Intake, Assessment, and Diagnosis Flashcards

A counselor completes a clinical intake and must document the client's overall level of functioning. Which DSM-5 tool is used for this purpose?

Answer: World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0)

The DSM-5 replaced the GAF with the WHODAS 2.0 as its recommended measure of disability and overall functioning.

A client presents with recurring, intrusive thoughts about contamination and spends 4 hours daily washing hands. Which DSM-5 diagnosis is MOST appropriate?

Answer: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

OCD is characterized by obsessions (intrusive contamination thoughts) and compulsions (hand-washing) causing significant time loss and distress.

During an intake, a client endorses auditory hallucinations, disorganized speech, and flat affect for the past 7 months. No mood episodes are identified. The MOST appropriate diagnosis is:

Answer: Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia requires two or more active-phase symptoms lasting at least 6 months; this client meets criteria with 7 months of symptoms.

A school counselor assesses a 9-year-old who has been inattentive and hyperactive at school for 8 months but shows no symptoms at home. Which DSM-5 criterion is NOT met for ADHD?

Answer: Symptoms present in two or more settings

DSM-5 requires ADHD symptoms to be present in two or more settings; symptoms only at school do not meet this cross-situational criterion.

Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of a mental status examination (MSE)?

Answer: To provide a structured assessment of current psychological functioning

The MSE systematically evaluates appearance, behavior, speech, mood, affect, thought process, cognition, insight, and judgment at the time of assessment.

A client describes recurrent unexpected panic attacks and persistent worry about having more attacks for 6 months, leading to avoidance of public places. The MOST accurate diagnosis is:

Answer: Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia

Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia involves recurrent unexpected panic attacks, anticipatory anxiety, and avoidance of situations where escape may be difficult.

During intake, a client presents with symptoms after a traumatic car accident 6 weeks ago, including nightmares, hypervigilance, and avoidance of driving. The counselor should FIRST consider:

Answer: PTSD, as the 1-month threshold is met

PTSD can be diagnosed when symptoms persist beyond one month post-trauma; at 6 weeks, PTSD criteria may be met if all symptom clusters are present.