COUC 546 Exam 3 V2 | COUC 546 Psychopathology | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (COUC546 Exam 3) | Liberty University
1. According to the DSM-5, what is the minimum duration required for the active-phase
symptoms to diagnose Schizophrenia?
A. Six months
B. Two weeks
C. One month
D. Three months
Answer: C
Explanation: To meet Criterion A for Schizophrenia, the patient must exhibit active
symptoms for a significant portion of time during a one-month period. These symptoms
must include at least one of the following: delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized
speech. While the total duration of the disturbance must be at least six months, the active
phase is specifically one month.
2. A 24-year-old client presents with a history of unstable interpersonal relationships, identity
disturbance, and chronic feelings of emptiness. Which diagnosis is most appropriate?
A. Dependent Personality Disorder
B. Histrionic Personality Disorder
C. Borderline Personality Disorder
D. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Answer: C
Explanation: Borderline Personality Disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of
instability in affect, self-image, and relationships. Clients often experience intense
abandonment fears and may engage in impulsive or self-destructive behaviors. This
diagnosis requires at least five of the nine criteria specified in the DSM-5.
3. Which duration correctly differentiates Schizophreniform Disorder from Schizophrenia?
A. Less than one month
B. At least one month but less than six months
C. More than six months
D. Exactly two weeks
Answer: B
,Explanation: Schizophreniform Disorder shares the same symptomatic criteria as
Schizophrenia but is distinguished by its shorter duration. The episode must last at least
one month but resolve within six months. If the symptoms persist beyond the six-month
mark, the diagnosis must be changed to Schizophrenia.
4. A client is convinced that a famous actor is deeply in love with her, despite having no
personal contact with him. Which type of delusion is this?
A. Erotomanic
B. Grandiose
C. Persecutory
D. Jealous
Answer: A
Explanation: Erotomanic delusions involve the false belief that another person, usually of
higher status, is in love with the individual. This is a subtype of Delusional Disorder that
can lead to stalking or unwanted communication. The belief is held with strong conviction
despite clear evidence to the contrary.
5. For a diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder, the individual must be at least how old?
A. 15 years old
B. 18 years old
C. 21 years old
D. 16 years old
Answer: B
Explanation: The DSM-5 specifies that Antisocial Personality Disorder cannot be
diagnosed in individuals under the age of 18. Additionally, there must be evidence of
Conduct Disorder with onset before age 15. This requirement ensures that the pattern of
disregard for the rights of others is persistent and long-standing.
6. Which of the following is considered a ‘negative symptom’ of Schizophrenia?
A. Hallucinations
B. Delusions
C. Avolition
D. Disorganized speech
Answer: C
Explanation: Negative symptoms involve a loss or diminution of normal functions, such as
emotional expression or drive. Avolition specifically refers to a decrease in motivated self-
, initiated purposeful activities. These symptoms are often more debilitating in the long term
than positive symptoms like hallucinations.
7. Which Personality Disorder cluster is described as appearing ‘odd or eccentric’?
A. Cluster C
B. Cluster B
C. Cluster A
D. Cluster D
Answer: C
Explanation: Cluster A includes Paranoid, Schizoid, and Schizotypal Personality Disorders,
all of which share the common feature of odd or eccentric behavior. Individuals in this
cluster often struggle with social interactions and may exhibit distorted thinking patterns.
These disorders are frequently conceptualized as being on a spectrum with psychotic
disorders.
8. A client presents with extreme social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and
hypersensitivity to negative evaluation. They avoid social activities for fear of criticism. What
is the diagnosis?
A. Schizoid Personality Disorder
B. Avoidant Personality Disorder
C. Social Anxiety Disorder
D. Dependent Personality Disorder
Answer: B
Explanation: Avoidant Personality Disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of
social discomfort and fear of being judged. Unlike Schizoid Personality Disorder, these
individuals often desire social contact but are too afraid of rejection to pursue it. The
symptoms must be present in a variety of contexts to meet diagnostic criteria.
9. To diagnose Schizoaffective Disorder, there must be a period of how long where delusions
or hallucinations are present in the absence of a major mood episode?
A. One week
B. One month
C. Two weeks
D. Six months
Answer: C
Rationale (COUC546 Exam 3) | Liberty University
1. According to the DSM-5, what is the minimum duration required for the active-phase
symptoms to diagnose Schizophrenia?
A. Six months
B. Two weeks
C. One month
D. Three months
Answer: C
Explanation: To meet Criterion A for Schizophrenia, the patient must exhibit active
symptoms for a significant portion of time during a one-month period. These symptoms
must include at least one of the following: delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized
speech. While the total duration of the disturbance must be at least six months, the active
phase is specifically one month.
2. A 24-year-old client presents with a history of unstable interpersonal relationships, identity
disturbance, and chronic feelings of emptiness. Which diagnosis is most appropriate?
A. Dependent Personality Disorder
B. Histrionic Personality Disorder
C. Borderline Personality Disorder
D. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Answer: C
Explanation: Borderline Personality Disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of
instability in affect, self-image, and relationships. Clients often experience intense
abandonment fears and may engage in impulsive or self-destructive behaviors. This
diagnosis requires at least five of the nine criteria specified in the DSM-5.
3. Which duration correctly differentiates Schizophreniform Disorder from Schizophrenia?
A. Less than one month
B. At least one month but less than six months
C. More than six months
D. Exactly two weeks
Answer: B
,Explanation: Schizophreniform Disorder shares the same symptomatic criteria as
Schizophrenia but is distinguished by its shorter duration. The episode must last at least
one month but resolve within six months. If the symptoms persist beyond the six-month
mark, the diagnosis must be changed to Schizophrenia.
4. A client is convinced that a famous actor is deeply in love with her, despite having no
personal contact with him. Which type of delusion is this?
A. Erotomanic
B. Grandiose
C. Persecutory
D. Jealous
Answer: A
Explanation: Erotomanic delusions involve the false belief that another person, usually of
higher status, is in love with the individual. This is a subtype of Delusional Disorder that
can lead to stalking or unwanted communication. The belief is held with strong conviction
despite clear evidence to the contrary.
5. For a diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder, the individual must be at least how old?
A. 15 years old
B. 18 years old
C. 21 years old
D. 16 years old
Answer: B
Explanation: The DSM-5 specifies that Antisocial Personality Disorder cannot be
diagnosed in individuals under the age of 18. Additionally, there must be evidence of
Conduct Disorder with onset before age 15. This requirement ensures that the pattern of
disregard for the rights of others is persistent and long-standing.
6. Which of the following is considered a ‘negative symptom’ of Schizophrenia?
A. Hallucinations
B. Delusions
C. Avolition
D. Disorganized speech
Answer: C
Explanation: Negative symptoms involve a loss or diminution of normal functions, such as
emotional expression or drive. Avolition specifically refers to a decrease in motivated self-
, initiated purposeful activities. These symptoms are often more debilitating in the long term
than positive symptoms like hallucinations.
7. Which Personality Disorder cluster is described as appearing ‘odd or eccentric’?
A. Cluster C
B. Cluster B
C. Cluster A
D. Cluster D
Answer: C
Explanation: Cluster A includes Paranoid, Schizoid, and Schizotypal Personality Disorders,
all of which share the common feature of odd or eccentric behavior. Individuals in this
cluster often struggle with social interactions and may exhibit distorted thinking patterns.
These disorders are frequently conceptualized as being on a spectrum with psychotic
disorders.
8. A client presents with extreme social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and
hypersensitivity to negative evaluation. They avoid social activities for fear of criticism. What
is the diagnosis?
A. Schizoid Personality Disorder
B. Avoidant Personality Disorder
C. Social Anxiety Disorder
D. Dependent Personality Disorder
Answer: B
Explanation: Avoidant Personality Disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of
social discomfort and fear of being judged. Unlike Schizoid Personality Disorder, these
individuals often desire social contact but are too afraid of rejection to pursue it. The
symptoms must be present in a variety of contexts to meet diagnostic criteria.
9. To diagnose Schizoaffective Disorder, there must be a period of how long where delusions
or hallucinations are present in the absence of a major mood episode?
A. One week
B. One month
C. Two weeks
D. Six months
Answer: C
