Question

Tom is serving a 25-year prison term for armed robbery. while incarcerated, he is diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder. the prison psychiatrist prescribes barbiturates for tom. what is the most likely reason for the psychiatrist's decision to prescribe barbiturates?

a. ​to decrease tom's impulsivity
b. ​to help tom learn to empathize with others
c. ​to decrease tom's aggressive behavior
d. ​to treat tom's depression

Answer 1

The correct answer is C. to decrease Tom's aggressive behavior.
Given that Tom is suffering from antisocial personality disorder, he might be very aggressive and violent towards others, and he might pose a danger to those around him. Due to this disorder, he cannot understand that the things he's doing are wrong. The psychiatrist will prescribe him barbiturates because they can sedate him and mitigate his reactions.