PSYC 350 FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
| American Public University
1. Which concept is best defined as the co-occurrence of two or more diagnosable conditions in the same
individual?
A. comorbidity
B. test-retest reliability
C. mental status examination
D. self-report measure
Correct Answer: A. comorbidity
Explanation: Comorbidity refers to the co-occurrence of two or more diagnosable conditions in the same
individual. The alternatives name different constructs within the same clinical area.
2. Select the most accurate clinical concept. Which diagnosis or concept best fits this presentation? A person
leaves crowded stores whenever anxiety rises, feels immediate relief, and becomes increasingly likely to
avoid stores in the future.
A. negative reinforcement of avoidance
B. multifinality
C. diathesis-stress model
D. epigenetic regulation
Correct Answer: A. negative reinforcement of avoidance
Explanation: The defining pattern is most consistent with negative reinforcement of avoidance: the strengthening
of avoidance because escaping a feared situation immediately reduces distress. The distractors share some surface
features but do not match the central pattern.
3. When reviewing the following case, which conclusion is the most defensible based on the information
provided? For eight days, a person sleeps two hours nightly, speaks rapidly, starts risky ventures, feels
unusually powerful, and requires hospital care.
A. The pattern most strongly supports decreased need for sleep.
B. The pattern most strongly supports antidepressant-induced mood switching.
C. The pattern most strongly supports bipolar II disorder.
D. The pattern most strongly supports mania.
Correct Answer: D. The pattern most strongly supports mania.
Explanation: Mania is the best conclusion because the presentation matches a distinct period of abnormally
elevated, expansive, or irritable mood with increased energy and marked impairment or need for hospitalization. A
full real-world assessment would still evaluate medical, substance-related, developmental, and cultural alternatives
where relevant.
,4. Which underlying principle or clinical feature best accounts for the key finding in this case? A severely
malnourished patient begins nutritional rehabilitation and requires careful monitoring of electrolytes and
cardiovascular status.
A. rumination disorder
B. enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy
C. refeeding syndrome risk
D. medical stabilization in eating disorders
Correct Answer: C. refeeding syndrome risk
Explanation: The key feature points to refeeding syndrome risk, meaning potentially dangerous metabolic and
electrolyte shifts that can occur when nutrition is restored too rapidly after severe malnutrition. This identifies the
primary mechanism or syndrome rather than a less specific accompanying feature.
5. When reviewing the following case, which conclusion is the most defensible based on the information
provided? A youth repeatedly harms others, shows little remorse, and appears unconcerned about poor
performance or others' distress.
A. The pattern most strongly supports callous-unemotional traits.
B. The pattern most strongly supports reactive aggression.
C. The pattern most strongly supports parent management training.
D. The pattern most strongly supports intermittent explosive disorder.
Correct Answer: A. The pattern most strongly supports callous-unemotional traits.
Explanation: Callous-unemotional traits is the best conclusion because the presentation matches a pattern of
limited guilt, empathy, concern about performance, and emotional expression that can mark a severe
conduct-problem presentation. A full real-world assessment would still evaluate medical, substance-related,
developmental, and cultural alternatives where relevant.
6. Which diagnosis or concept best fits this presentation? For several months, a person is convinced a
neighbor is secretly in love with them but remains organized and functional in most other areas.
A. delusional disorder
B. antipsychotic medication
C. schizophreniform disorder
D. schizoaffective disorder
Correct Answer: A. delusional disorder
Explanation: The defining pattern is most consistent with delusional disorder: one or more persistent delusions
with relatively preserved functioning outside the impact of the delusional belief. The distractors share some surface
features but do not match the central pattern.
,7. A clinician is differentiating several related possibilities. Which interpretation most precisely classifies the
following case? A person repeatedly exposes genitals to unsuspecting strangers for sexual arousal despite
legal and interpersonal consequences. Focus on the feature that most clearly distinguishes the alternatives.
A. premature ejaculation - a persistent pattern of ejaculation occurring sooner than desired with minimal
stimulation and associated distress
B. sexual interest arousal difficulty - persistent reduction in sexual interest or arousal that is clinically
significant and distressing after context is considered
C. exhibitionistic disorder - recurrent sexually arousing urges or behaviors involving exposing the genitals to
unsuspecting nonconsenting persons, with acted-on urges or distress or impairment
D. sexual dysfunction - a clinically significant disturbance in sexual response or pleasure that causes distress
and is not better explained by another condition or context
Correct Answer: C. exhibitionistic disorder - recurrent sexually arousing urges or behaviors involving
exposing the genitals to unsuspecting nonconsenting persons, with acted-on urges or distress or impairment
Explanation: The case is best classified as exhibitionistic disorder because its central feature is recurrent sexually
arousing urges or behaviors involving exposing the genitals to unsuspecting nonconsenting persons, with acted-on
urges or distress or impairment. The other options describe distinct clinical patterns.
8. Which diagnosis or concept best fits this presentation? A survivor refuses to discuss the event and takes
long routes to avoid the neighborhood where it occurred.
A. trauma-related avoidance
B. prolonged exposure therapy
C. post-traumatic stress disorder
D. dissociative subtype of PTSD
Correct Answer: A. trauma-related avoidance
Explanation: The defining pattern is most consistent with trauma-related avoidance: efforts to avoid internal
memories or external reminders associated with traumatic events. The distractors share some surface features but
do not match the central pattern.
9. Which concept is best defined as delusions or hallucinations that occur during a severe depressive
episode?
A. major depressive episode
B. psychotic features in depression
C. rumination
D. hopelessness
Correct Answer: B. psychotic features in depression
Explanation: Psychotic features in depression refers to delusions or hallucinations that occur during a severe
depressive episode. The alternatives name different constructs within the same clinical area.
, 10. When reviewing the following case, which conclusion is the most defensible based on the information
provided? A therapist helps a patient limit time awake in bed, keep a consistent wake time, and modify
catastrophic beliefs about sleep. Focus on the feature that most clearly distinguishes the alternatives.
A. The pattern most strongly supports restless legs syndrome.
B. The pattern most strongly supports narcolepsy.
C. The pattern most strongly supports cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.
D. The pattern most strongly supports circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder.
Correct Answer: C. The pattern most strongly supports cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.
Explanation: Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is the best conclusion because the presentation matches a
first-line behavioral treatment combining strategies such as stimulus control, sleep restriction, cognitive work, and
sleep scheduling. A full real-world assessment would still evaluate medical, substance-related, developmental, and
cultural alternatives where relevant.
11. A clinician is differentiating several related possibilities. Which interpretation most precisely classifies
the following case? A child has age-inappropriate vocabulary and sentence construction that interfere with
classroom communication. Focus on the feature that most clearly distinguishes the alternatives.
A. intellectual disability - limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive functioning with onset during the
developmental period
B. language disorder - persistent difficulties acquiring and using language because of deficits in vocabulary,
sentence structure, or discourse
C. stereotypic movement disorder - repetitive, seemingly driven motor behavior that interferes with activities or
causes injury and is not better explained by another condition
D. executive-function difficulty in ADHD - problems with planning, inhibition, working memory, and
sustained goal-directed organization often associated with ADHD
Correct Answer: B. language disorder - persistent difficulties acquiring and using language because of deficits
in vocabulary, sentence structure, or discourse
Explanation: The case is best classified as language disorder because its central feature is persistent difficulties
acquiring and using language because of deficits in vocabulary, sentence structure, or discourse. The other options
describe distinct clinical patterns.
12. A clinician is differentiating several related possibilities. Which interpretation most precisely classifies
the following case? A service begins with a lower-intensity evidence-based intervention for a mild
presentation and increases treatment intensity if symptoms persist or risk rises.
A. confidentiality - the professional obligation to protect private client information subject to defined legal and
ethical exceptions
B. cultural formulation - systematic consideration of cultural identity, explanations of illness, stressors,
supports, and the clinician-client relationship in assessment and care
C. stepped care - organizing treatment so intervention intensity is matched to need and adjusted according to
response
D. recovery model - a person-centered approach emphasizing hope, autonomy, meaningful roles, strengths, and
living a satisfying life even when symptoms persist
Correct Answer: C. stepped care - organizing treatment so intervention intensity is matched to need and
adjusted according to response
Explanation: The case is best classified as stepped care because its central feature is organizing treatment so
intervention intensity is matched to need and adjusted according to response. The other options describe distinct
clinical patterns.
ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS
| American Public University
1. Which concept is best defined as the co-occurrence of two or more diagnosable conditions in the same
individual?
A. comorbidity
B. test-retest reliability
C. mental status examination
D. self-report measure
Correct Answer: A. comorbidity
Explanation: Comorbidity refers to the co-occurrence of two or more diagnosable conditions in the same
individual. The alternatives name different constructs within the same clinical area.
2. Select the most accurate clinical concept. Which diagnosis or concept best fits this presentation? A person
leaves crowded stores whenever anxiety rises, feels immediate relief, and becomes increasingly likely to
avoid stores in the future.
A. negative reinforcement of avoidance
B. multifinality
C. diathesis-stress model
D. epigenetic regulation
Correct Answer: A. negative reinforcement of avoidance
Explanation: The defining pattern is most consistent with negative reinforcement of avoidance: the strengthening
of avoidance because escaping a feared situation immediately reduces distress. The distractors share some surface
features but do not match the central pattern.
3. When reviewing the following case, which conclusion is the most defensible based on the information
provided? For eight days, a person sleeps two hours nightly, speaks rapidly, starts risky ventures, feels
unusually powerful, and requires hospital care.
A. The pattern most strongly supports decreased need for sleep.
B. The pattern most strongly supports antidepressant-induced mood switching.
C. The pattern most strongly supports bipolar II disorder.
D. The pattern most strongly supports mania.
Correct Answer: D. The pattern most strongly supports mania.
Explanation: Mania is the best conclusion because the presentation matches a distinct period of abnormally
elevated, expansive, or irritable mood with increased energy and marked impairment or need for hospitalization. A
full real-world assessment would still evaluate medical, substance-related, developmental, and cultural alternatives
where relevant.
,4. Which underlying principle or clinical feature best accounts for the key finding in this case? A severely
malnourished patient begins nutritional rehabilitation and requires careful monitoring of electrolytes and
cardiovascular status.
A. rumination disorder
B. enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy
C. refeeding syndrome risk
D. medical stabilization in eating disorders
Correct Answer: C. refeeding syndrome risk
Explanation: The key feature points to refeeding syndrome risk, meaning potentially dangerous metabolic and
electrolyte shifts that can occur when nutrition is restored too rapidly after severe malnutrition. This identifies the
primary mechanism or syndrome rather than a less specific accompanying feature.
5. When reviewing the following case, which conclusion is the most defensible based on the information
provided? A youth repeatedly harms others, shows little remorse, and appears unconcerned about poor
performance or others' distress.
A. The pattern most strongly supports callous-unemotional traits.
B. The pattern most strongly supports reactive aggression.
C. The pattern most strongly supports parent management training.
D. The pattern most strongly supports intermittent explosive disorder.
Correct Answer: A. The pattern most strongly supports callous-unemotional traits.
Explanation: Callous-unemotional traits is the best conclusion because the presentation matches a pattern of
limited guilt, empathy, concern about performance, and emotional expression that can mark a severe
conduct-problem presentation. A full real-world assessment would still evaluate medical, substance-related,
developmental, and cultural alternatives where relevant.
6. Which diagnosis or concept best fits this presentation? For several months, a person is convinced a
neighbor is secretly in love with them but remains organized and functional in most other areas.
A. delusional disorder
B. antipsychotic medication
C. schizophreniform disorder
D. schizoaffective disorder
Correct Answer: A. delusional disorder
Explanation: The defining pattern is most consistent with delusional disorder: one or more persistent delusions
with relatively preserved functioning outside the impact of the delusional belief. The distractors share some surface
features but do not match the central pattern.
,7. A clinician is differentiating several related possibilities. Which interpretation most precisely classifies the
following case? A person repeatedly exposes genitals to unsuspecting strangers for sexual arousal despite
legal and interpersonal consequences. Focus on the feature that most clearly distinguishes the alternatives.
A. premature ejaculation - a persistent pattern of ejaculation occurring sooner than desired with minimal
stimulation and associated distress
B. sexual interest arousal difficulty - persistent reduction in sexual interest or arousal that is clinically
significant and distressing after context is considered
C. exhibitionistic disorder - recurrent sexually arousing urges or behaviors involving exposing the genitals to
unsuspecting nonconsenting persons, with acted-on urges or distress or impairment
D. sexual dysfunction - a clinically significant disturbance in sexual response or pleasure that causes distress
and is not better explained by another condition or context
Correct Answer: C. exhibitionistic disorder - recurrent sexually arousing urges or behaviors involving
exposing the genitals to unsuspecting nonconsenting persons, with acted-on urges or distress or impairment
Explanation: The case is best classified as exhibitionistic disorder because its central feature is recurrent sexually
arousing urges or behaviors involving exposing the genitals to unsuspecting nonconsenting persons, with acted-on
urges or distress or impairment. The other options describe distinct clinical patterns.
8. Which diagnosis or concept best fits this presentation? A survivor refuses to discuss the event and takes
long routes to avoid the neighborhood where it occurred.
A. trauma-related avoidance
B. prolonged exposure therapy
C. post-traumatic stress disorder
D. dissociative subtype of PTSD
Correct Answer: A. trauma-related avoidance
Explanation: The defining pattern is most consistent with trauma-related avoidance: efforts to avoid internal
memories or external reminders associated with traumatic events. The distractors share some surface features but
do not match the central pattern.
9. Which concept is best defined as delusions or hallucinations that occur during a severe depressive
episode?
A. major depressive episode
B. psychotic features in depression
C. rumination
D. hopelessness
Correct Answer: B. psychotic features in depression
Explanation: Psychotic features in depression refers to delusions or hallucinations that occur during a severe
depressive episode. The alternatives name different constructs within the same clinical area.
, 10. When reviewing the following case, which conclusion is the most defensible based on the information
provided? A therapist helps a patient limit time awake in bed, keep a consistent wake time, and modify
catastrophic beliefs about sleep. Focus on the feature that most clearly distinguishes the alternatives.
A. The pattern most strongly supports restless legs syndrome.
B. The pattern most strongly supports narcolepsy.
C. The pattern most strongly supports cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.
D. The pattern most strongly supports circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder.
Correct Answer: C. The pattern most strongly supports cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.
Explanation: Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is the best conclusion because the presentation matches a
first-line behavioral treatment combining strategies such as stimulus control, sleep restriction, cognitive work, and
sleep scheduling. A full real-world assessment would still evaluate medical, substance-related, developmental, and
cultural alternatives where relevant.
11. A clinician is differentiating several related possibilities. Which interpretation most precisely classifies
the following case? A child has age-inappropriate vocabulary and sentence construction that interfere with
classroom communication. Focus on the feature that most clearly distinguishes the alternatives.
A. intellectual disability - limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive functioning with onset during the
developmental period
B. language disorder - persistent difficulties acquiring and using language because of deficits in vocabulary,
sentence structure, or discourse
C. stereotypic movement disorder - repetitive, seemingly driven motor behavior that interferes with activities or
causes injury and is not better explained by another condition
D. executive-function difficulty in ADHD - problems with planning, inhibition, working memory, and
sustained goal-directed organization often associated with ADHD
Correct Answer: B. language disorder - persistent difficulties acquiring and using language because of deficits
in vocabulary, sentence structure, or discourse
Explanation: The case is best classified as language disorder because its central feature is persistent difficulties
acquiring and using language because of deficits in vocabulary, sentence structure, or discourse. The other options
describe distinct clinical patterns.
12. A clinician is differentiating several related possibilities. Which interpretation most precisely classifies
the following case? A service begins with a lower-intensity evidence-based intervention for a mild
presentation and increases treatment intensity if symptoms persist or risk rises.
A. confidentiality - the professional obligation to protect private client information subject to defined legal and
ethical exceptions
B. cultural formulation - systematic consideration of cultural identity, explanations of illness, stressors,
supports, and the clinician-client relationship in assessment and care
C. stepped care - organizing treatment so intervention intensity is matched to need and adjusted according to
response
D. recovery model - a person-centered approach emphasizing hope, autonomy, meaningful roles, strengths, and
living a satisfying life even when symptoms persist
Correct Answer: C. stepped care - organizing treatment so intervention intensity is matched to need and
adjusted according to response
Explanation: The case is best classified as stepped care because its central feature is organizing treatment so
intervention intensity is matched to need and adjusted according to response. The other options describe distinct
clinical patterns.
