Mental Health First Aid Study Guide
UPDATED ACTUAL Exam Questions and
CORRECT Answers
What is the definition of mental disorders as described in the MHFA text and what functions are
typically affected? - 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 - major depressive disorder
anxiety disorders
substance abuse disorders
What is the definition of Mental Health First Aid and how long is it given? - CORRECT
ANSWER - Mental Health First Aid is the help offered to a person developing a mental
health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. It is given until appropriate treatment and
support are received or until the crisis resolves.
How is "recovery" defined in the 2003 President's New Freedom Commission Report on Mental
Health? How does the concept of recovery vary among individuals? - CORRECT
ANSWER - It is defined as the process in which people are able to live, work, learn, and
participate fully in their communities. The concept of recovery varies among individuals because
some believe that it means being able to live a fulfilling and productive life despite a disability,
while others believe it means a reduction or complete remission of symptoms.
What do each of the letters in ALGEE represent as part of the Mental Health First Aid Action
Plan? - CORRECT ANSWER - A - Assess for risk of suicide or harm
L - listen nonjudgmentally
G - give reassurance and information
, E - encourage appropriate professional help
E - encourage self-help and other support strategies
What is the definition of a major depressive disorder? - CORRECT ANSWER - It lasts for
at least two weeks and affects a person's ability to work, to carry out usual daily activities, and to
have satisfying personal relationships.
Identify 3 warning signs of suicide from those listed in the MHFA text. - CORRECT
ANSWER - expressing hopelessness
feeling rage or anger, seeking revenge
talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide
Fact/Myth: 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 - Myth
Fact/Myth: More women attempt suicide than men. - CORRECT ANSWER - Fact
Fact/Myth: People who talk about suicide don't actually attempt suicide. - CORRECT
ANSWER - Myth
There are five important questions to ask a person if you think they may be suicidal. List all five.
- CORRECT ANSWER - Ask directly if the person is suicidal: Are you having thoughts of
suicide? Are you thinking about killing yourself?
Do you have a plan?
Have you decided how you are going to kill yourself?
Have you decided when you would do it?
Have you collected the things you need to carry out your plan?
UPDATED ACTUAL Exam Questions and
CORRECT Answers
What is the definition of mental disorders as described in the MHFA text and what functions are
typically affected? - 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 - major depressive disorder
anxiety disorders
substance abuse disorders
What is the definition of Mental Health First Aid and how long is it given? - CORRECT
ANSWER - Mental Health First Aid is the help offered to a person developing a mental
health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. It is given until appropriate treatment and
support are received or until the crisis resolves.
How is "recovery" defined in the 2003 President's New Freedom Commission Report on Mental
Health? How does the concept of recovery vary among individuals? - CORRECT
ANSWER - It is defined as the process in which people are able to live, work, learn, and
participate fully in their communities. The concept of recovery varies among individuals because
some believe that it means being able to live a fulfilling and productive life despite a disability,
while others believe it means a reduction or complete remission of symptoms.
What do each of the letters in ALGEE represent as part of the Mental Health First Aid Action
Plan? - CORRECT ANSWER - A - Assess for risk of suicide or harm
L - listen nonjudgmentally
G - give reassurance and information
, E - encourage appropriate professional help
E - encourage self-help and other support strategies
What is the definition of a major depressive disorder? - CORRECT ANSWER - It lasts for
at least two weeks and affects a person's ability to work, to carry out usual daily activities, and to
have satisfying personal relationships.
Identify 3 warning signs of suicide from those listed in the MHFA text. - CORRECT
ANSWER - expressing hopelessness
feeling rage or anger, seeking revenge
talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide
Fact/Myth: 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 - Myth
Fact/Myth: More women attempt suicide than men. - CORRECT ANSWER - Fact
Fact/Myth: People who talk about suicide don't actually attempt suicide. - CORRECT
ANSWER - Myth
There are five important questions to ask a person if you think they may be suicidal. List all five.
- CORRECT ANSWER - Ask directly if the person is suicidal: Are you having thoughts of
suicide? Are you thinking about killing yourself?
Do you have a plan?
Have you decided how you are going to kill yourself?
Have you decided when you would do it?
Have you collected the things you need to carry out your plan?
