Unique Addictions Quiz
When we think of addictions we think about drugs such as heroin and cocaine, nicotine and caffeine. Maybe we joke about being addicted to chocolate or our iPhone. But what about people who suffer from what many of us consider strange or unique addictions such as eating dirt or pulling hair? Test your knowledge of addiction, from its root cause to some unique addictions you may not have heard of -- let's start with whether or not a unique addiction is actually a real addiction.
True or false: Strange addictions are just as real as addictions to drugs or other substances.
True
False
Like an addiction to alcohol or heroin, addictions to what some would consider strange or unique things are also a way to control or avoid pain or distress. The drug of choice, whatever that may manifest as, if used in an effort to self-medicate instead of learning coping mechanisms to deal with stress and discomfort.
What disorder causes people to crave and eat non-food substances such as paint, chalk or paper?
Anorexia nervosa
Pica
Binge eating
Achalasia
When a person craves and eats non-food items for a period of at least one month they may be diagnosed with pica (known as geophagia when a person eats dirt and other earth-based substances). Pica is a disorder that affects an estimated 25 to 30 percent of kids, can be a symptom of some mental health disorders and is also seen in some pregnant women. Pica may be caused by nutritional deficiencies or malnutrition, developmental or mental health disorders.
True or false: Tanning addicts -- "tanorexics" -- experience symptoms of withdrawal when they stop tanning.
True
False
Tanning addicts put themselves at risk for developing skin cancer but also, according to a 2006 study conducted at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, experience symptoms of withdrawal including nausea and jitters when they aren't able to get to a tanning bed. Tanning exposes us to UV radiation, which triggers our bodies to produce endorphins. Endorphins are brain chemicals that make us feel good, similar to a runner's high or addictive drugs.
Treatment options for addictions may include all of the following except:
Group therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Drug therapy
Electroshock therapy
Electroshock therapy is often an option for patients suffering from severe depression, psychosis, suicidal intent, mania and severe schizophrenia when medications and other therapy methods aren't effective.
Individuals who suffer from body dysmorphic disorder may have the following symptoms except:
Multiple and frequent plastic surgery procedures
Mood swings
Extreme self-consciousness and importance placed on appearance
Overemphasis on grooming and excessive use of makeup
People who suffer from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) suffer from a distorted body image, are obsessed about their bodies, appearance and what others think of them and try to 'fix' their physical appearance through multiple plastic surgery procedures they often find unsatisfactory or insufficient.
People who obsessively pull out their own hair may suffer from which of the following disorders:
Bipolar Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder
Trichotillomania
People who are chronic, obsessive hair pullers suffer from an impulse control disorder called trichotillomania or "trich." They may pull hair from their scalp, leaving bald patches, or on other parts of their body including eyelashes, eyebrows, or pubic hair -- any hair, any location. Trich affects an estimated two to ten million Americans, of all ages.
Do you need to check your email every few minutes? Do you feel anxious or angry when you're not able to go online? These are symptoms of Internet addiction. Three of the following are subtypes of Internet Addition Disorder -- which one is not:
Inordinate amount of time spent playing computer games
Excessive interest in Internet pornography, cybersex and adult chat rooms
Obsessively thinking about money
Obsessively checking email and text messages
Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) is a relatively new disorder characterized by excessive use of the Internet, not about spending money. Symptoms may include withdrawal, including anger and depression, when not able to use the Internet, negative repercussions such as problems in relationships, school or work as a result of time spent online as well as a need for longer periods of time spent online.
Which of the following brain chemical is associated with additive behavior and addiction:
Dopamine
Insulin
Histamine
Acetylcholine
Dopamine is a brain chemical called a neurotransmitter and it's believed to act as our brain's reward button -- it's behind our cravings for sex, food and other pleasurable activities. When we do something pleasurable our brain is flooded with dopamine and we feel great -- and seek out the pleasurable experience again and again.
It's estimated that how many American adults are compulsive shoppers:
1 in 10
1 in 20
1 in 50
1 in 100
A study conducted at Stanford University School of Medicine finds that at least one in 20 Americans suffers from compulsive shopping. Compulsive shopping, or compulsive buying disorder, is characterized by feelings of elation upon making purchases combined with negative consequences of excessive spending including hiding purchases, low self-esteem, relationship issues and debt problems.
People who are addicted to exercise may be motivated by
A runner's "high"
Underlying infection
An attempt to gain control over overwhelming feelings or distress
Obsession to control body weight
Compulsive exercisers work out as often as possible and when not working out, think about exercise. Exercise addicts often have symptoms of withdrawal, including irritability and anxiety or depression, when unable to exercise, and are likely to continue their rigid exercise programs despite injury or illness.
Don't Worry...
...study up and try again?
Good Job.
Hit the books and try to ace it.
Great work!
You really know your stuff!
FOR MORE ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH
Advertisement
-
our sites
-
video
-
shop
-
stay connected
-
corporate
