ANCC PMHNP CERTIFICATION EXAM
WITH 202 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS RATED A+ 2026/2027
NEWEST!!!
Who developed Cognitive Therapy?
Aaron Beck
What is the goal of Cognitive Therapy?
To change clients' irrational beliefs (negative thoughts), faulty conceptions, &
negative cognitive distortions
Define: "Cognitive Rehearsal"
Involves the therapist & patient collaboratively exploring strategies to address a
specific problem -- by practicing these approaches in advance, the patient becomes
better prepared to handle similar situations when they occur in real life
What is the focus of Behavior Therapy?
Changing maladaptive behaviors by participating in active behavioral techniques,
such as exposure, relaxation, skills training, problem-solving, role-playing, &
modeling
Define: "Cognitive Restructuring/Reframing"
Involves identifying & challenging negative, distorted, or unhelpful thoughts &
beliefs (cognitive distortions) & replacing them w/ more accurate, constructive
thoughts
Where is dopamine produced?
Nucleus accumbens, substantia nigra, & VTA
Where is acetylcholine synthesized?
,Basal nucleus of Meynert
Define: "Enmeshment"
Description of a relationship between two or more people in which personal
boundaries are unclear
Ex: Can occur during countertransference -- if therapist becomes too emotionally
connected to the patient to the extent that boundaries become unclear
Define: "Parentification"
Occurs when a child is made to take on the role of an adult--emotionally,
financially, or through other responsibilities--w/o support from their parents/other
adults; can harm child's development & lead to a number of mental health
problems & negative outcomes later in life
A lack of healthy boundaries is the root of parentification
Define: "Family Scapegoat"
In dysfunctional family dynamics, the scapegoat is often a role assigned to one
member, typically a child, who becomes the target for blame, criticism, & negative
attention
Signs that a child may be serving as the scapegoat in a family: Withdrawn
behavior, academic struggles, blame & criticism, role reversal, isolation, &
alienation
Define: "Empty Nest Syndrome"
Grief that many parents feel when their children move out of the home
Those affected may display feelings of loss, sadness, anxiety, grief, irritability, &
fear
Who developed Humanistic Therapy?
Carl Rogers
, Who developed Logotherapy?
Viktor E. Frankl
Who developed Family Systems Therapy/Systematic Family Therapy?
Murray Bowen
What is the goal of Family Systems Therapy?
To increase the family's awareness of each member's functions within the family &
to increase levels of self-differentiation (being able to possess & identify your own
thoughts & feelings & distinguish them from others)
Who developed Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
Marsha Linehan
Which neurotransmitters are involved in ADHD?
Dopamine, Norepinephrine, & Serotonin
Pharmacological Management of Tics/Tourette's Syndrome
Atypical antipsychotic: Haloperidol, pimozide, & aripiprazole = FDA-approved
Clonidine & guanfacine --> can help control behavioral symptoms such as
impulsivity & rage attacks
Hallmark Symptoms (3) of PTSD
1. Intrusive re-experiencing of an extremely traumatic event
2. Increased arousal (hyperarousal)
3. Avoidance of stimuli associated w/ the trauma
Pharmacological Management of PTSD
- SSRIs: Sertraline, paroxetine
- Prazosin (for nightmares)
Which neurotransmitters are involved in OCD?
Serotonin & Norepinephrine
WITH 202 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS RATED A+ 2026/2027
NEWEST!!!
Who developed Cognitive Therapy?
Aaron Beck
What is the goal of Cognitive Therapy?
To change clients' irrational beliefs (negative thoughts), faulty conceptions, &
negative cognitive distortions
Define: "Cognitive Rehearsal"
Involves the therapist & patient collaboratively exploring strategies to address a
specific problem -- by practicing these approaches in advance, the patient becomes
better prepared to handle similar situations when they occur in real life
What is the focus of Behavior Therapy?
Changing maladaptive behaviors by participating in active behavioral techniques,
such as exposure, relaxation, skills training, problem-solving, role-playing, &
modeling
Define: "Cognitive Restructuring/Reframing"
Involves identifying & challenging negative, distorted, or unhelpful thoughts &
beliefs (cognitive distortions) & replacing them w/ more accurate, constructive
thoughts
Where is dopamine produced?
Nucleus accumbens, substantia nigra, & VTA
Where is acetylcholine synthesized?
,Basal nucleus of Meynert
Define: "Enmeshment"
Description of a relationship between two or more people in which personal
boundaries are unclear
Ex: Can occur during countertransference -- if therapist becomes too emotionally
connected to the patient to the extent that boundaries become unclear
Define: "Parentification"
Occurs when a child is made to take on the role of an adult--emotionally,
financially, or through other responsibilities--w/o support from their parents/other
adults; can harm child's development & lead to a number of mental health
problems & negative outcomes later in life
A lack of healthy boundaries is the root of parentification
Define: "Family Scapegoat"
In dysfunctional family dynamics, the scapegoat is often a role assigned to one
member, typically a child, who becomes the target for blame, criticism, & negative
attention
Signs that a child may be serving as the scapegoat in a family: Withdrawn
behavior, academic struggles, blame & criticism, role reversal, isolation, &
alienation
Define: "Empty Nest Syndrome"
Grief that many parents feel when their children move out of the home
Those affected may display feelings of loss, sadness, anxiety, grief, irritability, &
fear
Who developed Humanistic Therapy?
Carl Rogers
, Who developed Logotherapy?
Viktor E. Frankl
Who developed Family Systems Therapy/Systematic Family Therapy?
Murray Bowen
What is the goal of Family Systems Therapy?
To increase the family's awareness of each member's functions within the family &
to increase levels of self-differentiation (being able to possess & identify your own
thoughts & feelings & distinguish them from others)
Who developed Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?
Marsha Linehan
Which neurotransmitters are involved in ADHD?
Dopamine, Norepinephrine, & Serotonin
Pharmacological Management of Tics/Tourette's Syndrome
Atypical antipsychotic: Haloperidol, pimozide, & aripiprazole = FDA-approved
Clonidine & guanfacine --> can help control behavioral symptoms such as
impulsivity & rage attacks
Hallmark Symptoms (3) of PTSD
1. Intrusive re-experiencing of an extremely traumatic event
2. Increased arousal (hyperarousal)
3. Avoidance of stimuli associated w/ the trauma
Pharmacological Management of PTSD
- SSRIs: Sertraline, paroxetine
- Prazosin (for nightmares)
Which neurotransmitters are involved in OCD?
Serotonin & Norepinephrine
