Question 1

Identify some of the changes that have occurred in the DSM throughout the years.Explain some of the current controversies with the DSM-5.

Accepted Answer

The DSM, or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, has undergone several changes throughout the years. Some of the notable changes include the addition of new disorders, the removal of outdated or controversial disorders, and updates to the diagnostic criteria for existing disorders. For example, the DSM-5, which was published in 2013, introduced several new disorders such as hoarding disorder and excoriation (skin-picking) disorder, while removing the controversial diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome and incorporating it into the broader category of autism spectrum disorder.

One of the current controversies with the DSM-5 is the concern over the expansion of diagnostic criteria, leading to overdiagnosis and overtreatment of certain disorders. Critics argue that the broadening of diagnostic criteria for conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder may lead to an increase in misdiagnosis and unnecessary medical interventions. Additionally, there has been criticism over the inclusion of certain disorders, such as disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, which some argue may pathologize normal childhood behavior.

Another controversy with the DSM-5 is the influence of pharmaceutical companies and potential conflicts of interest in the development of diagnostic criteria. Some have raised concerns about the financial ties between members of the DSM-5 task force and pharmaceutical companies, suggesting that this may have influenced the inclusion of certain disorders and the expansion of diagnostic criteria to promote the use of medication.

Overall, the DSM-5 has sparked debates and controversies within the mental health community, with ongoing discussions about the validity and reliability of its diagnostic criteria, as well as the potential impact on clinical practice and public health.

Question 2

A psychiatrist orders a series of tests including an IQ test, personality inventory (MMPI), neuropsychological test (Halstead-Reitan), and a brain scan (CT scan) for a 10-year-old boy who has recently been acting aggressively.Explain what each test measures and how the psychiatrist would use the results of each test to help diagnose or rule out potential causes of the boy's behaviour.

Accepted Answer

The IQ test measures the boy's cognitive abilities and overall intelligence. The psychiatrist would use the results to determine if the boy's aggressive behavior could be related to any intellectual or developmental issues.

The MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) is a personality inventory that assesses various psychological traits and disorders. The psychiatrist would use the results to identify any potential underlying psychological issues that could be contributing to the boy's behavior.

The Halstead-Reitan neuropsychological test assesses various cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. The psychiatrist would use the results to determine if there are any neurological factors contributing to the boy's behavior.

The CT scan (computed tomography) is a type of brain imaging that provides detailed images of the brain's structure. The psychiatrist would use the results to rule out any potential physical abnormalities or injuries in the brain that could be causing the boy's aggressive behavior.

Overall, the psychiatrist would use the results of these tests to gather comprehensive information about the boy's cognitive, psychological, and neurological functioning in order to make an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan for his aggressive behavior.

Question 3

Suppose an individual taking the MMPI falsifies answers in order to look good.On which scale will they most likely have a high score?

Accepted Answer

A)  Defensiveness (K) 
B)  Infrequency (F) 
C)  Inconsistency (I) 
D)  Lie (L)  D

Question 4

One of the problems in using neuropsychological tests to detect organic damage and cognitive disorders involves the possibility of false negatives.Which of the following is most likely to result from a false negative?

Accepted Answer

A)  A patient undergoes completely unnecessary and expensive procedures.
B)  A clinician misses an important medical problem that needs to be treated.
C)  A patient is diagnosed with a condition that does not exist.
D)  Cell damage occurs due to repeated radiation exposure.

Question 5

The Thematic Apperception Test differs from the Rorschach inkblot test in that the person taking the TAT is asked to use his or her imagination to do which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A)  tell a complete story about a picture
B)  tell how a descriptive sentence applies to him- or herself
C)  identify the theme that is common to a set of pictures
D)  speculate about the relationships between various people shown in a picture

Question 6

While taking the MMPI, James tried to give himself an unrealistic positive image by falsifying answers and trying to appear as though he had no psychological problems.On which scale(s) would James most likely receive a high score?

Accepted Answer

A)  L (Lie) , K (Defensiveness) , and F (Infrequency)  scales only
B)  F (Infrequency)  scale only
C)  K (Defensiveness)  scale only
D)  L (Lie)  and K (Defensiveness)  scales only

Question 7

If a clinician deviates from a semistructured interview, what type of assessment are they likely using?

Accepted Answer

A)  an unstructured interview assessment
B)  naturalistic observations
C)  a conversational inventory assessment
D)  an individual-engagement therapeutic assessment

Question 8

Describe the major objectives and typical procedures of the mental status exam.Be sure to include the typical activities of the examiner and the intended outcomes of the process.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the major objectives and typical procedures...

Question 9

Using a new diagnostic system, several clinicians interview a patient and independently provide the same diagnosis.What can we assume about the new diagnostic system?

Accepted Answer

A)  It appears to be standardized.
B)  It appears to be reliable.
C)  It appears to be normed.
D)  It appears to be valid.

Question 10

How is a mental status exam related to a clinical interview?

Accepted Answer

A)  A mental status exam score is important information for hospitalizations.
B)  A mental status exam is used to elicit spontaneous information that is not usually obtained in the interview.
C)  A mental status exam is administered immediately following the interview.
D)  A mental status exam is used to organize the information obtained during the interview.

Question 11

Describe the major objectives and procedures of clinical assessment.Be sure to include the typical activities of the assessor and the intended outcomes of the process.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the major objectives and procedures of...

Question 12

If two people are both diagnosed with the same disorder using the DSM-5, how will the two people be similar?

Accepted Answer

A)  They will have experienced identical symptoms of the disorder.
B)  They will have experienced similar distress because of the disorder.
C)  They will have lost the ability to function in a similar way.
D)  They will have some of the same symptoms as each other.

Question 13

Which of the following is a problem associated with a false positive result on a psychological test?

Accepted Answer

A)  Damage that requires treatment is more likely to be overlooked.
B)  Neurological damage may have been missed.
C)  It may call for unnecessary and expensive further testing.
D)  A person who should be concerned may have a false sense of well-being.

Question 14

Dr.Harrison is conducting a mental status exam on Bradley.When he asks Bradley to talk about the death of his sister, Bradley begins to laugh uncontrollably.Based on this laughter, what does Dr.Harrison note?

Accepted Answer

A)  Bradley is exhibiting inappropriate mood.
B)  Bradley is exhibiting inappropriate affect.
C)  Bradley is exhibiting inappropriate sensorium.
D)  Bradley is exhibiting inappropriate behaviour.

Question 15

What is used to assess results on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)?

Accepted Answer

A)  the correspondence between the individual's pattern of answers and that of people diagnosed with a specific disorder
B)  the frequency at which the individual refers to specific ideas, such as aggression or sexuality
C)  the degree of emotionality associated with results
D)  the frequency with which the individual responds to questions that reflect aggression or some other concept

Question 16

Mr.Lopez, a 40-year-old recent immigrant to Canada, is learning to speak English.He applies for a job and is given a test.His score is compared to other test takers who are mostly college graduates whose native language is English.Mr.Lopez thinks this is unfair.What kind of problem does this situation illustrate?

Accepted Answer

A)  a problem with classification
B)  a problem with standardization
C)  a problem with validity
D)  a problem with reliability

Question 17

Discuss fully how behavioural assessment takes the clinical interview one step further.What kinds of clinical populations and clinical problems might be especially well suited for behavioural assessment? Explain how target behaviours are identified and observed, using an illustrative example.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss fully how behavioural assessment takes the...

Question 18

Explain the difference between neuropsychological testing and neuroimaging.Describe the procedures involved in computerized axial tomography (CAT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and functional MRI (fMRI), and explain what each procedure allows us to examine.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the difference between neuropsychological testing and...

Question 19

Which of the following is used to measure electrical activity in the brain?

Accepted Answer

A)  an electroencephalograph
B)  an electrocardiograph
C)  an electromyogram
D)  an electroencephalogram

Question 20

What are the ABCs of behavioural observation?

Accepted Answer

A)  antecedent, behaviour, consequences
B)  affect, behaviour, consequences
C)  antecedent, behaviour, causes
D)  affect, behaviour, cognition

Exam 3: Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis