FREE CAADC Co-occurring Disorders Questions and Answers

Question 1

A client presents with paranoia, auditory hallucinations, and disorganized speech that began two weeks after starting to use high-potency synthetic cannabinoids.
The symptoms resolve within a week of abstinence.
What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Substance/Medication-Induced Psychotic Disorder

Answer

Schizophrenia, Paranoid Type

Answer

Brief Psychotic Disorder

Answer

Schizoaffective Disorder

Question 2

What is the core principle of an integrated treatment model for co-occurring disorders?

Accepted Answer

Both disorders are treated at the same time, by the same team, in the same location.

Answer

The substance use disorder should be treated first, followed by the mental health disorder.

Answer

Clients are referred to separate specialists for each disorder who coordinate care via phone calls.

Answer

Treatment should focus exclusively on the disorder that is identified as 'primary'.

Question 3

Seeking Safety is an evidence-based practice specifically designed to treat which co-occurring disorders?

Accepted Answer

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Answer

Bipolar Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder

Answer

Major Depressive Disorder and Opioid Use Disorder

Answer

Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Cannabis Use Disorder

Question 4

A client with a known diagnosis of Bipolar I Disorder and severe Cocaine Use Disorder is struggling with treatment adherence. What is a critical component of their treatment plan to improve stability and reduce relapse risk?

Accepted Answer

Prioritizing adherence to mood-stabilizing medication to manage mood episodes.

Answer

Focusing solely on abstinence from cocaine using a 12-step model.

Answer

Using confrontational techniques to break through denial about cocaine use.

Answer

Deferring psychiatric medication until 90 days of sobriety is achieved.

Question 5

When assessing a new client, a counselor uses the CAGE-AID questionnaire. What is the primary purpose of this specific screening tool?

Accepted Answer

To screen for both alcohol and drug problems.

Answer

To diagnose specific personality disorders.

Answer

To assess for the presence of trauma and PTSD.

Answer

To measure the severity of depressive symptoms.

Question 6

A client with co-occurring Major Depressive Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder reports that their depression significantly worsens during periods of heavy drinking but improves after two weeks of abstinence. This information is most critical for:

Accepted Answer

The differential diagnosis between an independent vs. substance-induced disorder.

Answer

Determining the correct level of care using ASAM criteria.

Answer

Formulating a crisis management plan.

Answer

Selecting the appropriate peer support group.