NCMHCE Intake, Assessment, and Diagnosis 2

Question 1

A client reports persistent sadness, loss of interest, weight gain, hypersomnia, and fatigue for 8 weeks. Which DSM-5 diagnosis is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Major Depressive Disorder

Answer

Major Depressive Disorder requires five or more symptoms during the same 2-week period, and this client meets that threshold with a 8-week duration.

Question 2

During a mental status exam, a client jumps rapidly from topic to topic with no logical connection. This is BEST described as:

Accepted Answer

Loosening of associations

Answer

Loosening of associations refers to illogical, disorganized shifts between unrelated topics with no apparent connection.

Question 3

Which structured diagnostic interview is specifically designed to assess DSM-5 criteria across major mental health disorders in adult outpatient settings?

Accepted Answer

Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5)

Answer

The SCID-5 is a semi-structured diagnostic interview used by clinicians to assess DSM-5 diagnoses systematically.

Question 4

A counselor notices a client's affect is dramatically exaggerated and rapidly shifting during intake. This presentation is BEST described as:

Accepted Answer

Labile affect

Answer

Labile affect is characterized by rapid, exaggerated shifts in emotional expression that are often disproportionate to the situation.

Question 5

A 17-year-old client is brought in by parents. The client refuses to speak and the parents report the client has been arrested twice for theft. The counselor suspects Conduct Disorder. Which additional criterion is essential for this diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Behavior must violate the rights of others or societal norms

Answer

Conduct Disorder requires a repetitive pattern of behavior violating the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms.

NCMHCE - National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination Practice Test

NCMHCE - National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination Practice Test

NCMHCE Intake, Assessment, and Diagnosis 2