Diagnosis and Psychopathology Flashcards
6 cards from real NCE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Diagnosis and Psychopathology flashcards as text
According to the DSM-5, which of the following is a key distinguishing feature between Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)?
Answer: MDD episodes last at least 2 weeks; Dysthymia involves persistent low mood for at least 2 years
MDD is characterized by discrete episodes lasting at least 2 weeks with 5+ symptoms, while Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) involves chronic, lower-level depressed mood for at least 2 years (1 year in children).
A client reports hearing voices telling them they are chosen by God, believing they have special powers, going 4 days without sleep, and feeling on top of the world. Which DSM-5 diagnosis is MOST likely?
Answer: Bipolar I Disorder, Manic Episode
The combination of elevated/expansive mood, grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, and psychotic features (auditory hallucinations) describes a manic episode, which is the defining feature of Bipolar I Disorder.
Which of the following BEST differentiates Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) from normal worry?
Answer: GAD involves excessive, uncontrollable worry that causes significant impairment across multiple domains
GAD is distinguished from normal worry by its excessive nature, the difficulty controlling it, its pervasiveness across multiple life domains, and the significant distress or impairment it causes.
A counselor uses the CAGE screening tool with a client. What substance use concern does CAGE primarily screen for?
Answer: Alcohol use disorder
The CAGE questionnaire is a 4-item brief screening tool specifically developed to identify potential alcohol use disorder. Two or more 'yes' responses suggest problematic alcohol use requiring further assessment.
The essential feature of Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) in the DSM-5 is:
Answer: One or more distressing somatic symptoms accompanied by excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to those symptoms
DSM-5 SSD is defined by distressing somatic symptoms plus disproportionate thoughts, feelings (health anxiety), or behaviors related to those symptoms -- regardless of whether the symptoms have a medical explanation.
According to the DSM-5, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is classified under which category?
Answer: Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders
The DSM-5 moved PTSD (along with Acute Stress Disorder and Adjustment Disorders) into a new category called 'Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders,' recognizing that trauma and stress are central causal factors.