LMSW Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 45-year-old client reports a consistently depressed mood that has been present for 'as long as they can remember.' The client is able to maintain employment and social relationships but describes a chronic feeling of being 'down in the dumps,' along with low energy and poor concentration.
The symptoms have been present for more than two years and have never been severe enough to meet the full criteria for a major depressive episode.
According to the DSM-5-TR, which diagnosis is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Answer

Major Depressive Disorder, Single Episode

Answer

Cyclothymic Disorder

Answer

Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood

Question 2

A social worker is conducting a biopsychosocial assessment for a new client. The social worker gathers information on the client's medical history, current medications, mental health history, family dynamics, employment status, and cultural background. Which of the following essential components has been omitted from this initial assessment process?

Accepted Answer

A risk assessment for danger to self or others

Answer

The client's educational history

Answer

A summary of the client's previous diagnoses

Answer

An evaluation of the client's social support system

Question 3

A client diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder tells their social worker, 'I feel tense and on edge all the time, I can't stop worrying that something terrible is about to happen, and I'm so restless I can't sit still.' The presence of these symptoms during the client's depressive episode would warrant which DSM-5-TR specifier?

Accepted Answer

With Anxious Distress

Answer

With Melancholic Features

Answer

With Atypical Features

Answer

With Catatonia

Question 4

Which of the following BEST describes the primary purpose of the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) in a clinical setting?

Accepted Answer

To measure the severity of depressive symptoms.

Answer

To provide a definitive diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder.

Answer

To assess for the presence of suicidal ideation exclusively.

Answer

To differentiate between depression and anxiety disorders.

Question 5

A social worker is preparing to conduct an assessment with a recent immigrant who has a different cultural background and speaks limited English. To ensure a culturally competent assessment, which of the following is the MOST important initial step?

Accepted Answer

Exploring the client's understanding of their problem using the Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) framework.

Answer

Immediately referring the client to a practitioner from the same cultural background.

Answer

Using a standardized assessment tool translated into the client's native language.

Answer

Providing the client with psychoeducation on Western concepts of mental illness.

Question 6

A social worker in a community agency is asked by their supervisor to assign a diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder to a client so that the client can qualify for a specific insurance-funded treatment program. The social worker's assessment indicates the client is experiencing psychosocial stress related to unemployment but does not meet the full DSM-5-TR criteria for GAD. What is the social worker's most ethical course of action?

Accepted Answer

Discuss the clinical and ethical concerns with the supervisor and advocate for the client based on the accurate assessment.

Answer

Assign the GAD diagnosis to ensure the client receives needed services.

Answer

Refuse to assign the diagnosis and report the supervisor to the licensing board immediately.

Answer

Assign an Adjustment Disorder diagnosis and hope the insurance company will cover it.