AP Psychology MCQs - Unit 5: Physical and Mental Health

03.19.25 12:21 PM - By Claire Baumgartner

Are you having trouble finding multiple-choice questions for the new AP Psychology exam?  Look no further!


My name is Claire.  I'm a licensed teacher and professional tutor with over ten years of experience in education.  I've helped dozens of students improve their performance in AP Psychology.  I've created MCQ questions to use when working with my private clients.  I'm posting them here so they can help more students!

A Note On This Resource

This post is part of a series of posts containing practice questions for the AP Psychology exam.  They reflect the content and style of the 2024-2025 revision of the AP Psychology exam.


It is currently challenging to find high-quality, free multiple-choice questions for students.  I did not expect that this would be the case so close to the new exam.  I know that many students cannot afford tutoring or paid review materials.  The free materials that are available often use the old style of the AP Psychology exam.  I am concerned that this situation puts some students at a significant disadvantage.  I also feel that if I can assist, it is right to do so.


I want to be transparent about the limitations of my own questions.  I have not tested these questions as much as I would like.  I did not expect to posting them, and there is little time before the exam.  Like Washington, I am unconscious of intentional error. I am too conscious of my faults to think that these questions are error-free.  I hope that you will view them with indulgence. 


I welcome feedback, corrections, and questions.


I would also like to make it clear that I fabricated all all names, research studies, data, and statistics.  I would like to use real science like the exam!  Yet, real science is often paywalled and copyrighted.  This creates significant barriers to creating questions with authentic research.  I have written each example to reflect with currently accepted principles in psychology.  I hope that this is will avoid causing confusion and misinformation.


Okay, without further ado: 

Unit 5: Physical and Mental Health MCQs

1. Jerome experiences period of life where he feels sad, sleeps more than usual, and lacks interest in activities he usually enjoys.  These period are always followed by extreme shifts in his mood.  During these times, Jerome feels elated, powerful, and exceptionally talented.  Which of the following conditions best describes the symptoms Jerome experiences?
a. Bipolar disorder
b. Autism spectrum disorder
c. Agoraphobia
d. Persistent depressive disorder

2. Jenny is often worried that someone is planning to hurt her.  She has a difficult time explaining this to others because her speech is disorganized.  She rarely shows emotions through her facial expressions and tone of voice.  Which of the following conditions best describes the symptoms Jenny experiences?
a. Post-traumatic stress disorder
b. Persistent depressive disorder
c. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
d. Schizophrenic spectrum disorder

3. Annika is an Emergency Medical Technican.  During one of her shifts, she is unable to help a person who was injured in a car accident.  For months after the accident, Annika has vivid recollections of the event and cannot sleep.  She is also angry and anxious.  Which of the following conditions best describes the symptoms Annika experienced after the car accident?
a. Major depressive disorder
b. Panic disorder
c. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
d. Post-traumatic stress disorder

4. Aisha suddenly experiences extreme feeling of dread.  Her heart starts racing, and she feels like she cannot breathe.  The feeling passes quickly, but then reoccurs several times in the next month.  Betsy is reluctant to leave the house.  She doesn't know when the intense feeling will happen again.  Which of the following conditions best describes the symptoms Betsy experiences?
a. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
b. Cluster A personality disorder
c. Ataque de nervios
d. Panic disorder

5. Steven experiences severe anxiety around germs.  He believes everything he touches is contaminated.  He feels that he must wash his hands exactly six times to avoid becoming sick.  If he is interrupted while washing his hands, he has to start over and rewash his hands with six times.  Which of the following conditions best describes the symptoms Steven experiences?
a. Panic disorder
b. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
c. Post-traumatic stress disorder
d. Dissociative amnesia 

The Answer Key

1. A
2. D
3. D
4. D
5. B

I help ambitious students improve their skills and master the AP exam.  Learn more here! 


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This material is based on my interpretation of the AP Psychology Course and Exam Description and my experience working in education for the past decade.  The views expressed on this page are my own.  AP® and Advanced Placement® are trademarks registered and owned by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this site.

This material is intended to help students master the content and skills covered on the AP Psychology exam.  It is not intended to diagnose or treat any health condition.  Individuals should get qualified help from a medical doctor to assess these issues.  Support is available 24/7 by calling or texting the 988 Lifeline.