COUC 546 Exam 2 V3 | COUC 546
Psychopathology | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (COUC546 Exam 2) | Liberty
University
1. A 28-year-old female presents with a persistent depressed mood for most of the day, for
more days than not, for at least 2 years. She also reports low energy and poor concentration.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Major Depressive Disorder
B. Cyclothymic Disorder
C. Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
D. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
Answer: C
Rationale: Persistent Depressive Disorder requires a depressed mood for at least two
years in adults or one year in children/adolescents. The clinical presentation involves
chronic low-grade depression rather than the episodic nature of Major Depressive
Disorder. This diagnosis consolidates what were formerly known as chronic MDD and
dysthymic disorder in the DSM-IV.
2. To meet the diagnostic criteria for a Manic Episode in Bipolar I Disorder, the abnormally
and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood must last at least:
A. 4 consecutive days
,B. 2 weeks
C. 1 month
D. 1 week
Answer: D
Rationale: A Manic Episode is defined by a distinct period of mood disturbance lasting at
least one week and present most of the day, nearly every day. If hospitalization is
necessary, the duration requirement of one week is waived. This differentiates mania from
hypomania, which only requires a four-day duration.
3. Which of the following is a key difference between Bipolar I and Bipolar II Disorder?
A. Bipolar II involves more severe functional impairment than Bipolar I.
B. Bipolar I is more common in females, while Bipolar II is more common in males.
C. Bipolar II requires a history of psychosis, while Bipolar I does not.
D. Bipolar I requires at least one full manic episode, while Bipolar II requires a hypomanic
episode and a major depressive episode.
Answer: D
Rationale: Bipolar I Disorder is characterized by the occurrence of at least one manic
episode in the individual’s lifetime. Bipolar II requires the presence of at least one
hypomanic episode and at least one major depressive episode without any history of a
manic episode. Clinicians must carefully distinguish between mania and hypomania based
on the severity and duration of symptoms.
, 4. An individual experiences intense fear of social situations where they might be scrutinized
by others, leading to avoidance or significant distress. Symptoms have lasted for 8 months.
What is the diagnosis?
A. Agoraphobia
B. Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
C. Avoidant Personality Disorder
D. Panic Disorder
Answer: B
Rationale: Social Anxiety Disorder involves a marked fear or anxiety about one or more
social situations in which the individual is exposed to possible scrutiny. The fear must be
disproportionate to the actual threat posed by the social situation and typically lasts for 6
months or more. It is distinguished from agoraphobia by the focus on social evaluation
rather than difficulty escaping a location.
5. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) requires excessive anxiety and worry occurring more
days than not for at least:
A. 1 month
B. 3 months
C. 12 months
D. 6 months
Psychopathology | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (COUC546 Exam 2) | Liberty
University
1. A 28-year-old female presents with a persistent depressed mood for most of the day, for
more days than not, for at least 2 years. She also reports low energy and poor concentration.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Major Depressive Disorder
B. Cyclothymic Disorder
C. Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
D. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
Answer: C
Rationale: Persistent Depressive Disorder requires a depressed mood for at least two
years in adults or one year in children/adolescents. The clinical presentation involves
chronic low-grade depression rather than the episodic nature of Major Depressive
Disorder. This diagnosis consolidates what were formerly known as chronic MDD and
dysthymic disorder in the DSM-IV.
2. To meet the diagnostic criteria for a Manic Episode in Bipolar I Disorder, the abnormally
and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood must last at least:
A. 4 consecutive days
,B. 2 weeks
C. 1 month
D. 1 week
Answer: D
Rationale: A Manic Episode is defined by a distinct period of mood disturbance lasting at
least one week and present most of the day, nearly every day. If hospitalization is
necessary, the duration requirement of one week is waived. This differentiates mania from
hypomania, which only requires a four-day duration.
3. Which of the following is a key difference between Bipolar I and Bipolar II Disorder?
A. Bipolar II involves more severe functional impairment than Bipolar I.
B. Bipolar I is more common in females, while Bipolar II is more common in males.
C. Bipolar II requires a history of psychosis, while Bipolar I does not.
D. Bipolar I requires at least one full manic episode, while Bipolar II requires a hypomanic
episode and a major depressive episode.
Answer: D
Rationale: Bipolar I Disorder is characterized by the occurrence of at least one manic
episode in the individual’s lifetime. Bipolar II requires the presence of at least one
hypomanic episode and at least one major depressive episode without any history of a
manic episode. Clinicians must carefully distinguish between mania and hypomania based
on the severity and duration of symptoms.
, 4. An individual experiences intense fear of social situations where they might be scrutinized
by others, leading to avoidance or significant distress. Symptoms have lasted for 8 months.
What is the diagnosis?
A. Agoraphobia
B. Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
C. Avoidant Personality Disorder
D. Panic Disorder
Answer: B
Rationale: Social Anxiety Disorder involves a marked fear or anxiety about one or more
social situations in which the individual is exposed to possible scrutiny. The fear must be
disproportionate to the actual threat posed by the social situation and typically lasts for 6
months or more. It is distinguished from agoraphobia by the focus on social evaluation
rather than difficulty escaping a location.
5. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) requires excessive anxiety and worry occurring more
days than not for at least:
A. 1 month
B. 3 months
C. 12 months
D. 6 months
