COUC 546 Exam 2 V2 | COUC 546 Psychopathology | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (COUC546 Exam 2) | Liberty University
1. A 28-year-old female reports feeling ‘down’ and having lost interest in her hobbies for the
past three weeks. She also notes significant weight loss and insomnia. Which duration criteria
for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) has she met?
A. 1 week
B. 6 months
C. 1 month
D. 2 weeks
Answer: D
Explanation: The DSM-5 requires that symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder be present
for at least a two-week period. These symptoms must represent a change from previous
functioning and include either depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure. Meeting this
temporal threshold is essential for a formal clinical diagnosis.
2. For a diagnosis of Bipolar I Disorder, the individual must have met the criteria for at least
one of which type of episode?
A. Major depressive episode
B. Hypomanic episode
C. Manic episode
D. Mixed episode
Answer: C
Explanation: A Bipolar I Disorder diagnosis specifically requires the occurrence of at least
one manic episode in the patient’s lifetime. While major depressive episodes are common
in Bipolar I, they are not strictly required for the diagnosis according to DSM-5 criteria.
This distinguishes Bipolar I from Bipolar II, which necessitates both a hypomanic and a
depressive episode.
3. A patient experiences chronic low mood for most of the day, more days than not, for at
least two years. Which diagnosis is most appropriate?
A. Major Depressive Disorder
B. Persistent Depressive Disorder
C. Cyclothymic Disorder
D. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
,Answer: B
Explanation: Persistent Depressive Disorder, previously known as dysthymia, is
characterized by a chronic course of depressive symptoms lasting at least two years in
adults. The symptoms are generally less severe than a full major depressive episode but are
more enduring. During this two-year period, the individual cannot be symptom-free for
more than two months.
4. What is the minimum duration required for the symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
(GAD) in adults?
A. 6 months
B. 3 months
C. 1 month
D. 12 months
Answer: A
Explanation: Generalized Anxiety Disorder requires excessive anxiety and worry
occurring more days than not for at least six months. The worry must be associated with
three or more physiological or cognitive symptoms such as restlessness or muscle tension.
This duration helps to distinguish pathological anxiety from transient life stress.
5. Which disorder is defined by a consistent failure to speak in specific social situations where
there is an expectation for speaking, despite speaking in other situations?
A. Social Anxiety Disorder
B. Selective Mutism
C. Separation Anxiety Disorder
D. Specific Phobia
Answer: B
Explanation: Selective Mutism involves a persistent failure to speak in specific social
contexts, such as school, despite being able to speak at home. This behavior must last for at
least one month and interfere with educational or social communication. It is classified
under Anxiety Disorders in the DSM-5.
6. A patient fears being in open spaces, using public transportation, or being in a crowd
because escape might be difficult. This describes:
A. Social Anxiety Disorder
B. Agoraphobia
C. Panic Disorder
, D. Specific Phobia
Answer: B
Explanation: Agoraphobia involves intense fear or anxiety triggered by real or anticipated
exposure to a wide range of situations. The primary concern is that escape might be
difficult or help unavailable in the event of panic-like symptoms. According to the DSM-5,
the fear must occur in at least two different agoraphobic situations.
7. In Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), compulsions are typically performed to:
A. Neutralize or reduce anxiety
B. Increase levels of dopamine
C. Provide pleasure or excitement
D. Enhance memory and focus
Answer: A
Explanation: Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that the individual feels
driven to perform in response to an obsession. The aim is to prevent or reduce anxiety or
distress, or to prevent a dreaded event. However, these behaviors are either not connected
in a realistic way to the event or are clearly excessive.
8. Which of the following is a key requirement for the diagnosis of Body Dysmorphic
Disorder?
A. A desire to lose weight to reach a dangerously low BMI
B. The presence of a medically diagnosed skin condition
C. Fear of social situations involving public speaking
D. Repetitive behaviors like mirror checking or skin picking
Answer: D
Explanation: Body Dysmorphic Disorder involves a preoccupation with one or more
perceived defects in physical appearance that are not observable to others. To meet
diagnostic criteria, the individual must perform repetitive behaviors or mental acts in
response to these appearance concerns. These behaviors, such as mirror checking or
excessive grooming, cause clinically significant distress.
9. For a PTSD diagnosis, the symptoms must persist for at least how long following the
traumatic event?
A. 1 week
B. 2 weeks
C. 1 month
Rationale (COUC546 Exam 2) | Liberty University
1. A 28-year-old female reports feeling ‘down’ and having lost interest in her hobbies for the
past three weeks. She also notes significant weight loss and insomnia. Which duration criteria
for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) has she met?
A. 1 week
B. 6 months
C. 1 month
D. 2 weeks
Answer: D
Explanation: The DSM-5 requires that symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder be present
for at least a two-week period. These symptoms must represent a change from previous
functioning and include either depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure. Meeting this
temporal threshold is essential for a formal clinical diagnosis.
2. For a diagnosis of Bipolar I Disorder, the individual must have met the criteria for at least
one of which type of episode?
A. Major depressive episode
B. Hypomanic episode
C. Manic episode
D. Mixed episode
Answer: C
Explanation: A Bipolar I Disorder diagnosis specifically requires the occurrence of at least
one manic episode in the patient’s lifetime. While major depressive episodes are common
in Bipolar I, they are not strictly required for the diagnosis according to DSM-5 criteria.
This distinguishes Bipolar I from Bipolar II, which necessitates both a hypomanic and a
depressive episode.
3. A patient experiences chronic low mood for most of the day, more days than not, for at
least two years. Which diagnosis is most appropriate?
A. Major Depressive Disorder
B. Persistent Depressive Disorder
C. Cyclothymic Disorder
D. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
,Answer: B
Explanation: Persistent Depressive Disorder, previously known as dysthymia, is
characterized by a chronic course of depressive symptoms lasting at least two years in
adults. The symptoms are generally less severe than a full major depressive episode but are
more enduring. During this two-year period, the individual cannot be symptom-free for
more than two months.
4. What is the minimum duration required for the symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
(GAD) in adults?
A. 6 months
B. 3 months
C. 1 month
D. 12 months
Answer: A
Explanation: Generalized Anxiety Disorder requires excessive anxiety and worry
occurring more days than not for at least six months. The worry must be associated with
three or more physiological or cognitive symptoms such as restlessness or muscle tension.
This duration helps to distinguish pathological anxiety from transient life stress.
5. Which disorder is defined by a consistent failure to speak in specific social situations where
there is an expectation for speaking, despite speaking in other situations?
A. Social Anxiety Disorder
B. Selective Mutism
C. Separation Anxiety Disorder
D. Specific Phobia
Answer: B
Explanation: Selective Mutism involves a persistent failure to speak in specific social
contexts, such as school, despite being able to speak at home. This behavior must last for at
least one month and interfere with educational or social communication. It is classified
under Anxiety Disorders in the DSM-5.
6. A patient fears being in open spaces, using public transportation, or being in a crowd
because escape might be difficult. This describes:
A. Social Anxiety Disorder
B. Agoraphobia
C. Panic Disorder
, D. Specific Phobia
Answer: B
Explanation: Agoraphobia involves intense fear or anxiety triggered by real or anticipated
exposure to a wide range of situations. The primary concern is that escape might be
difficult or help unavailable in the event of panic-like symptoms. According to the DSM-5,
the fear must occur in at least two different agoraphobic situations.
7. In Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), compulsions are typically performed to:
A. Neutralize or reduce anxiety
B. Increase levels of dopamine
C. Provide pleasure or excitement
D. Enhance memory and focus
Answer: A
Explanation: Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that the individual feels
driven to perform in response to an obsession. The aim is to prevent or reduce anxiety or
distress, or to prevent a dreaded event. However, these behaviors are either not connected
in a realistic way to the event or are clearly excessive.
8. Which of the following is a key requirement for the diagnosis of Body Dysmorphic
Disorder?
A. A desire to lose weight to reach a dangerously low BMI
B. The presence of a medically diagnosed skin condition
C. Fear of social situations involving public speaking
D. Repetitive behaviors like mirror checking or skin picking
Answer: D
Explanation: Body Dysmorphic Disorder involves a preoccupation with one or more
perceived defects in physical appearance that are not observable to others. To meet
diagnostic criteria, the individual must perform repetitive behaviors or mental acts in
response to these appearance concerns. These behaviors, such as mirror checking or
excessive grooming, cause clinically significant distress.
9. For a PTSD diagnosis, the symptoms must persist for at least how long following the
traumatic event?
A. 1 week
B. 2 weeks
C. 1 month
