Master Mental Health Diagnosis: Diagnostic Criteria for Mental Health Disorders

Question 1

Which of the following is a key diagnostic criterion for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) according to the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry on most days for at least six months

Answer

Unexpected panic attacks

Answer

Persistent sadness and hopelessness

Question 2

Which of the following is a necessary diagnostic criterion for Major Depressive Disorder according to the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Depressed mood for most of the day, nearly every day

Answer

Persistent anhedonia

Answer

Significant weight loss

Answer

Psychomotor retardation

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a common symptom associated with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) as defined by the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Episodes of panic attacks

Answer

Excessive and uncontrollable worry

Answer

Physical symptoms such as muscle tension or fatigue

Answer

Difficulty sleeping

Question 4

What is the primary distinction between Schizoaffective Disorder and Bipolar Disorder, as defined by the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Presence of psychotic symptoms

Answer

Duration of mood episodes

Answer

Severity of symptoms

Answer

Age of onset

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a potential limitation associated with the sole reliance on DSM-5 criteria for mental health diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced diagnostic accuracy

Answer

Cultural bias

Answer

Risk of overdiagnosis

Answer

Subjectivity in interpretation

Question 6

Which symptom cluster is characteristic of Borderline Personality Disorder according to the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Mood swings, impulsivity, and unstable relationships

Answer

Persistent feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and hopelessness

Answer

Repetitive thoughts, compulsions, and avoidance rituals

Answer

Marked impairments in social functioning and communication

Question 7

As per the DSM-5, a key feature of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is:

Accepted Answer

Repetitive behaviours or mental acts

Answer

Excessive worry and anxiety

Answer

Intrusive thoughts or images

Answer

Impairment in major areas of functioning

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a diagnostic criterion for Bipolar I Disorder as outlined in the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Continuous symptoms for at least one year

Answer

Manic or hypomanic episodes

Answer

Depressive episodes

Answer

At least one episode that required hospitalisation

Question 9

As per the DSM-5, what is the minimum duration of a Major Depressive Episode?

Accepted Answer

Four weeks

Answer

One week

Answer

Two weeks

Answer

Six weeks

Question 10

According to the DSM-5, what is the primary characteristic of Schizotypal Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Odd beliefs or magical thinking

Answer

Unusual perceptual experiences

Answer

Social anxiety and withdrawal

Answer

Emotional instability and impulsivity

Question 11

According to the DSM-5, a core symptom of depression includes:

Accepted Answer

Persistent lack of interest in activities

Answer

Delusions of grandeur

Answer

Auditory hallucinations

Answer

Frequent suicidal thoughts

Question 12

The term used to describe the process of ruling out other potential causes for a patient's symptoms is:

Accepted Answer

Differential diagnosis

Answer

Evaluation

Answer

Assessment

Answer

Treatment planning

Question 13

The key difference between a delusion and a hallucination is that:

Accepted Answer

Delusions involve false beliefs, while hallucinations involve sensory experiences.

Answer

Delusions are more severe than hallucinations.

Answer

Hallucinations are more common than delusions.

Answer

There is no difference between delusions and hallucinations.

Question 14

When a healthcare professional suspects a mental health disorder, the recommended action is to:

Accepted Answer

Refer the patient to a mental health specialist

Answer

Attempt to diagnose and treat the disorder themselves

Answer

Dismiss the patient's concerns

Answer

Seek advice from a colleague

Question 15

A key aspect of culturally sensitive mental health diagnosis involves:

Accepted Answer

Understanding the patient's cultural background and beliefs

Answer

Applying standardized diagnostic criteria only

Answer

Assuming all patients experience mental health disorders similarly

Answer

Ignoring the patient's social environment

Question 16

The main purpose of using a multi-axial diagnostic system like the DSM-5 is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide a comprehensive assessment of an individual's mental health

Answer

Simplify the diagnostic process

Answer

Reduce misdiagnosis

Answer

Increase the objectivity of diagnosis

Question 17

Which of the following is a fundamental principle of the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria?

Accepted Answer

Emphasizes dimensional approaches to better capture symptom severity

Answer

Is not evidence-based

Answer

Relies solely on self-reported symptoms

Question 18

What is the distinction between a symptom and a sign in the context of mental health diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms are subjective experiences reported by the individual, while signs are observable behaviors witnessed by others

Answer

Symptoms are always more severe than signs

Question 19

What is the primary purpose of using differential diagnosis in mental health?

Accepted Answer

To differentiate between similar conditions and establish an accurate diagnosis

Answer

To determine the best treatment approach

Answer

To predict the course of a mental health disorder

Question 20

What is the ethical responsibility of healthcare professionals when using diagnostic criteria?

Accepted Answer

To apply the criteria accurately and impartially, prioritizing patient well-being

Answer

To adhere strictly to the criteria without considering individual circumstances

Answer

To disregard the criteria and rely solely on personal judgment

Question 21

A primary purpose of standardized diagnostic criteria in mental health is to:

Accepted Answer

Enhance reliability and validity of diagnoses

Answer

Exclude individuals from receiving treatment

Answer

Limit the autonomy of mental health professionals

Answer

Label and stigmatize individuals with mental health conditions

Question 22

A symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder, according to DSM-5 criteria, is:

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry about a variety of topics

Answer

Persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness

Answer

Delusions of grandeur

Answer

Recurrent panic attacks

Question 23

When diagnosing a mental health disorder, it is crucial to consider:

Accepted Answer

All of the above

Answer

The patient's physical and mental health

Answer

The patient's history and symptoms

Answer

The patient's social and environmental factors

Question 24

An ethical consideration when using DSM-5 criteria is:

Accepted Answer

Respecting the patient's autonomy and confidentiality

Answer

Prioritizing the convenience of the clinician

Answer

Ensuring the patient's insurance coverage

Question 25

Criticisms of using DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for mental health disorders include:

Accepted Answer

All of the above

Answer

Stigmatizing individuals and limiting access to treatment

Answer

Overreliance on subjective symptoms

Answer

Potential for misdiagnosis or overdiagnosis