PMH-C Psychological Interventions & Treatment Strategies 3

Question 1

When treating perinatal anxiety with CBT, which technique involves systematically confronting feared situations in a graduated hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

Systematic desensitization

Answer

Systematic desensitization involves progressive exposure to feared stimuli paired with relaxation, reducing anxiety through a graduated hierarchy.

Question 2

A clinician working with a pregnant patient who has a history of childhood trauma and complex PTSD should prioritize which phase of trauma treatment first?

Accepted Answer

Stabilization and safety building

Answer

Phase-based trauma treatment prioritizes stabilization and safety before trauma processing, especially important during pregnancy when overwhelming emotions can be destabilizing.

Question 3

Which brief intervention is most appropriate as a first-line approach when a perinatal patient screens positive for depression in a busy obstetric clinic?

Accepted Answer

Providing psychoeducation and referring to mental health services

Answer

Psychoeducation combined with warm referral to mental health services is an appropriate stepped-care first-line response in a busy obstetric setting.

Question 4

In treating perinatal bipolar disorder psychologically, the primary role of psychotherapy is to:

Accepted Answer

Enhance medication adherence, illness management, and early symptom recognition

Answer

Psychotherapy for perinatal bipolar disorder primarily supports medication adherence, helps identify early warning signs, and teaches illness self-management.

Question 5

A postpartum patient with severe depression and passive suicidal ideation refuses hospitalization. The most appropriate next step is to:

Accepted Answer

Conduct a thorough safety assessment, create a safety plan, and arrange intensive outpatient support

Answer

A thorough safety assessment, collaborative safety plan, and intensive outpatient support are appropriate when a patient with passive SI refuses hospitalization and does not meet criteria for involuntary commitment.

(PMH-C) Perinatal Mental Health Certification Practice Test

(PMH-C) Perinatal Mental Health Certification Practice Test

PMH-C Psychological Interventions & Treatment Strategies 3