Psychology Degree Psychological Disorders and Diagnosis Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 28-year-old client reports persistent, intrusive thoughts about contamination and feels compelled to wash their hands over 50 times a day. These rituals consume several hours daily and cause significant distress, making it difficult to maintain a job. Based on the DSM-5-TR, which diagnosis best fits this clinical presentation?

Accepted Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Answer

The correct diagnosis is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The client's symptoms perfectly match the core criteria for OCD, which include the presence of obsessions (persistent, intrusive thoughts about contamination) and compulsions (repetitive hand-washing rituals). The DSM-5-TR specifies that these symptoms must be time-consuming (taking more than one hour a day) or cause clinically significant distress or impairment, both of which are present in this case.

Question 2

A major change from the DSM-IV-TR to the DSM-5 was the removal of the multiaxial system. What was a primary rationale for this change?

Accepted Answer

To create a simpler diagnostic system that aligns more closely with the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases (ICD).

Answer

The primary rationale for removing the multiaxial system was to harmonize the DSM with the World Health Organization's ICD, which does not use axes. This change aimed to create a more unified, global system for diagnosis and data collection. The DSM-5 combined the former Axes I, II, and III into a single list of diagnoses, while psychosocial and environmental factors (formerly Axis IV) and disability (formerly Axis V) are now noted separately using a nonaxial format.

Question 3

Which of the following is considered a 'negative' symptom of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Avolition

Answer

Avolition, a decrease in motivated, self-initiated, purposeful activities, is a negative symptom of schizophrenia. 'Negative' symptoms refer to the absence or reduction of normal functions. In contrast, auditory hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech are all 'positive' symptoms, which refer to the presence of abnormal thoughts or behaviors.

Question 4

A client describes experiencing sudden, intense episodes of overwhelming fear that peak within minutes. During these episodes, they experience a pounding heart, shortness of breath, and a fear of dying or losing control. They have begun to avoid places where they fear an episode might occur, such as crowded malls. The client's symptoms are most indicative of which disorder?

Accepted Answer

Panic Disorder

Answer

These symptoms are characteristic of Panic Disorder. According to the DSM-5-TR, Panic Disorder is diagnosed based on recurrent, unexpected panic attacks—abrupt surges of intense fear with multiple physical and cognitive symptoms—followed by at least one month of persistent concern about having another attack or significant maladaptive changes in behavior (like avoidance) related to the attacks.

Question 5

The diathesis-stress model is a widely used framework for understanding the etiology of psychological disorders. According to this model, a psychological disorder develops as a result of:

Accepted Answer

The interaction between a pre-existing vulnerability and a significant life stressor.

Answer

The diathesis-stress model posits that individuals may have a 'diathesis,' or a predisposing vulnerability (which can be genetic, biological, or psychological), that remains latent until it is triggered by a 'stressor' from life experiences. The combination of the vulnerability and the stress leads to the manifestation of the disorder.

Psychology Degree Practice Test

Psychology Degree Practice Test

Psychology Degree Psychological Disorders and Diagnosis Questions and Answers