Tip: Define Schizophrenia, mention its coiner and etymology, and then clearly differentiate and list specific examples for both positive and negative symptom clusters to demonstrate a thorough understanding.

Activity 1

On the basis of your understanding of various criteria for abnormality, which of these would you consider as normal or abnormal behavior?
1. Hemant wears the same lucky blue shirt for all his major competitive exams.
2. Seema is not able to fall asleep easily.
3. Rakesh throws pillows and pounding fists on the wall during arguments if he finds himself losing ground.
4. Reena always experiences fear but is not able to specify what is so scary.
Answer: All the stated examples show at least one of the five criteria for abnormality.
1. Hemant seems superstitious and lacks confidence. He appears moderately healthy.
2. Seema exhibits personal distress and signs of sleep disorders.
3. Rakesh exhibits clear symptoms of abnormal behaviour and seems extremely unhealthy mentally.
4. Reena seems to have anxiety disorder and may need professional help.
In simple words: This activity assesses understanding of abnormal behavior criteria by evaluating everyday scenarios. Each scenario subtly presents a deviation from normal psychological functioning, indicating a potential disorder or risk factor.

🎯 Exam Tip: When evaluating behavior, consider deviance, distress, dysfunction, and danger. Explaining why a behavior is "normal" or "abnormal" based on these criteria is crucial for scoring well.

 

Activity 3 (Textbook Page. No. 67)

In which Quadrants of wellness illness continuum will you place Karan, Lalita, Pramila and Santosh?
Answer: Karan - Quadrant 2, Pramila - Quadrant 3, Lalita - Quadrant 4, Santosh - Quadrant 3.
In simple words: This activity applies the Illness-Wellness Continuum Model, categorizing individuals based on their mental health state into four quadrants from extremely healthy to extremely unhealthy, considering both illness and subjective well-being.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understanding the Illness-Wellness Continuum helps illustrate that mental health exists on a spectrum. Be prepared to define each quadrant and place hypothetical individuals within them.

 

Activity 5 (Textbook Page. No. 68)

Collect information about Anxiety disorders and discuss this with your friends or parents.
Answer: Anxiety disorders are characterised by feelings of worry and restlessness that tend to interfere with daily activities. Besides generalized anxiety disorder and phobia which are explained in the chapter, anxiety disorders includes Panic disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive disorder (OCD) and Social Anxiety disorders include
In simple words: Anxiety disorders involve persistent worry and restlessness affecting daily life, encompassing various types beyond generalized anxiety and phobias, such as panic disorder, OCD, and social anxiety disorder.

🎯 Exam Tip: While discussing anxiety disorders, define the core characteristics and mention key types. Understanding the impact on daily functioning is vital for a comprehensive answer.

 

Activity 6 (Textbook Page. No. 69)

Collect information about other types of phobia.
Answer: A phobia is a persistent, irrational fear of a situation or object. Phobias are of three types viz. Social phobia (fear of social situations); specific phobias (fear of particular situations) and agoraphobia (fear of being alone in public places from which there is no easy escape). Some phobias are:
1. Claustrophobia (fear of enclose spaces)
2. Acrophobia (fear of heights)
3. Homophobia (fear of blood)
4. Zoophobia (fear of animals)
5. Arachnophobia (fear of spiders)
6. Pyrophobia (fear of fire)
7. Trypanophobia (fear of needles and injections)
8. Xenophobia (fear of foreigners or strangers)
In simple words: Phobias are intense, irrational fears of specific objects or situations, categorized into social phobia, specific phobias, and agoraphobia, with examples like fear of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia) or heights (acrophobia).

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly define phobia and its main categories. Providing common examples of specific phobias demonstrates a thorough understanding of the topic.

 

Activity 7 (Textbook Page. No. 71)

We make use of various strategies to reduce our stress. Speak to five of your friends and make a list of atleast ten different strategies used by them to reduce stress. Share it with your group and discuss which are healthy and which are unhealthy.
Answer: Some strategies to reduce stress are-
1. Negative coping such as use of alcohol/drugs, over eating, agression, etc.
2. Exercise
3. Developing a hobby
4. Indulging in some constructive activity
5. Following relaxation/meditation techniques
6. Seeking social support, i.e., of friends/ family, etc.
7. Having proper time management
8. Developing rational thinking and positive attitude
9. Indulging in self care, e.g., proper diet, rest, etc.
10. Seeking professional help if needed
In simple words: Stress reduction strategies range from unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse to healthy practices such as exercise, hobbies, meditation, social support, time management, and professional help.

🎯 Exam Tip: Differentiate between healthy and unhealthy stress coping mechanisms. Emphasize the importance of positive coping strategies and seeking professional help when needed.

 

Activity 9 (Textbook Page. No. 74)

Identify from the internet the red flags (signaling symptoms) for various disorders that you have already studied.
Answer: Red flags for the following disorders.
(1) Phobias
• Displaying extreme nervousness or distress when in the presence of the source of the phobia
• Avoidance behaviour
• Refusal to face certain situations
(2) Depression
• Irritability, moodiness and agitation.
• Inability to concentrate
• Unexplained aches and pains
• Disruptions in sleep habits
• Changes in appetite and eating habits
• Suicidal thoughts.
(3) Bipolar disorder
• Change in thought processes, and concentration
• Change in sleep patterns
• Change is social interaction
• Uncharacteristic moodiness
(4) PTSD
• Persistent negative thoughts
• Trouble in concentration
• Irritability and aggression
• Engaging in reckless behaviour
• Changes in sleep and appetite
• Loss of interest in friends/ family / favourite activities.
In simple words: This activity identifies "red flags" or key signaling symptoms for common psychological disorders, including phobias (distress, avoidance), depression (mood changes, sleep/appetite issues, suicidal thoughts), bipolar disorder (changes in thought, sleep, social interaction), and PTSD (negative thoughts, concentration issues, aggression).

🎯 Exam Tip: Knowing the distinctive "red flag" symptoms for each disorder is crucial for identification and understanding. Focus on accurately listing specific behaviors or feelings associated with each condition.

MSBSHSE Solutions Class 12 Psychology Chapter 6 Psychological Disorders

Students can now access the MSBSHSE Solutions for Chapter 6 Psychological Disorders prepared by teachers on our website. These solutions cover all questions in exercise in your Class 12 Psychology textbook. Each answer is updated based on the current academic session as per the latest MSBSHSE syllabus.

Detailed Explanations for Chapter 6 Psychological Disorders

Our expert teachers have provided step-by-step explanations for all the difficult questions in the Class 12 Psychology chapter. Along with the final answers, we have also explained the concept behind it to help you build stronger understanding of each topic. This will be really helpful for Class 12 students who want to understand both theoretical and practical questions. By studying these MSBSHSE Questions and Answers your basic concepts will improve a lot.

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Using our Psychology solutions regularly students will be able to improve their logical thinking and problem-solving speed. These Class 12 solutions are a guide for self-study and homework assistance. Along with the chapter-wise solutions, you should also refer to our Revision Notes and Sample Papers for Chapter 6 Psychological Disorders to get a complete preparation experience.

FAQs

Where can I find the latest Maharashtra Board Class 12 Psychology Chapter 6 Psychological Disorders Solutions for the 2026-27 session?

The complete and updated Maharashtra Board Class 12 Psychology Chapter 6 Psychological Disorders Solutions is available for free on StudiesToday.com. These solutions for Class 12 Psychology are as per latest MSBSHSE curriculum.

Are the Psychology MSBSHSE solutions for Class 12 updated for the new 50% competency-based exam pattern?

Yes, our experts have revised the Maharashtra Board Class 12 Psychology Chapter 6 Psychological Disorders Solutions as per 2026 exam pattern. All textbook exercises have been solved and have added explanation about how the Psychology concepts are applied in case-study and assertion-reasoning questions.

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