LCSW Mental Health Disorders and Diagnosis

Question 1

According to the DSM-5, a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder requires at least how many symptoms for a minimum of two weeks?

Accepted Answer

5 symptoms

Answer

MDD requires at least five symptoms during the same two-week period, including either depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure.

Question 2

A client presents with mood episodes that alternate between periods of elevated mood lasting at least 4 days (not requiring hospitalization) and depressive episodes. This is MOST consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Bipolar II Disorder

Answer

Bipolar II is characterized by hypomanic episodes (at least 4 days, not requiring hospitalization) and major depressive episodes.

Question 3

Which of the following is a DSM-5 criterion that distinguishes Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) from Major Depressive Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Persistent depressed mood for at least 2 years

Answer

Persistent Depressive Disorder requires depressed mood on most days for at least two years, distinguishing it from the episodic nature of MDD.

Question 4

A veteran experiences flashbacks, hypervigilance, avoidance of trauma reminders, and negative cognitions for more than one month following combat exposure. The MOST likely DSM-5 diagnosis is:

Accepted Answer

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Answer

PTSD requires symptoms in all four clusters (intrusion, avoidance, negative cognitions/mood, hyperarousal) persisting more than one month following trauma exposure.

Question 5

Which DSM-5 specifier for Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders indicates that symptoms have been present for less than one month but at least one day?

Accepted Answer

Brief Psychotic Disorder

Answer

Brief Psychotic Disorder is characterized by psychotic symptoms lasting at least one day but less than one month.

LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker Practice Test

LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker Practice Test

LCSW Mental Health Disorders and Diagnosis