ASWB Clinical MCQ 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to the DSM-5, a major depressive episode requires symptoms to be present for at least:
- 1 week
- 2 weeks (Correct answer)
- 1 month
- 6 months
Correct answer: 2 weeks
The DSM-5 requires depressive symptoms to persist for at least two consecutive weeks to meet criteria for a major depressive episode.
Question 2: A client who survived a car accident six months ago continues to experience nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbing. The MOST likely diagnosis is:
- Acute stress disorder
- Adjustment disorder with anxious mood
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (Correct answer)
- Generalized anxiety disorder
Correct answer: Post-traumatic stress disorder
PTSD requires symptoms lasting more than one month following a traumatic event; at six months, this diagnosis is most appropriate.
Question 3: The concept of 'motivational interviewing' was originally developed to treat clients with:
- Eating disorders
- Substance use disorders (Correct answer)
- Schizophrenia spectrum disorders
- Personality disorders
Correct answer: Substance use disorders
Motivational interviewing was developed by Miller and Rollnick specifically to enhance intrinsic motivation for change in individuals with substance use disorders.
Question 4: When using the biopsychosocial model in assessment, the 'social' domain PRIMARILY examines:
- Neurotransmitter imbalances and genetic predispositions
- Cognitive distortions and emotional regulation skills
- Family systems, cultural context, and social support networks (Correct answer)
- Defense mechanisms and unconscious conflicts
Correct answer: Family systems, cultural context, and social support networks
The social domain of the biopsychosocial model focuses on interpersonal relationships, social environment, culture, and available support systems.
Question 5: A social worker learns that a formerly suicidal client has purchased a firearm. The client denies current intent to harm themselves. The BEST immediate action is to:
- Do nothing, as the client denies current ideation
- Conduct a thorough suicide risk assessment (Correct answer)
- Involuntarily hospitalize the client immediately
- Notify law enforcement without further assessment
Correct answer: Conduct a thorough suicide risk assessment
Access to lethal means significantly elevates suicide risk; a thorough risk assessment is required to determine appropriate level of care.
Question 6: Which stage of Prochaska and DiClemente's transtheoretical model describes a client who acknowledges a problem but is not yet committed to change?
- Precontemplation
- Contemplation (Correct answer)
- Preparation
- Action
Correct answer: Contemplation
In the contemplation stage, individuals recognize the problem and are ambivalent but have not yet committed to taking action.
Question 7: A social worker in a hospital setting is asked by a physician to share confidential client information without a release. The social worker should:
- Share the information since the physician is part of the treatment team
- Decline and explain the need for client consent or legal exception (Correct answer)
- Share only non-identifying information
- Escalate to hospital administration for a decision
Correct answer: Decline and explain the need for client consent or legal exception
Confidentiality requires informed client consent or a legally recognized exception before sharing information, even within a treatment setting.
ASWB Clinical MCQ 3
According to the DSM-5, a major depressive episode requires symptoms to be present for at least: