AMFTRB Exam Questions and Answers:
DSM DX
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) vs. Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder (SCD) - Answer-People
with autism repeat certain behaviors, have disruptive behaviors, and trouble with social interaction (not
necessarily speech). Individuals with SCD will NOT display these behaviors. People with SCD struggle to
adjust their communication based on the specific situation.
Specific Learning Disorder vs. ADHD - Answer-SLDs compromise student's ability to listen, think, speak,
read, write, spell, or do math. While ADHD is characterized by limited alertness in academic
environment
Pica vs. Rumination Disorder - Answer-PICA is persistent eating of non-food substances. Rumination is
the repeated regurgitation of undigested food not related to any other disorder (may chew and swallow
again, or spit out)
Language Disorder vs Child Onset Fluency Disorder - Answer-LDs refer to difficulties understanding or
using written or spoken language, but not spoken language. COFD, aka Stuttering, is a specific LD, with
repetition of words and prolonged syllables.
, Tourette's Disorder vs. Persistent Motor/Vocal Tic Disorder - Answer-Tourette's is a
neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by multiple motor AND vocal tics, and is often comorbid
with ADHD or OCD. PMVTD is characterized by presence of either motor OR vocal tics.
Encopresis vs. Enuresis - Answer-Encopresis is repeated pooping in inappropriate places (at least age 4).
Enuresis, aka bedwetting, is involuntary peeing, usually at night (at least age 5)
Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) vs. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) - Answer-SAD characterized by
excessive anxiety about separation from home orl oves ones, whereas GAD is about everyday events
and activities
Selective mutism vs. Social anxiety disorder - Answer-SM is childhood disorder where child can't speak
in certain situations. Children with SM are typically shy, anxious, and have difficulty with conversation.
SAD can occur in children and adults, and is a persistent fear of social situations and anticipation of
embarrassment or negative evaluation
Reactive Attachment Disorder vs. Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder - Answer-Both can occur in
children who have severe disruptions in early care, such as institutional care, neglect or frequent
changes of caregivers. Children with RAD have difficulty forming attachments and may be emotionally
withdrawn, whereas DSED is difficulty regulating social interactions and an excessive desire for attention
and physical contact with unfamiliar adults (onset before 5)
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) vs. Conduct Disorder (CD) vs. Disruptive Mood Disregulation
Disorder (DMDD) - Answer-ODD is characterized by disobedient, defiant, and hostile behavior towards
authority figures, CD is characterized by persistent pattern of aggressive, illegal, or destructive behavior
or towards others and/or property or violating rights of others, and DMDD is characterized by severe
recurrent temper outbursts and persistent irritability and anger.
Brief Psychotic Disorder vs. Schizophreniform Disorder vs. Schizophrenia - Answer-Brief Psychotic
Disorder is characterized by symptoms of psychosis lasting less than ONE month, Schizophreniform
Disorder is characterized by symptoms of psychosis lasting LESS than six months, and Schizophrenia is a
chronic disorder characterized by symptoms of psychosis lasting at LEAST six months with additional
negative symptoms.
DSM DX
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) vs. Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder (SCD) - Answer-People
with autism repeat certain behaviors, have disruptive behaviors, and trouble with social interaction (not
necessarily speech). Individuals with SCD will NOT display these behaviors. People with SCD struggle to
adjust their communication based on the specific situation.
Specific Learning Disorder vs. ADHD - Answer-SLDs compromise student's ability to listen, think, speak,
read, write, spell, or do math. While ADHD is characterized by limited alertness in academic
environment
Pica vs. Rumination Disorder - Answer-PICA is persistent eating of non-food substances. Rumination is
the repeated regurgitation of undigested food not related to any other disorder (may chew and swallow
again, or spit out)
Language Disorder vs Child Onset Fluency Disorder - Answer-LDs refer to difficulties understanding or
using written or spoken language, but not spoken language. COFD, aka Stuttering, is a specific LD, with
repetition of words and prolonged syllables.
, Tourette's Disorder vs. Persistent Motor/Vocal Tic Disorder - Answer-Tourette's is a
neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by multiple motor AND vocal tics, and is often comorbid
with ADHD or OCD. PMVTD is characterized by presence of either motor OR vocal tics.
Encopresis vs. Enuresis - Answer-Encopresis is repeated pooping in inappropriate places (at least age 4).
Enuresis, aka bedwetting, is involuntary peeing, usually at night (at least age 5)
Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) vs. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) - Answer-SAD characterized by
excessive anxiety about separation from home orl oves ones, whereas GAD is about everyday events
and activities
Selective mutism vs. Social anxiety disorder - Answer-SM is childhood disorder where child can't speak
in certain situations. Children with SM are typically shy, anxious, and have difficulty with conversation.
SAD can occur in children and adults, and is a persistent fear of social situations and anticipation of
embarrassment or negative evaluation
Reactive Attachment Disorder vs. Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder - Answer-Both can occur in
children who have severe disruptions in early care, such as institutional care, neglect or frequent
changes of caregivers. Children with RAD have difficulty forming attachments and may be emotionally
withdrawn, whereas DSED is difficulty regulating social interactions and an excessive desire for attention
and physical contact with unfamiliar adults (onset before 5)
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) vs. Conduct Disorder (CD) vs. Disruptive Mood Disregulation
Disorder (DMDD) - Answer-ODD is characterized by disobedient, defiant, and hostile behavior towards
authority figures, CD is characterized by persistent pattern of aggressive, illegal, or destructive behavior
or towards others and/or property or violating rights of others, and DMDD is characterized by severe
recurrent temper outbursts and persistent irritability and anger.
Brief Psychotic Disorder vs. Schizophreniform Disorder vs. Schizophrenia - Answer-Brief Psychotic
Disorder is characterized by symptoms of psychosis lasting less than ONE month, Schizophreniform
Disorder is characterized by symptoms of psychosis lasting LESS than six months, and Schizophrenia is a
chronic disorder characterized by symptoms of psychosis lasting at LEAST six months with additional
negative symptoms.
