PSYC 350 EXAM 3 QUESTIONS WITH
ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
| American Public University
1. Select the most accurate clinical concept. Which underlying principle or clinical feature best accounts for
the key finding in this case? A team organizes symptoms into syndromes and investigates underlying
biological processes in a way similar to other areas of medicine.
A. stigma
B. deinstitutionalization
C. medical model
D. biopsychosocial model
Correct Answer: C. medical model
Explanation: The key feature points to medical model, meaning the view that mental disorders can be understood
as illnesses with identifiable symptoms, courses, and possible biological contributions. This identifies the primary
mechanism or syndrome rather than a less specific accompanying feature.
2. Select the most accurate clinical concept. A clinician is differentiating several related possibilities. Which
interpretation most precisely classifies the following case? A night-shift worker cannot sleep adequately
during the day and becomes dangerously sleepy during required work hours.
A. NREM sleep arousal disorder - recurrent incomplete awakenings from non-REM sleep such as sleepwalking
or sleep terrors with limited dream recall
B. nightmare disorder - repeated dysphoric and well-remembered dreams that cause clinically significant
distress or impairment
C. insomnia disorder - persistent difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep or waking too early despite adequate
opportunity, with daytime impairment
D. circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder - a persistent mismatch between the person's internal sleep-wake
rhythm and required schedule that causes insomnia, sleepiness, or impairment
Correct Answer: D. circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder - a persistent mismatch between the person's
internal sleep-wake rhythm and required schedule that causes insomnia, sleepiness, or impairment
Explanation: The case is best classified as circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder because its central feature is a
persistent mismatch between the person's internal sleep-wake rhythm and required schedule that causes insomnia,
sleepiness, or impairment. The other options describe distinct clinical patterns.
3. Which diagnosis or concept best fits this presentation? After an extreme stressor, a person develops
hallucinations and disorganized behavior for ten days and then rapidly returns to baseline. Focus on the
feature that most clearly distinguishes the alternatives.
A. brief psychotic disorder
B. schizoaffective disorder
C. schizophreniform disorder
D. negative symptoms
Correct Answer: A. brief psychotic disorder
Explanation: The defining pattern is most consistent with brief psychotic disorder: an abrupt psychotic episode
lasting at least one day but less than one month followed by return toward previous functioning. The distractors
share some surface features but do not match the central pattern.
,4. When reviewing the following case, which conclusion is the most defensible based on the information
provided? A person is found in another city unable to explain the journey and unable to recall key aspects of
personal identity.
A. The pattern most strongly supports dissociative amnesia.
B. The pattern most strongly supports state-dependent memory.
C. The pattern most strongly supports dissociative fugue.
D. The pattern most strongly supports differential diagnosis of dissociation.
Correct Answer: C. The pattern most strongly supports dissociative fugue.
Explanation: Dissociative fugue is the best conclusion because the presentation matches apparently purposeful
travel or wandering associated with dissociative amnesia for identity or important autobiographical information. A
full real-world assessment would still evaluate medical, substance-related, developmental, and cultural alternatives
where relevant.
5. A clinician is differentiating several related possibilities. Which interpretation most precisely classifies the
following case? A patient develops weakness and episodes resembling seizures, but the pattern is
inconsistent with known neurological pathways after appropriate evaluation.
A. functional neurological symptom disorder - neurological-type symptoms that are incompatible with
recognized neurological disease and cause impairment
B. reassurance seeking - repetitive requests for medical confirmation that temporarily reduce anxiety but can
maintain health preoccupation
C. factitious disorder - intentional falsification or induction of symptoms in the absence of obvious external
rewards, associated with adopting the sick role
D. symptom amplification - heightened attention to bodily sensations and interpretation of ordinary sensations
as severe or threatening
Correct Answer: A. functional neurological symptom disorder - neurological-type symptoms that are
incompatible with recognized neurological disease and cause impairment
Explanation: The case is best classified as functional neurological symptom disorder because its central feature is
neurological-type symptoms that are incompatible with recognized neurological disease and cause impairment.
The other options describe distinct clinical patterns.
6. Which underlying principle or clinical feature best accounts for the key finding in this case? Months after
a violent assault, a person has nightmares, avoids reminders, feels detached, and startles intensely at sudden
sounds.
A. hyperarousal and reactivity
B. negative alterations in cognition and mood
C. adjustment disorder
D. post-traumatic stress disorder
Correct Answer: D. post-traumatic stress disorder
Explanation: The key feature points to post-traumatic stress disorder, meaning persistent trauma-related
symptoms involving intrusion, avoidance, negative changes in cognition or mood, and altered arousal after
qualifying trauma. This identifies the primary mechanism or syndrome rather than a less specific accompanying
feature.
,7. When reviewing the following case, which conclusion is the most defensible based on the information
provided? A child has long-standing distractibility, forgetfulness, impulsive interruptions, and organizational
problems at both school and home. Focus on the feature that most clearly distinguishes the alternatives.
A. The pattern most strongly supports specific learning disorder.
B. The pattern most strongly supports attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
C. The pattern most strongly supports executive-function difficulty in ADHD.
D. The pattern most strongly supports autism spectrum disorder.
Correct Answer: B. The pattern most strongly supports attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Explanation: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is the best conclusion because the presentation matches a
persistent pattern of developmentally inappropriate inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that begins in
childhood and impairs functioning in more than one setting. A full real-world assessment would still evaluate
medical, substance-related, developmental, and cultural alternatives where relevant.
8. A clinician is differentiating several related possibilities. Which interpretation most precisely classifies the
following case? An adult repeatedly deceives others, acts irresponsibly, violates laws, and shows little
remorse, with a documented history of conduct problems before age fifteen.
A. borderline personality disorder - a pervasive pattern of instability in relationships, self-image, and affect
together with marked impulsivity
B. antisocial personality disorder - a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others
beginning by adolescence and continuing into adulthood
C. histrionic personality disorder - a pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and attention seeking
D. dependent personality disorder - a pervasive and excessive need to be cared for that leads to submissive,
clinging behavior and fears of separation
Correct Answer: B. antisocial personality disorder - a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the
rights of others beginning by adolescence and continuing into adulthood
Explanation: The case is best classified as antisocial personality disorder because its central feature is a pervasive
pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others beginning by adolescence and continuing into
adulthood. The other options describe distinct clinical patterns.
9. Which underlying principle or clinical feature best accounts for the key finding in this case? For several
days, a person needs little sleep, becomes unusually talkative and productive, and is noticeably different
without severe functional collapse.
A. mania
B. grandiosity
C. hypomania
D. bipolar I disorder
Correct Answer: C. hypomania
Explanation: The key feature points to hypomania, meaning a period of elevated or irritable mood and increased
activity that is clearly different from baseline but does not cause marked impairment or require hospitalization.
This identifies the primary mechanism or syndrome rather than a less specific accompanying feature.
, 10. Select the most accurate clinical concept. A clinician is differentiating several related possibilities.
Which interpretation most precisely classifies the following case? Strong supportive relationships and
effective coping skills help buffer the effects of severe life stress.
A. expressed emotion - a family climate characterized by high criticism, hostility, or emotional
overinvolvement that can be associated with relapse in some disorders
B. epigenetic regulation - environmentally influenced changes in gene expression that do not require changing
the DNA sequence itself
C. protective factor - a characteristic or resource that reduces the likelihood or impact of psychopathology
despite exposure to risk
D. negative reinforcement of avoidance - the strengthening of avoidance because escaping a feared situation
immediately reduces distress
Correct Answer: C. protective factor - a characteristic or resource that reduces the likelihood or impact of
psychopathology despite exposure to risk
Explanation: The case is best classified as protective factor because its central feature is a characteristic or
resource that reduces the likelihood or impact of psychopathology despite exposure to risk. The other options
describe distinct clinical patterns.
11. A clinician is differentiating several related possibilities. Which interpretation most precisely classifies
the following case? A community program helps clients pursue work, relationships, housing, and personal
goals rather than defining success only as symptom elimination.
A. informed consent - the process of providing understandable information about treatment, risks, benefits,
alternatives, and voluntary choice before intervention
B. recovery model - a person-centered approach emphasizing hope, autonomy, meaningful roles, strengths, and
living a satisfying life even when symptoms persist
C. confidentiality - the professional obligation to protect private client information subject to defined legal and
ethical exceptions
D. interpersonal psychotherapy - a time-limited therapy focusing on current interpersonal problems such as
grief, role transitions, disputes, and social deficits
Correct Answer: B. recovery model - a person-centered approach emphasizing hope, autonomy, meaningful
roles, strengths, and living a satisfying life even when symptoms persist
Explanation: The case is best classified as recovery model because its central feature is a person-centered
approach emphasizing hope, autonomy, meaningful roles, strengths, and living a satisfying life even when
symptoms persist. The other options describe distinct clinical patterns.
12. Which underlying principle or clinical feature best accounts for the key finding in this case? A child
frequently argues with adults, deliberately annoys others, and is resentful but has not engaged in serious
aggression or theft.
A. proactive aggression
B. oppositional defiant disorder
C. reactive aggression
D. parent management training
Correct Answer: B. oppositional defiant disorder
Explanation: The key feature points to oppositional defiant disorder, meaning a persistent pattern of angry or
irritable mood, argumentative or defiant behavior, or vindictiveness toward authority figures without the serious
rights violations of conduct disorder. This identifies the primary mechanism or syndrome rather than a less specific
accompanying feature.
ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
| American Public University
1. Select the most accurate clinical concept. Which underlying principle or clinical feature best accounts for
the key finding in this case? A team organizes symptoms into syndromes and investigates underlying
biological processes in a way similar to other areas of medicine.
A. stigma
B. deinstitutionalization
C. medical model
D. biopsychosocial model
Correct Answer: C. medical model
Explanation: The key feature points to medical model, meaning the view that mental disorders can be understood
as illnesses with identifiable symptoms, courses, and possible biological contributions. This identifies the primary
mechanism or syndrome rather than a less specific accompanying feature.
2. Select the most accurate clinical concept. A clinician is differentiating several related possibilities. Which
interpretation most precisely classifies the following case? A night-shift worker cannot sleep adequately
during the day and becomes dangerously sleepy during required work hours.
A. NREM sleep arousal disorder - recurrent incomplete awakenings from non-REM sleep such as sleepwalking
or sleep terrors with limited dream recall
B. nightmare disorder - repeated dysphoric and well-remembered dreams that cause clinically significant
distress or impairment
C. insomnia disorder - persistent difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep or waking too early despite adequate
opportunity, with daytime impairment
D. circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder - a persistent mismatch between the person's internal sleep-wake
rhythm and required schedule that causes insomnia, sleepiness, or impairment
Correct Answer: D. circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder - a persistent mismatch between the person's
internal sleep-wake rhythm and required schedule that causes insomnia, sleepiness, or impairment
Explanation: The case is best classified as circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder because its central feature is a
persistent mismatch between the person's internal sleep-wake rhythm and required schedule that causes insomnia,
sleepiness, or impairment. The other options describe distinct clinical patterns.
3. Which diagnosis or concept best fits this presentation? After an extreme stressor, a person develops
hallucinations and disorganized behavior for ten days and then rapidly returns to baseline. Focus on the
feature that most clearly distinguishes the alternatives.
A. brief psychotic disorder
B. schizoaffective disorder
C. schizophreniform disorder
D. negative symptoms
Correct Answer: A. brief psychotic disorder
Explanation: The defining pattern is most consistent with brief psychotic disorder: an abrupt psychotic episode
lasting at least one day but less than one month followed by return toward previous functioning. The distractors
share some surface features but do not match the central pattern.
,4. When reviewing the following case, which conclusion is the most defensible based on the information
provided? A person is found in another city unable to explain the journey and unable to recall key aspects of
personal identity.
A. The pattern most strongly supports dissociative amnesia.
B. The pattern most strongly supports state-dependent memory.
C. The pattern most strongly supports dissociative fugue.
D. The pattern most strongly supports differential diagnosis of dissociation.
Correct Answer: C. The pattern most strongly supports dissociative fugue.
Explanation: Dissociative fugue is the best conclusion because the presentation matches apparently purposeful
travel or wandering associated with dissociative amnesia for identity or important autobiographical information. A
full real-world assessment would still evaluate medical, substance-related, developmental, and cultural alternatives
where relevant.
5. A clinician is differentiating several related possibilities. Which interpretation most precisely classifies the
following case? A patient develops weakness and episodes resembling seizures, but the pattern is
inconsistent with known neurological pathways after appropriate evaluation.
A. functional neurological symptom disorder - neurological-type symptoms that are incompatible with
recognized neurological disease and cause impairment
B. reassurance seeking - repetitive requests for medical confirmation that temporarily reduce anxiety but can
maintain health preoccupation
C. factitious disorder - intentional falsification or induction of symptoms in the absence of obvious external
rewards, associated with adopting the sick role
D. symptom amplification - heightened attention to bodily sensations and interpretation of ordinary sensations
as severe or threatening
Correct Answer: A. functional neurological symptom disorder - neurological-type symptoms that are
incompatible with recognized neurological disease and cause impairment
Explanation: The case is best classified as functional neurological symptom disorder because its central feature is
neurological-type symptoms that are incompatible with recognized neurological disease and cause impairment.
The other options describe distinct clinical patterns.
6. Which underlying principle or clinical feature best accounts for the key finding in this case? Months after
a violent assault, a person has nightmares, avoids reminders, feels detached, and startles intensely at sudden
sounds.
A. hyperarousal and reactivity
B. negative alterations in cognition and mood
C. adjustment disorder
D. post-traumatic stress disorder
Correct Answer: D. post-traumatic stress disorder
Explanation: The key feature points to post-traumatic stress disorder, meaning persistent trauma-related
symptoms involving intrusion, avoidance, negative changes in cognition or mood, and altered arousal after
qualifying trauma. This identifies the primary mechanism or syndrome rather than a less specific accompanying
feature.
,7. When reviewing the following case, which conclusion is the most defensible based on the information
provided? A child has long-standing distractibility, forgetfulness, impulsive interruptions, and organizational
problems at both school and home. Focus on the feature that most clearly distinguishes the alternatives.
A. The pattern most strongly supports specific learning disorder.
B. The pattern most strongly supports attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
C. The pattern most strongly supports executive-function difficulty in ADHD.
D. The pattern most strongly supports autism spectrum disorder.
Correct Answer: B. The pattern most strongly supports attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Explanation: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is the best conclusion because the presentation matches a
persistent pattern of developmentally inappropriate inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that begins in
childhood and impairs functioning in more than one setting. A full real-world assessment would still evaluate
medical, substance-related, developmental, and cultural alternatives where relevant.
8. A clinician is differentiating several related possibilities. Which interpretation most precisely classifies the
following case? An adult repeatedly deceives others, acts irresponsibly, violates laws, and shows little
remorse, with a documented history of conduct problems before age fifteen.
A. borderline personality disorder - a pervasive pattern of instability in relationships, self-image, and affect
together with marked impulsivity
B. antisocial personality disorder - a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others
beginning by adolescence and continuing into adulthood
C. histrionic personality disorder - a pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and attention seeking
D. dependent personality disorder - a pervasive and excessive need to be cared for that leads to submissive,
clinging behavior and fears of separation
Correct Answer: B. antisocial personality disorder - a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the
rights of others beginning by adolescence and continuing into adulthood
Explanation: The case is best classified as antisocial personality disorder because its central feature is a pervasive
pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others beginning by adolescence and continuing into
adulthood. The other options describe distinct clinical patterns.
9. Which underlying principle or clinical feature best accounts for the key finding in this case? For several
days, a person needs little sleep, becomes unusually talkative and productive, and is noticeably different
without severe functional collapse.
A. mania
B. grandiosity
C. hypomania
D. bipolar I disorder
Correct Answer: C. hypomania
Explanation: The key feature points to hypomania, meaning a period of elevated or irritable mood and increased
activity that is clearly different from baseline but does not cause marked impairment or require hospitalization.
This identifies the primary mechanism or syndrome rather than a less specific accompanying feature.
, 10. Select the most accurate clinical concept. A clinician is differentiating several related possibilities.
Which interpretation most precisely classifies the following case? Strong supportive relationships and
effective coping skills help buffer the effects of severe life stress.
A. expressed emotion - a family climate characterized by high criticism, hostility, or emotional
overinvolvement that can be associated with relapse in some disorders
B. epigenetic regulation - environmentally influenced changes in gene expression that do not require changing
the DNA sequence itself
C. protective factor - a characteristic or resource that reduces the likelihood or impact of psychopathology
despite exposure to risk
D. negative reinforcement of avoidance - the strengthening of avoidance because escaping a feared situation
immediately reduces distress
Correct Answer: C. protective factor - a characteristic or resource that reduces the likelihood or impact of
psychopathology despite exposure to risk
Explanation: The case is best classified as protective factor because its central feature is a characteristic or
resource that reduces the likelihood or impact of psychopathology despite exposure to risk. The other options
describe distinct clinical patterns.
11. A clinician is differentiating several related possibilities. Which interpretation most precisely classifies
the following case? A community program helps clients pursue work, relationships, housing, and personal
goals rather than defining success only as symptom elimination.
A. informed consent - the process of providing understandable information about treatment, risks, benefits,
alternatives, and voluntary choice before intervention
B. recovery model - a person-centered approach emphasizing hope, autonomy, meaningful roles, strengths, and
living a satisfying life even when symptoms persist
C. confidentiality - the professional obligation to protect private client information subject to defined legal and
ethical exceptions
D. interpersonal psychotherapy - a time-limited therapy focusing on current interpersonal problems such as
grief, role transitions, disputes, and social deficits
Correct Answer: B. recovery model - a person-centered approach emphasizing hope, autonomy, meaningful
roles, strengths, and living a satisfying life even when symptoms persist
Explanation: The case is best classified as recovery model because its central feature is a person-centered
approach emphasizing hope, autonomy, meaningful roles, strengths, and living a satisfying life even when
symptoms persist. The other options describe distinct clinical patterns.
12. Which underlying principle or clinical feature best accounts for the key finding in this case? A child
frequently argues with adults, deliberately annoys others, and is resentful but has not engaged in serious
aggression or theft.
A. proactive aggression
B. oppositional defiant disorder
C. reactive aggression
D. parent management training
Correct Answer: B. oppositional defiant disorder
Explanation: The key feature points to oppositional defiant disorder, meaning a persistent pattern of angry or
irritable mood, argumentative or defiant behavior, or vindictiveness toward authority figures without the serious
rights violations of conduct disorder. This identifies the primary mechanism or syndrome rather than a less specific
accompanying feature.
