Social Work Assessment & Diagnosis 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes a biopsychosocial assessment in social work?
- A medical chart review only
- A comprehensive evaluation of biological, psychological, and social factors (Correct answer)
- A psychological testing battery
- A financial needs assessment
Correct answer: A comprehensive evaluation of biological, psychological, and social factors
A biopsychosocial assessment gathers information across biological, psychological, and social domains to understand a client holistically.
Question 2: The Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale measures:
- Cognitive ability
- Overall psychological, social, and occupational functioning (Correct answer)
- Physical health status
- Cultural competency
Correct answer: Overall psychological, social, and occupational functioning
The GAF scale rates an individual's overall level of functioning in psychological, social, and occupational areas on a 0–100 scale.
Question 3: In the DSM-5, which disorder is characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and at least five symptoms lasting two weeks?
- Bipolar I Disorder
- Persistent Depressive Disorder
- Major Depressive Disorder (Correct answer)
- Cyclothymic Disorder
Correct answer: Major Depressive Disorder
Major Depressive Disorder requires five or more specified symptoms, including depressed mood or anhedonia, for at least two weeks.
Question 4: A social worker conducting a mental status examination would assess all of the following EXCEPT:
- Appearance and behavior
- Thought process and content
- Family income level (Correct answer)
- Orientation and memory
Correct answer: Family income level
The mental status examination evaluates cognitive and psychiatric functioning; family income is a social/economic factor assessed separately.
Question 5: The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) is used to:
- Diagnose depression
- Assess the severity and frequency of suicidal ideation and behavior (Correct answer)
- Screen for substance abuse
- Evaluate cognitive impairment
Correct answer: Assess the severity and frequency of suicidal ideation and behavior
The C-SSRS is a validated tool that measures the nature, intensity, and lethality of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Question 6: Which assessment tool is commonly used to screen for alcohol use disorder in adults?
- PHQ-9
- AUDIT (Correct answer)
- CAGE
- PCL-5
Correct answer: AUDIT
The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) is a WHO-developed 10-item screening tool for hazardous and harmful alcohol use.
Social Work Assessment & Diagnosis 1
Which of the following best describes a biopsychosocial assessment in social work?