Question 1

A clinician is in an assessment interview with a new client. The clinician is having trouble determining an exact diagnosis, but must put something down before the client can receive treatment. What is one reason for this?

Accepted Answer

The clinician needs to provide a diagnosis for billing and insurance purposes, even if the diagnosis is preliminary or subject to change as more information becomes available.

Question 2

The number of disorders has _______from earlier versions of the DSM to the DSM-5.

Accepted Answer

The number of disorders has increased from earlier versions of the DSM to the DSM-5, with the addition of new disorders and modifications to existing ones.

Question 3

As in assessment, diagnostic interviews can be ________

Accepted Answer

Diagnostic interviews can either be structured, where the questions are predetermined and asked in a set order, or unstructured, where the clinician has more flexibility in the questions asked and the order in which they are asked. Projective and objective refer to different types of assessment techniques, while difficult or easy and empirical or conceptual do not accurately describe the nature of diagnostic interviews.

Question 4

What is the goal of psychosocial assessment?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the goal of psychosocial assessment?...

Question 5

________should always be addressed before developing any assessment or treatment plans for clients.

Accepted Answer

The answer of ________should always be addressed before developing any...

Question 6

What is validity?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is validity?...

Question 7

One criticism of diagnostic labels is that ________

Accepted Answer

Diagnostic labels can contribute to negative self-image and stigma, both for the diagnosed individual and others around them.

Question 8

The term MRI in assessment of the brain means __________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The term MRI in assessment of the...

Question 9

What are the purposes of the initial clinical assessment of a person?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are the purposes of the initial...

Question 10

In DSM-5, criteria for Persistent Depressive Disorder combines criteria from Dysthymic Disorder and which other disorder?

Accepted Answer

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), as defined by DSM-5, combines the criteria of Dysthymic Disorder (which is characterized by a persistent depressed mood for at least two years) and Chronic Major Depression (which is characterized by a major depressive episode lasting at least two years). Therefore, the best answer is B, Chronic Major Depression.

Question 11

Since it was first published, the DSM has ________

Accepted Answer

The DSM has become more objective over time as it has strived to incorporate more empirical evidence and reduce clinical judgment in diagnosis.

Answer: B
 The DSM has actually increased in size with each new edition, containing more disorders and diagnostic criteria than the previous version.

Answer: D
 The DSM has actually added more procedures to differentiate between psychological and biological causal factors, such as specifiers that indicate the presence of medical or neurological conditions.

Therefore, the best choice would be A: become more objective.

Question 12

Shondra is in fourth grade and has been having trouble sitting still and remaining focused on her schoolwork. Her teacher speaks with her parents about this, and suggests they see a clinician for an assessment. What is one problem with the DSM system that would make her parents reluctant to send her for an assessment?

Accepted Answer

One problem with the DSM system is that diagnoses can become labels that stick with individuals, potentially leading to stigma and negative self-concept. Shondra's parents may be reluctant to have her assessed for fear that a diagnosis could negatively impact her self-esteem and future opportunities.

Question 13

The case of Andrea C demonstrates how even the objective ___________ may be interpreted from a subjective perspective.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The case of Andrea C demonstrates how...

Question 14

Today, there are two major psychiatric classification systems in use: the ICD-10, and the ______.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Today, there are two major psychiatric classification...

Question 15

The projective test called the __________ is the inkblot test used in personality assessments.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The projective test called the __________ is...

Question 16

When a psychologist is informed of the issues involved in multicultural assessment, this is known as __________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of When a psychologist is informed of the...

Question 17

The DSM acknowledges that ________

Accepted Answer

The DSM acknowledges that a diagnosis is only the first step and that much more is needed to determine treatment. While the reliability of the classification system and the influence of insurance on diagnosis may be issues associated with the DSM, they are not explicitly acknowledged in the DSM itself. The idea that most clinicians do not agree with the DSM system is also not supported by the DSM.

Question 18

A clinician sits down with an individual and conducts an assessment interview. The clinician arrives at a diagnosis of schizophrenia. While writing up the notes on this interview, the clinician is mindful of preferred terminology by mental health professionals. What is the preferred way to refer to the individual in the assessment?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A clinician sits down with an individual...

Question 19

Why is the establishment of trust important when conducting a psychological assessment?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why is the establishment of trust important...

Question 20

A clinician was in an assessment interview with a woman of Asian descent. The clinician realized there might be some cultural values and attitudes that could influence how questions were interpreted and answered. Which of the following would help the clinician obtain information about the potential impact of the woman's culture on her mental health care?

Accepted Answer

The CFI (Cultural Formulation Interview) is specifically designed to gather information about the impact of culture on an individual's understanding and experience of mental health concerns. GAF (Global Assessment of Functioning), DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), and ICD (International Classification of Diseases) are tools used to diagnose and assess mental health conditions but do not focus specifically on cultural influences.

Quiz 4: Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis