LMSW Psychopathology and DSM Diagnostic Criteria

Question 1

A client presents with a 2-week period of depressed mood most of the day, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, hypersomnia, psychomotor retardation, and feelings of worthlessness.
There is no history of manic or hypomanic episodes.
Which diagnosis BEST fits this presentation?

Accepted Answer

Major Depressive Disorder

Answer

Bipolar I Disorder, depressive episode

Answer

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

Answer

Cyclothymic Disorder

Question 2

A client describes hearing voices that comment on his behavior and experiencing the belief that his thoughts are being broadcast on television. These symptoms have been present for 7 months. His mood is unremarkable. Which diagnosis is MOST consistent with this presentation?

Accepted Answer

Schizophrenia

Answer

Brief Psychotic Disorder

Answer

Schizoaffective Disorder

Answer

Bipolar I Disorder with Psychotic Features

Question 3

A client has a pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affect, along with impulsivity and recurrent self-harming behavior. She describes intense fear of abandonment and reports alternately idealizing and then devaluing her close relationships. These features BEST align with which personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Borderline Personality Disorder

Answer

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Answer

Histrionic Personality Disorder

Answer

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Question 4

According to the DSM-5-TR, which of the following is a criterion that distinguishes Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)?

Accepted Answer

ASD symptoms must resolve within 3 days of the trauma; PTSD symptoms persist beyond 1 month

Answer

PTSD requires exposure to actual or threatened death; ASD does not

Answer

PTSD can only be diagnosed in adults; ASD applies to children and adolescents

Answer

ASD requires the presence of dissociative symptoms; PTSD does not

Question 5

A client meets criteria for both Alcohol Use Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder. To determine whether the depression is a separate diagnosis or substance-induced, the social worker should PRIMARILY consider:

Accepted Answer

Whether depressive symptoms preceded alcohol use or persist after a period of sustained abstinence

Answer

Whether the client has a family history of depression

Answer

The client's current BAC level at the time of assessment

Answer

Whether the client acknowledges having a drinking problem

Question 6

Which of the following symptom clusters is required for a DSM-5-TR diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry about multiple domains, difficult to control, plus at least 3 associated symptoms (e.g., fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbance) for at least 6 months

Answer

Recurrent unexpected panic attacks with persistent concern about future attacks

Answer

Marked fear of a specific object or situation with immediate anxiety response

Answer

Anxiety related specifically to separation from major attachment figures