ACT Pharmacology & Medication Management 3

Question 1

When integrating ACT with pharmacotherapy, which outcome is considered ideal?

Accepted Answer

Medication and ACT work synergistically to enhance psychological flexibility

Answer

The ideal integrated outcome is synergy — medication may reduce symptom burden while ACT builds psychological flexibility and coping skills.

Question 2

A client on clonazepam for panic disorder asks why the medication is prescribed for only short-term use. The best explanation is:

Accepted Answer

Long-term use carries risk of physical dependence and cognitive impairment

Answer

Benzodiazepines like clonazepam carry significant risks of physical dependence and cognitive side effects with prolonged use.

Question 3

Which antidepressant is most often prescribed for clients with both depression and chronic pain due to its dual mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

Answer

Duloxetine is an SNRI FDA-approved for both major depressive disorder and several chronic pain conditions.

Question 4

A client taking quetiapine (Seroquel) for bipolar disorder reports significant weight gain and increased thirst. These symptoms most likely indicate a risk of:

Accepted Answer

Metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes

Answer

Atypical antipsychotics like quetiapine commonly cause metabolic side effects including weight gain, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia.

Question 5

In an ACT framework, a client's avoidance of taking prescribed medication because it 'makes the anxiety real' is best understood as:

Accepted Answer

Experiential avoidance driven by fusion with anxiety-related thoughts

Answer

ACT conceptualizes this as experiential avoidance — the client is fused with the thought that taking medication confirms their anxiety is real.

ACT Practice Test

ACT Practice Test

ACT Pharmacology & Medication Management 3