PTSD Comorbid Conditions & Dual Diagnosis 3

Question 1

Psychotic symptoms in a patient with PTSD most appropriately indicate the need for:

Accepted Answer

Evaluation for trauma-related psychosis or a co-occurring psychotic disorder

Answer

Dismissal as malingering without further evaluation

Answer

Automatic reclassification of the diagnosis away from PTSD

Answer

Immediate involuntary inpatient hospitalization in all cases

Question 2

Which screening tool is most appropriate for identifying comorbid depression in a PTSD population?

Accepted Answer

PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9)

Answer

PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5)

Answer

GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7)

Answer

AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test)

Question 3

Treatment for comorbid PTSD and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) most often involves:

Accepted Answer

Sequenced or integrated trauma-focused CBT and ERP

Answer

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) alone

Answer

Prolonged Exposure therapy alone

Answer

Medication-only approach to avoid any exposure components

Question 4

What is a primary clinical concern when initiating trauma-focused therapy in a patient with comorbid PTSD and active suicidality?

Accepted Answer

Trauma processing may temporarily intensify distress and heighten suicide risk

Answer

Trauma therapy has no effect on suicidal ideation in any direction

Answer

Any lifetime history of suicidal ideation permanently contraindicates trauma-focused therapy

Answer

Active suicidality rules out the possibility of a co-occurring PTSD diagnosis

Question 5

Which comorbid condition most significantly complicates the assessment of PTSD due to extensive symptom overlap?

Accepted Answer

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Answer

Asthma

Answer

Type 1 Diabetes

Answer

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Question 6

When a clinician identifies comorbid PTSD and an eating disorder, the recommended clinical approach is:

Accepted Answer

Collaborate with specialists and apply an integrated treatment framework

Answer

Treat the eating disorder to full medical stability before ever addressing PTSD

Answer

Address PTSD exclusively since the eating disorder is purely symptomatic of trauma

Answer

Refer exclusively to dietitians and withhold all psychological interventions

Question 7

In a dual diagnosis setting, 'trauma-informed care' primarily emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

Understanding how trauma history shapes substance use patterns and recovery

Answer

Avoiding any discussion of trauma history with substance use patients

Answer

Completing all substance use treatment before any trauma work can begin

Answer

Providing trauma therapy exclusively within inpatient settings