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 2-week history of depressed mood, loss of interest in
activities, and significant weight loss. She reports feeling worthless and having difficulty
concentrating nearly every day. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Persistent Depressive Disorder
B. Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood
C. Cyclothymic Disorder
D. Major Depressive Disorder
Answer: D
Explanation: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) requires at least five symptoms to be
present during the same 2-week period, with at least one being depressed mood or loss of
interest. The patient’s symptoms of weight loss, worthlessness, and concentration issues
align with the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. This diagnosis is distinct from Persistent
Depressive Disorder, which requires a duration of at least two years.
2. To meet the diagnostic criteria for Bipolar I Disorder, an individual must have experienced
at least one:
A. Manic episode
B. Major depressive episode
C. Hypomanic episode
D. Dysthymic episode
Answer: A
Explanation: The essential feature of Bipolar I Disorder is the occurrence of at least one
manic episode in the individual’s lifetime. While major depressive episodes are common in
Bipolar I, they are not strictly required for the diagnosis according to the DSM-5.
Hypomanic episodes are characteristic of Bipolar II, not the primary requirement for
Bipolar I.
3. Which of the following distinguishes a manic episode from a hypomanic episode?
A. Duration of at least 4 consecutive days
B. Increased goal-directed activity
C. Presence of psychotic features or requirement of hospitalization
D. Decreased need for sleep
,Answer: C
Explanation: A manic episode is defined by symptoms lasting at least one week and
causing marked impairment in social or occupational functioning. If psychotic features are
present or the individual requires hospitalization to prevent harm, the episode is
automatically classified as manic rather than hypomanic. Hypomanic episodes are shorter
in duration (4 days) and do not cause the same level of severe impairment.
4. A patient reports persistent worry about multiple areas of life, including work, health, and
family finances, for the past 8 months. They complain of muscle tension and being easily
fatigued. What is the most appropriate diagnosis?
A. Panic Disorder
B. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
C. Social Anxiety Disorder
D. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Answer: B
Explanation: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive anxiety
and worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months. The worry must be
associated with three or more physical or cognitive symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue,
or muscle tension. This clinical presentation matches the patient’s report of multi-domain
worry and physical fatigue.
5. Panic Disorder is characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks followed by at least
how long of persistent concern about additional attacks?
A. 2 weeks
B. 1 month
C. 6 months
D. 1 year
Answer: B
Explanation: To diagnose Panic Disorder, the patient must experience recurrent
unexpected panic attacks. At least one of the attacks must be followed by one month or
more of persistent concern about more attacks or a significant maladaptive change in
behavior. This timeline ensures the clinician is observing a chronic pattern of anticipatory
anxiety rather than a single isolated event.
6. An individual avoids using public transportation, being in open spaces, and standing in line
because they fear they might not be able to escape or get help if they develop panic-like
symptoms. This describes:
A. Specific Phobia
, B. Social Anxiety Disorder
C. Agoraphobia
D. Separation Anxiety Disorder
Answer: C
Explanation: Agoraphobia involves marked fear or anxiety about two or more of five
specific situations: using public transport, being in open spaces, being in enclosed places,
standing in line/crowds, or being outside the home alone. The core fear is that escape
might be difficult or help unavailable in the event of incapacitating symptoms. This
distinguishes it from Social Anxiety, where the fear is focused on negative evaluation by
others.
7. In the DSM-5, how long must symptoms persist for a child or adolescent to be diagnosed
with Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)?
A. 2 years
B. 2 weeks
C. 6 months
D. 1 year
Answer: D
Explanation: For adults, Persistent Depressive Disorder requires a duration of at least two
years. However, for children and adolescents, the DSM-5 specifies that the duration of
depressed mood or irritability must be at least one year. This modification accounts for the
developmental differences in how chronic mood issues manifest in younger populations.
8. Which disorder is characterized by a pattern of angry/irritable mood,
argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness lasting at least 6 months?
A. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
B. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
C. Conduct Disorder
D. Intermittent Explosive Disorder
Answer: A
Explanation: Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) involves a pattern of behavior that
includes at least four symptoms from the categories of angry/irritable mood,
argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness. These behaviors must be directed
toward at least one individual who is not a sibling. While DMDD focuses more on severe
temper outbursts, ODD focuses on the defiant and irritable interpersonal style.
Rationale (COUC546 Exam 2) | Liberty University
1. A 28-year-old female presents with a 2-week history of depressed mood, loss of interest in
activities, and significant weight loss. She reports feeling worthless and having difficulty
concentrating nearly every day. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Persistent Depressive Disorder
B. Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood
C. Cyclothymic Disorder
D. Major Depressive Disorder
Answer: D
Explanation: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) requires at least five symptoms to be
present during the same 2-week period, with at least one being depressed mood or loss of
interest. The patient’s symptoms of weight loss, worthlessness, and concentration issues
align with the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. This diagnosis is distinct from Persistent
Depressive Disorder, which requires a duration of at least two years.
2. To meet the diagnostic criteria for Bipolar I Disorder, an individual must have experienced
at least one:
A. Manic episode
B. Major depressive episode
C. Hypomanic episode
D. Dysthymic episode
Answer: A
Explanation: The essential feature of Bipolar I Disorder is the occurrence of at least one
manic episode in the individual’s lifetime. While major depressive episodes are common in
Bipolar I, they are not strictly required for the diagnosis according to the DSM-5.
Hypomanic episodes are characteristic of Bipolar II, not the primary requirement for
Bipolar I.
3. Which of the following distinguishes a manic episode from a hypomanic episode?
A. Duration of at least 4 consecutive days
B. Increased goal-directed activity
C. Presence of psychotic features or requirement of hospitalization
D. Decreased need for sleep
,Answer: C
Explanation: A manic episode is defined by symptoms lasting at least one week and
causing marked impairment in social or occupational functioning. If psychotic features are
present or the individual requires hospitalization to prevent harm, the episode is
automatically classified as manic rather than hypomanic. Hypomanic episodes are shorter
in duration (4 days) and do not cause the same level of severe impairment.
4. A patient reports persistent worry about multiple areas of life, including work, health, and
family finances, for the past 8 months. They complain of muscle tension and being easily
fatigued. What is the most appropriate diagnosis?
A. Panic Disorder
B. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
C. Social Anxiety Disorder
D. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Answer: B
Explanation: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive anxiety
and worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months. The worry must be
associated with three or more physical or cognitive symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue,
or muscle tension. This clinical presentation matches the patient’s report of multi-domain
worry and physical fatigue.
5. Panic Disorder is characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks followed by at least
how long of persistent concern about additional attacks?
A. 2 weeks
B. 1 month
C. 6 months
D. 1 year
Answer: B
Explanation: To diagnose Panic Disorder, the patient must experience recurrent
unexpected panic attacks. At least one of the attacks must be followed by one month or
more of persistent concern about more attacks or a significant maladaptive change in
behavior. This timeline ensures the clinician is observing a chronic pattern of anticipatory
anxiety rather than a single isolated event.
6. An individual avoids using public transportation, being in open spaces, and standing in line
because they fear they might not be able to escape or get help if they develop panic-like
symptoms. This describes:
A. Specific Phobia
, B. Social Anxiety Disorder
C. Agoraphobia
D. Separation Anxiety Disorder
Answer: C
Explanation: Agoraphobia involves marked fear or anxiety about two or more of five
specific situations: using public transport, being in open spaces, being in enclosed places,
standing in line/crowds, or being outside the home alone. The core fear is that escape
might be difficult or help unavailable in the event of incapacitating symptoms. This
distinguishes it from Social Anxiety, where the fear is focused on negative evaluation by
others.
7. In the DSM-5, how long must symptoms persist for a child or adolescent to be diagnosed
with Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)?
A. 2 years
B. 2 weeks
C. 6 months
D. 1 year
Answer: D
Explanation: For adults, Persistent Depressive Disorder requires a duration of at least two
years. However, for children and adolescents, the DSM-5 specifies that the duration of
depressed mood or irritability must be at least one year. This modification accounts for the
developmental differences in how chronic mood issues manifest in younger populations.
8. Which disorder is characterized by a pattern of angry/irritable mood,
argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness lasting at least 6 months?
A. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
B. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
C. Conduct Disorder
D. Intermittent Explosive Disorder
Answer: A
Explanation: Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) involves a pattern of behavior that
includes at least four symptoms from the categories of angry/irritable mood,
argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness. These behaviors must be directed
toward at least one individual who is not a sibling. While DMDD focuses more on severe
temper outbursts, ODD focuses on the defiant and irritable interpersonal style.
