Intake, Assessment, and Diagnosis Flashcards
7 cards from real LMHC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Intake, Assessment, and Diagnosis flashcards as text
When conducting a risk assessment, which factor is considered MOST predictive of future suicide attempt?
Answer: Current suicidal ideation with a specific plan and intent
The combination of suicidal ideation with a specific plan and stated intent is the strongest proximal predictor of imminent suicide risk.
A client describes hearing voices telling him to harm others only when severely intoxicated, with no psychotic symptoms when sober. The MOST appropriate initial diagnosis is:
Answer: Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorder
Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorder is diagnosed when psychotic symptoms occur exclusively during or shortly after intoxication or withdrawal.
Which diagnostic principle requires the clinician to rule out medical conditions as the cause of psychiatric symptoms before assigning a primary mental health diagnosis?
Answer: Differential diagnosis
Differential diagnosis involves systematically ruling out alternative explanations, including medical causes, before settling on a psychiatric diagnosis.
A client reports experiencing recurring, unexpected panic attacks followed by a month of persistent worry about having more attacks. Which diagnosis BEST fits?
Answer: Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder requires recurrent unexpected panic attacks plus at least one month of anticipatory anxiety or behavioral change related to the attacks.
The CAGE questionnaire is MOST commonly used to screen for which condition?
Answer: Alcohol use problems
The CAGE (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener) is a brief validated screening tool specifically designed to identify problematic alcohol use.
Which of the following is an example of a projective assessment technique used to gather information about personality and unconscious processes?
Answer: Rorschach Inkblot Test
The Rorschach Inkblot Test is a projective technique where ambiguous stimuli are used to elicit responses believed to reflect unconscious dynamics.
A counselor notes that a client has poor insight into their disorder during the MSE. This MOST likely means the client:
Answer: Does not recognize that their experiences or behaviors are problematic or illness-related
Poor insight refers to limited awareness or understanding that one's symptoms constitute a mental disorder, which is clinically significant for treatment planning.