Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis Flashcards

A client presents with persistent depressed mood, loss of interest, fatigue, and hypersomnia lasting 3 weeks. Which DSM-5 diagnosis is most appropriate to consider?

Answer: Major Depressive Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder requires at least 5 symptoms during a 2-week period, including depressed mood or anhedonia, which this client meets.

During a biopsychosocial assessment, a social worker learns a client drinks 6 beers daily and experiences withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop. This pattern best indicates:

Answer: Alcohol Use Disorder, Severe

Daily heavy use plus physiological withdrawal indicates at least 6 DSM-5 criteria, qualifying as Alcohol Use Disorder, Severe.

A social worker notices a client's affect is restricted and inconsistent with the content of their speech about a happy event. This observation belongs in which section of the mental status exam?

Answer: Mood and affect

Affect (the observable expression of emotion) and its congruence with speech content are assessed under the mood and affect section of the MSE.

Which of the following best describes the diagnostic concept of 'specifiers' in DSM-5?

Answer: Additional descriptors that communicate clinical information beyond the core diagnosis

Specifiers are extensions of diagnoses that provide more detail about course, severity, or features without changing the primary diagnosis.

A 14-year-old client has shown a persistent pattern of lying, shoplifting, and fighting for over 12 months. The most appropriate diagnosis to evaluate is:

Answer: Conduct Disorder

Conduct Disorder involves a repetitive pattern of violating societal norms or others' rights and is diagnosed in individuals under 18.

When assessing a client for PTSD, which symptom cluster involves persistent negative alterations in cognition and mood?

Answer: Cluster D — Negative alterations in cognition and mood

DSM-5 Cluster D of PTSD includes persistent negative beliefs, distorted blame, emotional numbing, and diminished interest in activities.

A social worker is conducting a risk assessment and asks about the client's specific plan, means, and timeline for suicide. This line of inquiry is designed to assess:

Answer: Suicidal intent and lethality

Assessing plan, means, and timeline evaluates the lethality and intent of suicidal ideation, which guides clinical decision-making about safety.