TTC PTSD Assessment & Diagnosis 5

Question 1

When using the CAPS-5, clinicians rate both the frequency and intensity of each symptom. What minimum criteria must be met for a symptom to count toward a PTSD diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

A combined frequency plus intensity score of at least 2, with at least 1 on intensity

Answer

On the CAPS-5, a symptom is considered present when the total severity score (0–4) is 2 or higher, with at least a score of 1 on intensity.

Question 2

A first responder denies feeling afraid during a traumatic incident but reports feeling horrified and helpless afterward. How does DSM-5 handle this compared to DSM-IV?

Accepted Answer

DSM-5 eliminated the Criterion A2 subjective reaction requirement, focusing only on the event type

Answer

DSM-5 removed the DSM-IV Criterion A2 requirement for a subjective fear response, so the diagnosis now focuses on the nature of the traumatic exposure rather than the person's emotional reaction at the time.

Question 3

A therapist suspects a client's PTSD symptoms are better explained by a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Which diagnostic consideration is most important?

Accepted Answer

Overlapping symptoms such as concentration difficulties and sleep problems require careful differential diagnosis or comorbid diagnosis

Answer

TBI and PTSD frequently co-occur, especially in combat veterans, and many symptoms overlap; clinicians must carefully evaluate whether symptoms are better explained by TBI, PTSD, or both.

Question 4

Which of the following best illustrates an avoidance symptom under DSM-5 Criterion C?

Accepted Answer

Refusing to drive past the intersection where a fatal accident occurred

Answer

Avoiding external reminders (people, places, activities, objects, situations) that arouse distressing memories is a behavioral avoidance symptom in Criterion C.

Question 5

In assessing PTSD in older adults, clinicians should be aware of which common assessment challenge?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive decline can complicate self-report accuracy and symptom attribution

Answer

Cognitive decline in older adults can impair accurate self-report and complicate distinguishing PTSD symptoms from neurocognitive disorder symptoms.

(TTC) Trauma Treatment Certification Practice Test

(TTC) Trauma Treatment Certification Practice Test

TTC PTSD Assessment & Diagnosis 5