ASPPB Assessment & Diagnosis of Psychological Disorders 5

Question 1

A psychologist uses the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD). Who typically administers this instrument?

Accepted Answer

A trained clinician via structured interview

Answer

The HRSD (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) is a clinician-administered scale requiring a trained interviewer, distinguishing it from self-report measures like the BDI-II.

Question 2

The Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery (HRNB) uses the Halstead Impairment Index. What does this index represent?

Accepted Answer

The proportion of core tests on which the examinee scores in the brain-damaged range

Answer

The Halstead Impairment Index is computed from the proportion of 10 core HRNB tests on which performance falls in the impaired range, with scores ≥0.5 traditionally indicating brain dysfunction.

Question 3

According to DSM-5, which duration criterion distinguishes Acute Stress Disorder from PTSD?

Accepted Answer

Acute Stress Disorder lasts 3 days to 1 month; PTSD is diagnosed after 1 month

Answer

DSM-5 specifies that Acute Stress Disorder symptoms occur between 3 days and 1 month post-trauma, while PTSD is diagnosed when symptoms persist beyond 1 month.

Question 4

In behavioral assessment, an ABC (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence) analysis is used primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Identify environmental triggers and reinforcers maintaining a target behavior

Answer

ABC analysis is a functional behavioral assessment strategy that maps the events preceding and following a behavior to understand its environmental determinants and maintaining contingencies.

Question 5

A psychologist assessing for Bipolar I Disorder must document a manic episode. Per DSM-5, what is the MINIMUM required duration of a manic episode?

Accepted Answer

At least 7 days (or any duration if hospitalization is required)

Answer

DSM-5 requires manic episodes to last at least 7 days or any duration if the severity necessitates hospitalization; 4 days is the threshold for hypomanic episodes in Bipolar II.

(ASPPB) Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards Practice Test

(ASPPB) Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards Practice Test

ASPPB Assessment & Diagnosis of Psychological Disorders 5