Billy has seen a psychologist,and during his mental status exam,he seems quite cheery.He even laughs repeatedly when talking about how he's been living in a shelter and sometimes doesn't have enough to eat.Which of the following is likely true of Billy?
A) A mental status exam would likely determine that Billy has no psychological disturbances.
B) Billy seems to be displaying inappropriate affect, which would be seen in the cognition aspect of the mental status exam.
C) Billy seems to be displaying inappropriate mood, which would be seen in the emotions aspect of the mental status exam.
D) Billy seems to be displaying inappropriate affect, which would be seen in the emotions aspect of the mental status exam.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Billy's behavior of laughing while discussing serious and distressing life circumstances suggests he is displaying inappropriate affect. Affect refers to the external display of feelings or emotions, which in Billy's case, does not match the context of his situation. This would be assessed in the emotions aspect of a mental status exam, not cognition.

Billy Has Seen a Psychologist,and During His Mental Status Exam,he