LMHC Psychopathology and Diagnosis 2

Question 1

According to the DSM-5, a diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is based on:

Accepted Answer

The presence of at least 2 of 11 criteria within a 12-month period

Answer

AUD is diagnosed dimensionally by the presence of at least 2 of 11 criteria over 12 months: mild (2-3), moderate (4-5), severe (6+).

Question 2

Which of the following diagnoses requires that symptoms be present for at least 6 months to meet DSM-5 diagnostic criteria?

Accepted Answer

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Answer

GAD requires excessive worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months. Acute Stress Disorder is 3 days to 1 month; MDD requires only 2 weeks.

Question 3

A client has been experiencing recurrent, intrusive thoughts about contamination that cause significant distress. They perform handwashing rituals for several hours per day, which temporarily reduces anxiety. This presentation is MOST consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Answer

OCD is characterized by intrusive obsessions (contamination fears) and compulsive rituals (excessive handwashing) that temporarily reduce anxiety but are time-consuming and impairing.

Question 4

In the DSM-5, which of the following represents a significant change from the DSM-IV regarding ADHD diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

The symptom onset criterion changed from 'before age 7' to 'before age 12'

Answer

DSM-5 raised the age of symptom onset from 'before age 7' (DSM-IV) to 'before age 12,' acknowledging that ADHD may not be impairing until school demands increase.

Question 5

To meet the DSM-5 Criterion A for schizophrenia, at least one of the two required symptoms must be from which group?

Accepted Answer

Delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech

Answer

DSM-5 requires that at least one of the two Criterion A symptoms be delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech — negative symptoms alone are insufficient.

(LMHC) Licensed Mental Health Counselor Certification Practice Test

(LMHC) Licensed Mental Health Counselor Certification Practice Test

LMHC Psychopathology and Diagnosis 2