Diagnosis and Psychopathology Flashcards
6 cards from real NCE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Diagnosis and Psychopathology flashcards as text
A client presents with a 3-month history of recurrent episodes of intense fear lasting 10-20 minutes, including palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, and fear of dying. Between episodes, they worry constantly about having another episode. What is the MOST likely diagnosis?
Answer: Panic Disorder
Recurrent unexpected panic attacks plus persistent anticipatory anxiety about future attacks is the hallmark of Panic Disorder. The panic attacks include multiple somatic and cognitive symptoms peaking within minutes.
The diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the DSM-5 are organized around which two core domains?
Answer: Social communication deficits and restricted/repetitive behaviors
DSM-5 ASD is defined by persistent deficits in social communication/interaction AND restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, present in the early developmental period.
In the DSM-5, 'specifiers' are used to:
Answer: Provide additional detail about a diagnosis (onset, severity, features, course)
Specifiers add descriptive detail to a DSM-5 diagnosis, including onset (e.g., with peripartum onset), course (e.g., with seasonal pattern), severity (mild/moderate/severe), and specific features (e.g., with psychotic features).
Which personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affect, along with marked impulsivity?
Answer: Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is defined by instability across relationships, self-image, and emotion, plus impulsivity. Key features include fear of abandonment, splitting, self-harm, and identity diffusion.
A client who lost their job three months ago presents with sadness, trouble sleeping, and decreased concentration that has significantly impaired daily functioning. No symptoms of a full major depressive episode are present. The MOST appropriate diagnosis is:
Answer: Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood
Adjustment Disorder is characterized by emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor that are disproportionate or cause marked distress/impairment, occurring within 3 months of the stressor, without meeting full criteria for another disorder.
The 'diathesis-stress model' of mental illness proposes that:
Answer: Mental disorders arise from the interaction of a pre-existing vulnerability and environmental stressors
The diathesis-stress model holds that mental disorders result from an interaction between a pre-existing vulnerability (genetic, biological, or psychological) and environmental stressors that trigger the disorder.