COUC 546 Exam 3 V2 | COUC 546
Psychopathology | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (COUC546 Exam 3) | Liberty
University
1. A 25-year-old female presents with a pattern of unstable relationships, intense anger, and
recurrent suicidal gestures. Which personality disorder is most likely?
A. Histrionic Personality Disorder
B. Borderline Personality Disorder
C. Antisocial Personality Disorder
D. Avoidant Personality Disorder
Answer: B
Rationale: Borderline Personality Disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of
instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects. Individuals often
experience marked impulsivity and recurrent suicidal behavior or self-mutilation. This
diagnosis requires at least five specific criteria to be met as outlined in the DSM-5.
2. Which of the following is a key requirement for a diagnosis of Antisocial Personality
Disorder?
A. Evidence of a feeding disorder before age 10
B. Current age of at least 21
,C. Evidence of Conduct Disorder with onset before age 15
D. Presence of psychotic symptoms during adulthood
Answer: C
Rationale: Antisocial Personality Disorder requires evidence of Conduct Disorder with
onset before age 15 to be diagnosed in adulthood. The individual must be at least 18 years
old to receive the diagnosis of ASPD. This criterion highlights the developmental
progression of behavioral issues from childhood into a persistent adult pattern of
disregarding the rights of others.
3. A client exhibits a pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and
hypersensitivity to negative evaluation. They avoid social occupations. What is the diagnosis?
A. Avoidant Personality Disorder
B. Schizoid Personality Disorder
C. Dependent Personality Disorder
D. Social Anxiety Disorder (only)
Answer: A
Rationale: Avoidant Personality Disorder involves a deep-seated fear of rejection and
criticism that leads to significant social withdrawal. Unlike Schizoid Personality Disorder,
these individuals actually desire social contact but are too fearful to engage. The symptoms
must be pervasive and start by early adulthood to meet the DSM-5 diagnostic threshold.
, 4. Individuals with Schizotypal Personality Disorder are best characterized by:
A. A complete lack of interest in social relationships
B. Subservient and clinging behavior
C. Excessive emotionality and attention seeking
D. Odd beliefs or magical thinking that influences behavior and is inconsistent with
subcultural norms
Answer: D
Rationale: Schizotypal Personality Disorder is distinguished by acute discomfort with
close relationships as well as cognitive or perceptual distortions. Magical thinking, such as
belief in clairvoyance or telepathy, is a hallmark feature of this Cluster A disorder. It is
considered part of the schizophrenia spectrum but does not involve persistent psychosis.
5. What is the primary difference between Bulimia Nervosa and Binge-Eating Disorder?
A. Binge-Eating Disorder involves larger quantities of food
B. Bulimia Nervosa involves recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviors
C. Bulimia Nervosa does not involve a loss of control
D. Binge-Eating Disorder is only diagnosed in males
Answer: B
Rationale: Bulimia Nervosa is defined by the cycle of bingeing followed by compensatory
actions like vomiting, laxative use, or excessive exercise. Binge-Eating Disorder involves the
Psychopathology | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (COUC546 Exam 3) | Liberty
University
1. A 25-year-old female presents with a pattern of unstable relationships, intense anger, and
recurrent suicidal gestures. Which personality disorder is most likely?
A. Histrionic Personality Disorder
B. Borderline Personality Disorder
C. Antisocial Personality Disorder
D. Avoidant Personality Disorder
Answer: B
Rationale: Borderline Personality Disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of
instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects. Individuals often
experience marked impulsivity and recurrent suicidal behavior or self-mutilation. This
diagnosis requires at least five specific criteria to be met as outlined in the DSM-5.
2. Which of the following is a key requirement for a diagnosis of Antisocial Personality
Disorder?
A. Evidence of a feeding disorder before age 10
B. Current age of at least 21
,C. Evidence of Conduct Disorder with onset before age 15
D. Presence of psychotic symptoms during adulthood
Answer: C
Rationale: Antisocial Personality Disorder requires evidence of Conduct Disorder with
onset before age 15 to be diagnosed in adulthood. The individual must be at least 18 years
old to receive the diagnosis of ASPD. This criterion highlights the developmental
progression of behavioral issues from childhood into a persistent adult pattern of
disregarding the rights of others.
3. A client exhibits a pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and
hypersensitivity to negative evaluation. They avoid social occupations. What is the diagnosis?
A. Avoidant Personality Disorder
B. Schizoid Personality Disorder
C. Dependent Personality Disorder
D. Social Anxiety Disorder (only)
Answer: A
Rationale: Avoidant Personality Disorder involves a deep-seated fear of rejection and
criticism that leads to significant social withdrawal. Unlike Schizoid Personality Disorder,
these individuals actually desire social contact but are too fearful to engage. The symptoms
must be pervasive and start by early adulthood to meet the DSM-5 diagnostic threshold.
, 4. Individuals with Schizotypal Personality Disorder are best characterized by:
A. A complete lack of interest in social relationships
B. Subservient and clinging behavior
C. Excessive emotionality and attention seeking
D. Odd beliefs or magical thinking that influences behavior and is inconsistent with
subcultural norms
Answer: D
Rationale: Schizotypal Personality Disorder is distinguished by acute discomfort with
close relationships as well as cognitive or perceptual distortions. Magical thinking, such as
belief in clairvoyance or telepathy, is a hallmark feature of this Cluster A disorder. It is
considered part of the schizophrenia spectrum but does not involve persistent psychosis.
5. What is the primary difference between Bulimia Nervosa and Binge-Eating Disorder?
A. Binge-Eating Disorder involves larger quantities of food
B. Bulimia Nervosa involves recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviors
C. Bulimia Nervosa does not involve a loss of control
D. Binge-Eating Disorder is only diagnosed in males
Answer: B
Rationale: Bulimia Nervosa is defined by the cycle of bingeing followed by compensatory
actions like vomiting, laxative use, or excessive exercise. Binge-Eating Disorder involves the
