Probation Officer Exam | Questions & Verified Answers
Major Depressive Disorder (Depression) Feelings of sadness/hopelessness, angry outbursts, loss of interest/pleasure,
feeling of worthiness/guilt, & unexplained physical problems.
Anxiety Disorder Feelings of nervousness/restlessness, impending danger, doom & panic, increased
heart rate, breathing rapidly, sweating, feeling weak, & irritability.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Flashbacks, nightmares, avoiding people, places, or things, being on the lookout for
threats, getting startled easily, depression, irritability, chronic pain & feeling
attacked.
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) Poor working memory, inattention, distractibility, & poor executive function.
Anti-Social Personality Disorder Exploit, manipulate/violate rights of others, lack of concern, regret, remorse, behave
irresponsibly, show disregard for normal social behavior, difficulty sustaining long
term relationships, unable to control anger, & blame others for problems.
Borderline Personality Disorder Fear of abandonment, unstable relationships, unclear/shifting self-image,
impulsive/self-destructive behaviors, extreme emotional swings, self-harm, chronic
feelings of emptiness, & explosive anger.
Schizophrenia Delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, extremely disorganized/abnormal
motor behavior, & negative symptoms.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Grandiose sense of self-importance living in a fantasy world to support their
delusions, needing constant praise/admiration, they have a sense of entitlement,
they exploit others w/o shame or guilt, frequently demean, belittle, & bully others.
Characteristics of Mental Health Disorder Any clinically significant behavioral or psychological syndrome characterized by the
presence of distressing symptoms, impairment of functioning, or significantly
increased risk of suffering death, pain, disability, or loss of freedom.
Symptoms of Major Depressive Episodes 5 or more symptoms over 2 weeks: Flat effect, depressed mood most/all day,
irritability, marked anhedonia (lack of pleasure in activities), weight loss or gain,
insomnia/hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation/retardation, fatigue/energy loss,
worthlessness or guilt feelings, difficulty w/ concentration, thinking, & acting, passive
or active SI (distress or impact function).
Anxiety Disorders Symptoms Varied levels of feeling anxious, constant worry or obsession, restless & on edge,
fatigue, difficulty w/ concentration, irritability, sleep disturbance, common physical
symptoms, chest tightness or pain, sweats, muscle tension & twitches, nausea &
diarrhea, panic symptoms, fight or flight, significant distress, difficulty distinguishing
between small & big things.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Exposure to dangerous event & perceived as such: One or more: recurrent &
intrusive recollections, recurrent dreams, acting & feeling the event, intense
psychological reaction to internal & external cues of event, physical reactivity to
cues, persistent avoidance of associated stimuli & general numbing (3 or more):
avoid reminders, difficulty w/ recall, withdrawal, detachment, restricted affect, sense
foreshortened future, persistent symptoms of increased arousal (2 or more):
difficulty w/ sleep, irritability, difficulty concentrating, hypervigilance, exaggerated
startle.
Schizophrenia Symptoms Delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized behavior or
catatonic behavior, negative symptoms: flat, poverty of speech, difficulty w/ goal
directed behavior.
Grade A+ | Updated
, Probation Officer Exam | Questions & Verified Answers
Attention Deficit Symptoms 6 or more over min 6 months: Fails to give close attention to task, difficulty
sustaining attention to task, doesn't seem to listen, not following instructions,
difficulty w/ organization, dislikes or avoids tasks requiring sustained attention, loses
things for tasks, easily distracted, forgetful in daily activities.
Antisocial Personality Disorder Criteria Must be 18 & violating rights of others since 15: 3 or more of the following: Not
conforming to social norms w/ disrespect for lawful behavior, deceitfulness includes
lying.
Impulsive Irritable & aggressive (fights & assaults are common) Disregard for safety (self &
others) fails to consider consequences
Irresponsible Lack/no remorse (indifference to rationalizing) *increased correlation w/ criminal
risk*
Borderline Personality Persistent instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, & emotions w/
significant impulsivity
Impulse behavior/self-damaging impulsivity Includes sex, spending, substances, etc.
Unstable & reactive moods Feels empty; a characteristic of Borderline Personality Disorder
Narcissistic Personality Pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, & lack of empathy as adult
Substance Use Disorder The use of a substance must produce significant distress
Impairment must occur within a 12 month period A requirement for diagnosis of Substance Use Disorder
At least 2 of the following 10 out of 11 must be met Criteria for Substance Use Disorder diagnosis
Tolerance Needs more to produce same effect or less effect when using same amount
Characteristic withdrawal Withdrawal symptoms or other substance taken to avoid withdrawal
Depressants Includes benzos (Xanax, Klonopin), barbiturates, Opiates
Intoxication characteristics of Depressants Reduced pain or anxiety, lower inhibitions, slurred speech, respiratory depression,
lower BP, impaired memory, impaired coordination, poor boundaries, & loss of
consciousness
Grade A+ | Updated
, Probation Officer Exam | Questions & Verified Answers
Withdrawal characteristics of Depressants Onset in several hours, duration of a few days to a week, sweating, increased heart
rate, tremors, insomnia, agitation, anxiety, vomiting or nausea, hallucinations &
seizures
Opiates Includes Morphine, Fentanyl, Codeine, Oxycodone
Alcohol Intoxication characteristics Slurred speech, lack of coordination, impaired memory or attention, stupor or coma,
poor boundaries
Alcohol Withdrawal characteristics Onset within 24 to 48 hours, duration 5 to 7 days, increased BP, increased HR,
increased temp.
Nausea/Vomiting Symptoms often associated with substance use or withdrawal.
Diarrhea A symptom that can indicate substance withdrawal or illness.
Delirium A severe disturbance in mental abilities that results in confused thinking and
reduced awareness of the environment.
Confusion A state of being bewildered or unclear in one's mind, often a symptom of
intoxication.
Hallucinations Perceptions in the absence of external stimuli, often experienced during substance
use or withdrawal.
Seizures Sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain, which can occur during
withdrawal from certain substances.
Marijuana Intoxication Characterized by euphoria, slowed thinking, slow reaction time, confusion, impaired
coordination, impaired memory, and anxiety/panic.
Marijuana Withdrawal Onset within a few days, may last weeks, includes irritability, sleep disturbance, and
concentration problems.
Hallucinogens Intoxication Characterized by altered perception, altered feeling, hallucinations, brief
appearance of psychotic episode, paranoia, and loss of appetite.
Hallucinogens Withdrawal Not clinically established; includes persistent perception disorder with continued
hallucinations or false perceptions.
Causes of Mental Illness or Substance Abuse Changes in brain structure and chemistry, genetic components, physical illness,
exposure to stressors or trauma, and developmental issues.
Grade A+ | Updated
, Probation Officer Exam | Questions & Verified Answers
Signs of Depressant Use Slow brain functioning, slow pulse/breathing, lowered blood pressure, poor
concentration/confusion, slurred speech, dilated pupils, and lack of coordination.
Alcohol Signs Poor concentration, impaired thinking, slurred speech, and memory impairment.
Marijuana Signs Red eyes, poor muscle coordination, delayed reaction times, and increased
appetite.
Hallucinogens Signs Increased blood pressure, breathing, body temperature, loss of appetite, dry mouth,
uncoordinated movements, panic, paranoia, and bizarre behaviors.
Abscond/Absconder A person who is absent to avoid the legal process.
Abstract of Judgement A summary of the court's decision and sentence completed for all felony
convictions.
Adjudication A juvenile court's determination that a delinquent act was committed; adjudication
equals conviction.
Alias An additional name a person sometimes uses or is called.
Case Management (CM) A goal-oriented strategy for coordinating services for an individual placed on
probation, involving assessment of risks and needs, case plan, service referrals,
and progress documentation.
Case Plan (CP) Provides a map for supervising and addressing probationer's needs, structuring
activities, and prioritizing goals.
Charge A formal accusation by a prosecutor alleging that an individual has committed a
crime defined by statute.
Chemical Test A test of breath, blood, hair, saliva, sweat, urine, or other bodily fluids to find alcohol
or controlled substances.
Chief Probation Officer A PO designated by the judge to oversee the work of the Probation Department.
Collateral Contact Any contact with a person or agency other than the probationer.
Commitment A sentence to prison or any secure facility via a court order.
Grade A+ | Updated
Major Depressive Disorder (Depression) Feelings of sadness/hopelessness, angry outbursts, loss of interest/pleasure,
feeling of worthiness/guilt, & unexplained physical problems.
Anxiety Disorder Feelings of nervousness/restlessness, impending danger, doom & panic, increased
heart rate, breathing rapidly, sweating, feeling weak, & irritability.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Flashbacks, nightmares, avoiding people, places, or things, being on the lookout for
threats, getting startled easily, depression, irritability, chronic pain & feeling
attacked.
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) Poor working memory, inattention, distractibility, & poor executive function.
Anti-Social Personality Disorder Exploit, manipulate/violate rights of others, lack of concern, regret, remorse, behave
irresponsibly, show disregard for normal social behavior, difficulty sustaining long
term relationships, unable to control anger, & blame others for problems.
Borderline Personality Disorder Fear of abandonment, unstable relationships, unclear/shifting self-image,
impulsive/self-destructive behaviors, extreme emotional swings, self-harm, chronic
feelings of emptiness, & explosive anger.
Schizophrenia Delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, extremely disorganized/abnormal
motor behavior, & negative symptoms.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Grandiose sense of self-importance living in a fantasy world to support their
delusions, needing constant praise/admiration, they have a sense of entitlement,
they exploit others w/o shame or guilt, frequently demean, belittle, & bully others.
Characteristics of Mental Health Disorder Any clinically significant behavioral or psychological syndrome characterized by the
presence of distressing symptoms, impairment of functioning, or significantly
increased risk of suffering death, pain, disability, or loss of freedom.
Symptoms of Major Depressive Episodes 5 or more symptoms over 2 weeks: Flat effect, depressed mood most/all day,
irritability, marked anhedonia (lack of pleasure in activities), weight loss or gain,
insomnia/hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation/retardation, fatigue/energy loss,
worthlessness or guilt feelings, difficulty w/ concentration, thinking, & acting, passive
or active SI (distress or impact function).
Anxiety Disorders Symptoms Varied levels of feeling anxious, constant worry or obsession, restless & on edge,
fatigue, difficulty w/ concentration, irritability, sleep disturbance, common physical
symptoms, chest tightness or pain, sweats, muscle tension & twitches, nausea &
diarrhea, panic symptoms, fight or flight, significant distress, difficulty distinguishing
between small & big things.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Exposure to dangerous event & perceived as such: One or more: recurrent &
intrusive recollections, recurrent dreams, acting & feeling the event, intense
psychological reaction to internal & external cues of event, physical reactivity to
cues, persistent avoidance of associated stimuli & general numbing (3 or more):
avoid reminders, difficulty w/ recall, withdrawal, detachment, restricted affect, sense
foreshortened future, persistent symptoms of increased arousal (2 or more):
difficulty w/ sleep, irritability, difficulty concentrating, hypervigilance, exaggerated
startle.
Schizophrenia Symptoms Delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized behavior or
catatonic behavior, negative symptoms: flat, poverty of speech, difficulty w/ goal
directed behavior.
Grade A+ | Updated
, Probation Officer Exam | Questions & Verified Answers
Attention Deficit Symptoms 6 or more over min 6 months: Fails to give close attention to task, difficulty
sustaining attention to task, doesn't seem to listen, not following instructions,
difficulty w/ organization, dislikes or avoids tasks requiring sustained attention, loses
things for tasks, easily distracted, forgetful in daily activities.
Antisocial Personality Disorder Criteria Must be 18 & violating rights of others since 15: 3 or more of the following: Not
conforming to social norms w/ disrespect for lawful behavior, deceitfulness includes
lying.
Impulsive Irritable & aggressive (fights & assaults are common) Disregard for safety (self &
others) fails to consider consequences
Irresponsible Lack/no remorse (indifference to rationalizing) *increased correlation w/ criminal
risk*
Borderline Personality Persistent instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, & emotions w/
significant impulsivity
Impulse behavior/self-damaging impulsivity Includes sex, spending, substances, etc.
Unstable & reactive moods Feels empty; a characteristic of Borderline Personality Disorder
Narcissistic Personality Pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, & lack of empathy as adult
Substance Use Disorder The use of a substance must produce significant distress
Impairment must occur within a 12 month period A requirement for diagnosis of Substance Use Disorder
At least 2 of the following 10 out of 11 must be met Criteria for Substance Use Disorder diagnosis
Tolerance Needs more to produce same effect or less effect when using same amount
Characteristic withdrawal Withdrawal symptoms or other substance taken to avoid withdrawal
Depressants Includes benzos (Xanax, Klonopin), barbiturates, Opiates
Intoxication characteristics of Depressants Reduced pain or anxiety, lower inhibitions, slurred speech, respiratory depression,
lower BP, impaired memory, impaired coordination, poor boundaries, & loss of
consciousness
Grade A+ | Updated
, Probation Officer Exam | Questions & Verified Answers
Withdrawal characteristics of Depressants Onset in several hours, duration of a few days to a week, sweating, increased heart
rate, tremors, insomnia, agitation, anxiety, vomiting or nausea, hallucinations &
seizures
Opiates Includes Morphine, Fentanyl, Codeine, Oxycodone
Alcohol Intoxication characteristics Slurred speech, lack of coordination, impaired memory or attention, stupor or coma,
poor boundaries
Alcohol Withdrawal characteristics Onset within 24 to 48 hours, duration 5 to 7 days, increased BP, increased HR,
increased temp.
Nausea/Vomiting Symptoms often associated with substance use or withdrawal.
Diarrhea A symptom that can indicate substance withdrawal or illness.
Delirium A severe disturbance in mental abilities that results in confused thinking and
reduced awareness of the environment.
Confusion A state of being bewildered or unclear in one's mind, often a symptom of
intoxication.
Hallucinations Perceptions in the absence of external stimuli, often experienced during substance
use or withdrawal.
Seizures Sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain, which can occur during
withdrawal from certain substances.
Marijuana Intoxication Characterized by euphoria, slowed thinking, slow reaction time, confusion, impaired
coordination, impaired memory, and anxiety/panic.
Marijuana Withdrawal Onset within a few days, may last weeks, includes irritability, sleep disturbance, and
concentration problems.
Hallucinogens Intoxication Characterized by altered perception, altered feeling, hallucinations, brief
appearance of psychotic episode, paranoia, and loss of appetite.
Hallucinogens Withdrawal Not clinically established; includes persistent perception disorder with continued
hallucinations or false perceptions.
Causes of Mental Illness or Substance Abuse Changes in brain structure and chemistry, genetic components, physical illness,
exposure to stressors or trauma, and developmental issues.
Grade A+ | Updated
, Probation Officer Exam | Questions & Verified Answers
Signs of Depressant Use Slow brain functioning, slow pulse/breathing, lowered blood pressure, poor
concentration/confusion, slurred speech, dilated pupils, and lack of coordination.
Alcohol Signs Poor concentration, impaired thinking, slurred speech, and memory impairment.
Marijuana Signs Red eyes, poor muscle coordination, delayed reaction times, and increased
appetite.
Hallucinogens Signs Increased blood pressure, breathing, body temperature, loss of appetite, dry mouth,
uncoordinated movements, panic, paranoia, and bizarre behaviors.
Abscond/Absconder A person who is absent to avoid the legal process.
Abstract of Judgement A summary of the court's decision and sentence completed for all felony
convictions.
Adjudication A juvenile court's determination that a delinquent act was committed; adjudication
equals conviction.
Alias An additional name a person sometimes uses or is called.
Case Management (CM) A goal-oriented strategy for coordinating services for an individual placed on
probation, involving assessment of risks and needs, case plan, service referrals,
and progress documentation.
Case Plan (CP) Provides a map for supervising and addressing probationer's needs, structuring
activities, and prioritizing goals.
Charge A formal accusation by a prosecutor alleging that an individual has committed a
crime defined by statute.
Chemical Test A test of breath, blood, hair, saliva, sweat, urine, or other bodily fluids to find alcohol
or controlled substances.
Chief Probation Officer A PO designated by the judge to oversee the work of the Probation Department.
Collateral Contact Any contact with a person or agency other than the probationer.
Commitment A sentence to prison or any secure facility via a court order.
Grade A+ | Updated
