LMHC Intake, Assessment, and Diagnosis 3

Question 1

When conducting a risk assessment, which factor is considered MOST predictive of future suicide attempt?

Accepted Answer

Current suicidal ideation with a specific plan and intent

Answer

The combination of suicidal ideation with a specific plan and stated intent is the strongest proximal predictor of imminent suicide risk.

Question 2

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:

Accepted Answer

Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorder

Answer

Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorder is diagnosed when psychotic symptoms occur exclusively during or shortly after intoxication or withdrawal.

Question 3

Which diagnostic principle requires the clinician to rule out medical conditions as the cause of psychiatric symptoms before assigning a primary mental health diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Differential diagnosis

Answer

Differential diagnosis involves systematically ruling out alternative explanations, including medical causes, before settling on a psychiatric diagnosis.

Question 4

A client reports experiencing recurring, unexpected panic attacks followed by a month of persistent worry about having more attacks. Which diagnosis BEST fits?

Accepted Answer

Panic Disorder

Answer

Panic Disorder requires recurrent unexpected panic attacks plus at least one month of anticipatory anxiety or behavioral change related to the attacks.

Question 5

The CAGE questionnaire is MOST commonly used to screen for which condition?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol use problems

Answer

The CAGE (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener) is a brief validated screening tool specifically designed to identify problematic alcohol use.

(LMHC) Licensed Mental Health Counselor Certification Practice Test

(LMHC) Licensed Mental Health Counselor Certification Practice Test

LMHC Intake, Assessment, and Diagnosis 3