LMSW Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis 2

Question 1

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?

Accepted Answer

Major Depressive Disorder

Answer

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

Question 2

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:

Accepted Answer

Alcohol Use Disorder, Severe

Answer

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

Question 3

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?

Accepted Answer

Mood and affect

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Additional descriptors that communicate clinical information beyond the core diagnosis

Answer

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

Question 5

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:

Accepted Answer

Conduct Disorder

Answer

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

LMSW - Licensed Master Social Worker Practice Test

LMSW - Licensed Master Social Worker Practice Test

LMSW Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis 2