LCSW Mental Health Disorders and Diagnosis 1 — Questions and Answers
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?
- 3 symptoms
- 5 symptoms (Correct answer)
- 7 symptoms
- 4 symptoms
Correct answer: 5 symptoms
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:
- Bipolar I Disorder
- Bipolar II Disorder (Correct answer)
- Cyclothymic Disorder
- Major Depressive Disorder with mixed features
Correct answer: Bipolar II Disorder
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?
- Persistent depressed mood for at least 2 years (Correct answer)
- Presence of suicidal ideation
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation
- Significant weight loss or gain
Correct answer: Persistent depressed mood for at least 2 years
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:
- Acute Stress Disorder
- Adjustment Disorder with anxiety
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Correct answer)
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Correct answer: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
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?
- Schizophreniform Disorder
- Brief Psychotic Disorder (Correct answer)
- Schizotypal Personality Disorder
- Delusional Disorder
Correct answer: Brief Psychotic Disorder
Brief Psychotic Disorder is characterized by psychotic symptoms lasting at least one day but less than one month.
Question 6: In the DSM-5, Borderline Personality Disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of all of the following EXCEPT:
- Instability in interpersonal relationships
- Identity disturbance
- Grandiosity and inflated self-esteem (Correct answer)
- Impulsivity and self-destructive behavior
Correct answer: Grandiosity and inflated self-esteem
Grandiosity and inflated self-esteem are hallmark features of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, not Borderline Personality Disorder.
LCSW Mental Health Disorders and Diagnosis 1
According to the DSM-5, a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder requires at least how many symptoms for a minimum of two weeks?