MHFA Exam UPDATED ACTUAL Exam
Questions and CORRECT Answers
What is the definition of Mental Health First Aid and how long is it given? Be sure to answer
both parts of this question. - CORRECT ANSWER - Mental health first aid is the help
offered to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.
The first aid is given until appropriate treatment and support are received or until the crisis
resolves.
What is the definition of mental disorders as described in the MHFA text (be sure to include the
areas of functioning that are typically affected)? What abilities are often disrupted by a mental
disorder? - CORRECT ANSWER - A mental disorder is a diagnosable illness that affects a
person's thinking, emotional state, and behavior and disrupts the person's ability to work or carry
out other daily activities and engage in satisfying personal relationships.
What are the three most common mental disorders experienced by adults in the United States -
CORRECT ANSWER - Anxiety disorders, major depressive disorders, and substance use
disorders.
How do anxiety disorders differ from normal stress and anxiety - CORRECT ANSWER -
It is more intense, it is long lasting, and it interferes with the person's work, activities, and
relationships.
A - CORRECT ANSWER - Assess for risk of suicide or harm
L - CORRECT ANSWER - Listen nonjudgementally
G - CORRECT ANSWER - Give reassurance and Information
E - CORRECT ANSWER - Encourage appropriate professional help
E - CORRECT ANSWER - Encourage self-help and other support strategies
, Identify 3 warning signs of suicide from those listed in the MHFA text. - CORRECT
ANSWER - Threatening to hurt or kill oneself, expressing hopelessness, and undergoing
dramatic changes in mood.
If you are concerned about a person who
seems depressed, you should not directly ask if they are thinking of committing suicide because
it could put the idea into their head. - CORRECT ANSWER - False
More women attempt suicide than men. - CORRECT ANSWER - True
People who talk about suicide don't actually
attempt suicide. - CORRECT ANSWER - False
There are five important questions to ask a person if you think they may be suicidal. List all five.
- CORRECT ANSWER - 1. Are you having thought of suicide?
2. Do you have a plan?
3. Have you decided how to kill yourself?
4. Have you decided when you'd do it?
5. Have you started to college the materials you need?
In the past, a traditional way to treat a person having a panic attack was to have them breathe into
a paper bag. List three reasons why that strategy might not be appropriate - CORRECT
ANSWER - 1. Symptoms of a panic attack include shortness of breath, and the sensation
of choking or being smothered which may be worsened using this technique. The levels of CO2
intake can be harmful.
2. A bag may not be available.
3. Using a bag may draw unwanted attention to the person and make them even more anxious.
Questions and CORRECT Answers
What is the definition of Mental Health First Aid and how long is it given? Be sure to answer
both parts of this question. - CORRECT ANSWER - Mental health first aid is the help
offered to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.
The first aid is given until appropriate treatment and support are received or until the crisis
resolves.
What is the definition of mental disorders as described in the MHFA text (be sure to include the
areas of functioning that are typically affected)? What abilities are often disrupted by a mental
disorder? - CORRECT ANSWER - A mental disorder is a diagnosable illness that affects a
person's thinking, emotional state, and behavior and disrupts the person's ability to work or carry
out other daily activities and engage in satisfying personal relationships.
What are the three most common mental disorders experienced by adults in the United States -
CORRECT ANSWER - Anxiety disorders, major depressive disorders, and substance use
disorders.
How do anxiety disorders differ from normal stress and anxiety - CORRECT ANSWER -
It is more intense, it is long lasting, and it interferes with the person's work, activities, and
relationships.
A - CORRECT ANSWER - Assess for risk of suicide or harm
L - CORRECT ANSWER - Listen nonjudgementally
G - CORRECT ANSWER - Give reassurance and Information
E - CORRECT ANSWER - Encourage appropriate professional help
E - CORRECT ANSWER - Encourage self-help and other support strategies
, Identify 3 warning signs of suicide from those listed in the MHFA text. - CORRECT
ANSWER - Threatening to hurt or kill oneself, expressing hopelessness, and undergoing
dramatic changes in mood.
If you are concerned about a person who
seems depressed, you should not directly ask if they are thinking of committing suicide because
it could put the idea into their head. - CORRECT ANSWER - False
More women attempt suicide than men. - CORRECT ANSWER - True
People who talk about suicide don't actually
attempt suicide. - CORRECT ANSWER - False
There are five important questions to ask a person if you think they may be suicidal. List all five.
- CORRECT ANSWER - 1. Are you having thought of suicide?
2. Do you have a plan?
3. Have you decided how to kill yourself?
4. Have you decided when you'd do it?
5. Have you started to college the materials you need?
In the past, a traditional way to treat a person having a panic attack was to have them breathe into
a paper bag. List three reasons why that strategy might not be appropriate - CORRECT
ANSWER - 1. Symptoms of a panic attack include shortness of breath, and the sensation
of choking or being smothered which may be worsened using this technique. The levels of CO2
intake can be harmful.
2. A bag may not be available.
3. Using a bag may draw unwanted attention to the person and make them even more anxious.
