DSM-5 Study Guide Questions and Answers, DSM 5 ASWB EXAM STUDY
GUIDE
Mastering Psychiatric Concepts: A Concise Study Guide
Introduction: Welcome to your comprehensive guide to key psychiatric concepts! This guide is
designed to help you quickly grasp essential information with clear questions, bolded answers, and
helpful study tips. Let's dive in!
1. Understanding Repetitive Behaviors
A 10-year-old boy with severe developmental delay exhibits immediate and involuntary repetition of
ambient sounds and vocalizations made by other people. What is the term for this phenomenon?
A. Dysarthria B. Echolalia C. Echopraxia D. Word salad
Key Concept: Echolalia is the pathological, parrot-like, and apparently senseless repetition (echoing) of
a word or phrase just spoken by another person.
2. Exploring Eccentric Behavior and Social Deficits
A 19-year-old college freshman wears a wizard hat every day around campus, believing it helps him
think better. He has few friends but enjoys medieval role-playing games. He earns excellent grades,
grooms himself appropriately, and his speech is fluent with linear thought, though he perseverates on
wizard spells. His affect is restricted, and he denies hallucinations or changes in sleep, mood, appetite,
or energy. His unusual "style" hinders his job search needed for school. What is the likely diagnosis?
A. Bipolar I disorder B. Schizoaffective disorder C. Schizophrenia D. Schizotypal personality
disorder
Explanation: Schizotypal personality disorder is characterized by a pattern of deficits in interpersonal
skills, a decreased capacity for close relationships, cognitive and perceptual distortions, and eccentric
behavior.
Study Tip: Personality Disorders
,When studying personality disorders, focus on the core patterns of behavior and thinking that
distinguish each disorder. Look for specific examples in the question stems that illustrate these patterns.
3. Differentiating Cultural Norms from Psychopathology
Theravada Buddhist monks bring a 27-year-old Laotian man to the hospital after a 17-day fast, resulting
in acute dehydration and emaciation. Initially delirious, he later presents with an "odd manner." He is
unkempt, withdrawn, responds briefly, and sometimes laughs inappropriately. The monks report he has
been withdrawn since his family brought him from Laos a year prior, but this is his first fast, instructed
by "spirits" who watch and comment on his observances. The monks recognize the names of the spirits
but not this fasting tradition, acknowledging his remote origin and unfamiliar customs. What is the
likely diagnosis?
A. Culturally appropriate behavior B. Major depressive disorder C. Psychotic disorder due to another
medical condition D. Schizophrenia
Explanation: Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder involving positive symptoms like hallucinations
(hearing spirits) and delusions (being instructed to fast), as well as negative symptoms like withdrawal
and inappropriate affect. While cultural context is important, the specific instructions from "spirits" and
the unusual fasting practice outside known traditions suggest a break from cultural norms.
4. Identifying Key Symptoms of Schizophrenia
(This question builds upon the previous one, so the formatting will be similar with the explanation
focusing on the positive and negative symptoms listed.)
Explanation: Schizophrenia is characterized by a combination of specific positive symptoms
(hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, inappropriate affect, disorganized behavior) and
negative symptoms (flat or blunted affect, avolition, alogia, anhedonia).
Exam Strategy: Recognizing Psychotic Disorders
Pay close attention to the presence of hallucinations and delusions. Determine if these experiences are
consistent with the individual's cultural background. Also, consider the presence of negative symptoms
like flat affect and social withdrawal.
,5. Matching Personality Disorders to Characteristic Behaviors
Match each description with the personality disorder for which it is most highly characteristic:
A. Antisocial personality disorder B. Borderline personality disorder C. Histrionic personality disorder
D. Narcissistic personality disorder
Consistently uses physical appearance to draw attention to oneself. - C. Histrionic
personality disorder
Failure to conform to social norms and without remorse. - A. Antisocial personality
disorder
Grandiose sense of self-importance. - D. Narcissistic personality disorder
Self-dramatization, theatricality, and exaggerated expression of emotion. - C. Histrionic
personality disorder
Additional Matching:
Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment. - B. Borderline personality disorder
6. Understanding Gender Prevalence in Mental Disorders
Match each mental disorder with the most accurate statement regarding prevalence by gender:
A. More prevalent among men B. More prevalent among women C. Equally prevalent among men and
women
Restless legs syndrome. - B. More prevalent among women
Major depressive disorder. - B. More prevalent among women
Generalized anxiety disorder. - B. More prevalent among women
Key Point: While many mental disorders can affect individuals of all genders, some show significant
differences in prevalence rates. Being aware of these trends can be helpful in clinical practice and for
exam questions.
7. Differentiating Illness Anxiety from Other Anxiety Disorders
A 45-year-old man with chronic chest pain for a year has seen multiple specialists who attribute it to
uncomplicated acid reflux. However, he is convinced he has serious heart disease and continues to
, worry despite reassurance. He acknowledges the cardiologists might be correct but remains
preoccupied, preventing him from vacationing with family. He denies depression, anxiety, sleep or
appetite problems, and enjoys hobbies. What is the likely diagnosis?
A. Generalized anxiety disorder B. Illness anxiety disorder C. Major depressive disorder D. Panic
disorder
Explanation: Illness anxiety disorder is characterized by a preoccupation with being sick or developing
a disease, despite little to no somatic symptoms and medical reassurance. The anxiety is
disproportionate to any actual medical condition and causes significant distress or impairment.
8. Recognizing Generalized Anxiety Disorder
A 22-year-old college student hasn't submitted papers due to worry about poor grades, affecting her
concentration. She's also very concerned about post-graduation job prospects despite career counseling.
She worries about gym sanitation and potential sports injuries. She has no rituals or checking behaviors,
describes her mood as "irritable" and feels "tense all the time." Her appetite is normal, she enjoys
movies, denies low energy or suicidal thoughts, and has no recent substance use. What is the likely
diagnosis?
A. Adjustment disorder B. Generalized anxiety disorder C. Major depressive disorder D. Obsessive-
compulsive disorder
Explanation: Generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive anxiety and worry about a number of
events or activities, persisting for at least 6 months. The worry is difficult to control and is associated
with symptoms like irritability and tension.
9. Time Criteria for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
To meet criteria for premenstrual dysphoric disorder, how long must symptoms be present?
A. 1 week B. 1 month C. 6 months D. 1 year
Important Note: The diagnostic criteria for PMDD involve a specific pattern of symptoms occurring in
the week before menstruation and remitting within a few days after the onset of menstruation, with the
overall pattern being present for most menstrual cycles within the past year.
GUIDE
Mastering Psychiatric Concepts: A Concise Study Guide
Introduction: Welcome to your comprehensive guide to key psychiatric concepts! This guide is
designed to help you quickly grasp essential information with clear questions, bolded answers, and
helpful study tips. Let's dive in!
1. Understanding Repetitive Behaviors
A 10-year-old boy with severe developmental delay exhibits immediate and involuntary repetition of
ambient sounds and vocalizations made by other people. What is the term for this phenomenon?
A. Dysarthria B. Echolalia C. Echopraxia D. Word salad
Key Concept: Echolalia is the pathological, parrot-like, and apparently senseless repetition (echoing) of
a word or phrase just spoken by another person.
2. Exploring Eccentric Behavior and Social Deficits
A 19-year-old college freshman wears a wizard hat every day around campus, believing it helps him
think better. He has few friends but enjoys medieval role-playing games. He earns excellent grades,
grooms himself appropriately, and his speech is fluent with linear thought, though he perseverates on
wizard spells. His affect is restricted, and he denies hallucinations or changes in sleep, mood, appetite,
or energy. His unusual "style" hinders his job search needed for school. What is the likely diagnosis?
A. Bipolar I disorder B. Schizoaffective disorder C. Schizophrenia D. Schizotypal personality
disorder
Explanation: Schizotypal personality disorder is characterized by a pattern of deficits in interpersonal
skills, a decreased capacity for close relationships, cognitive and perceptual distortions, and eccentric
behavior.
Study Tip: Personality Disorders
,When studying personality disorders, focus on the core patterns of behavior and thinking that
distinguish each disorder. Look for specific examples in the question stems that illustrate these patterns.
3. Differentiating Cultural Norms from Psychopathology
Theravada Buddhist monks bring a 27-year-old Laotian man to the hospital after a 17-day fast, resulting
in acute dehydration and emaciation. Initially delirious, he later presents with an "odd manner." He is
unkempt, withdrawn, responds briefly, and sometimes laughs inappropriately. The monks report he has
been withdrawn since his family brought him from Laos a year prior, but this is his first fast, instructed
by "spirits" who watch and comment on his observances. The monks recognize the names of the spirits
but not this fasting tradition, acknowledging his remote origin and unfamiliar customs. What is the
likely diagnosis?
A. Culturally appropriate behavior B. Major depressive disorder C. Psychotic disorder due to another
medical condition D. Schizophrenia
Explanation: Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder involving positive symptoms like hallucinations
(hearing spirits) and delusions (being instructed to fast), as well as negative symptoms like withdrawal
and inappropriate affect. While cultural context is important, the specific instructions from "spirits" and
the unusual fasting practice outside known traditions suggest a break from cultural norms.
4. Identifying Key Symptoms of Schizophrenia
(This question builds upon the previous one, so the formatting will be similar with the explanation
focusing on the positive and negative symptoms listed.)
Explanation: Schizophrenia is characterized by a combination of specific positive symptoms
(hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, inappropriate affect, disorganized behavior) and
negative symptoms (flat or blunted affect, avolition, alogia, anhedonia).
Exam Strategy: Recognizing Psychotic Disorders
Pay close attention to the presence of hallucinations and delusions. Determine if these experiences are
consistent with the individual's cultural background. Also, consider the presence of negative symptoms
like flat affect and social withdrawal.
,5. Matching Personality Disorders to Characteristic Behaviors
Match each description with the personality disorder for which it is most highly characteristic:
A. Antisocial personality disorder B. Borderline personality disorder C. Histrionic personality disorder
D. Narcissistic personality disorder
Consistently uses physical appearance to draw attention to oneself. - C. Histrionic
personality disorder
Failure to conform to social norms and without remorse. - A. Antisocial personality
disorder
Grandiose sense of self-importance. - D. Narcissistic personality disorder
Self-dramatization, theatricality, and exaggerated expression of emotion. - C. Histrionic
personality disorder
Additional Matching:
Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment. - B. Borderline personality disorder
6. Understanding Gender Prevalence in Mental Disorders
Match each mental disorder with the most accurate statement regarding prevalence by gender:
A. More prevalent among men B. More prevalent among women C. Equally prevalent among men and
women
Restless legs syndrome. - B. More prevalent among women
Major depressive disorder. - B. More prevalent among women
Generalized anxiety disorder. - B. More prevalent among women
Key Point: While many mental disorders can affect individuals of all genders, some show significant
differences in prevalence rates. Being aware of these trends can be helpful in clinical practice and for
exam questions.
7. Differentiating Illness Anxiety from Other Anxiety Disorders
A 45-year-old man with chronic chest pain for a year has seen multiple specialists who attribute it to
uncomplicated acid reflux. However, he is convinced he has serious heart disease and continues to
, worry despite reassurance. He acknowledges the cardiologists might be correct but remains
preoccupied, preventing him from vacationing with family. He denies depression, anxiety, sleep or
appetite problems, and enjoys hobbies. What is the likely diagnosis?
A. Generalized anxiety disorder B. Illness anxiety disorder C. Major depressive disorder D. Panic
disorder
Explanation: Illness anxiety disorder is characterized by a preoccupation with being sick or developing
a disease, despite little to no somatic symptoms and medical reassurance. The anxiety is
disproportionate to any actual medical condition and causes significant distress or impairment.
8. Recognizing Generalized Anxiety Disorder
A 22-year-old college student hasn't submitted papers due to worry about poor grades, affecting her
concentration. She's also very concerned about post-graduation job prospects despite career counseling.
She worries about gym sanitation and potential sports injuries. She has no rituals or checking behaviors,
describes her mood as "irritable" and feels "tense all the time." Her appetite is normal, she enjoys
movies, denies low energy or suicidal thoughts, and has no recent substance use. What is the likely
diagnosis?
A. Adjustment disorder B. Generalized anxiety disorder C. Major depressive disorder D. Obsessive-
compulsive disorder
Explanation: Generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive anxiety and worry about a number of
events or activities, persisting for at least 6 months. The worry is difficult to control and is associated
with symptoms like irritability and tension.
9. Time Criteria for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
To meet criteria for premenstrual dysphoric disorder, how long must symptoms be present?
A. 1 week B. 1 month C. 6 months D. 1 year
Important Note: The diagnostic criteria for PMDD involve a specific pattern of symptoms occurring in
the week before menstruation and remitting within a few days after the onset of menstruation, with the
overall pattern being present for most menstrual cycles within the past year.
