MENTAL HEALTH EXAM
STUDY GUIDE
What is the main purpose of the DSM-5 for occupational therapists? (Bonder, Ch 2) - correct answer-To
provide a standardized system for diagnosing mental disorders that supports treatment planning and
interprofessional collaboration.
How does the DSM-5 categorize disorders? (Bonder, Ch 2) - correct answer-By diagnostic categories
(e.g., mood, anxiety, neurodevelopmental) and includes criteria, severity levels, and specifiers.
What are specifiers in DSM-5, and why are they important for OT? (Bonder, Ch 2) - correct answer-
Specifiers describe additional features (e.g., "with anxious distress") to tailor treatment and understand
functional impact.
Why must OTs consider cultural context when using the DSM-5? (Bonder, Ch 2) - correct answer-Cultural
factors influence symptom expression, diagnosis, and intervention strategies.
What is a key critique of DSM-5 from an OT perspective? (Bonder, Ch 2) - correct answer-It focuses on
deficits and symptoms, not strengths or function; may pathologize normal behavior.
, How can occupational therapists supplement the DSM-5 in practice? (Bonder, Ch 2) - correct answer-By
using occupation-based models like MOHO to assess performance, participation, and client-centered
goals.
What is the reward pathway involved in substance addiction? (Bonder, Ch 18) - correct answer-The
mesolimbic dopamine system (VTA → nucleus accumbens).
What are the 3 stages of addiction in neurobiology? (Bonder, Ch 18) - correct answer-Incentive salience
(craving), negative emotional state (withdrawal), and executive dysfunction (loss of control).
What are DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Substance Use Disorder? (Bonder, Ch 18) - correct answer-
Tolerance, withdrawal, craving, loss of control, neglect of roles, continued use despite harm.
How does substance abuse affect occupational performance? (Bonder, Ch 18) - correct answer-It
disrupts self-care, routines, work, social interaction, and leisure.
Name two behavioral interventions OTs may support in SUD treatment. (Bonder, Ch 18) - correct
answer-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing.
STUDY GUIDE
What is the main purpose of the DSM-5 for occupational therapists? (Bonder, Ch 2) - correct answer-To
provide a standardized system for diagnosing mental disorders that supports treatment planning and
interprofessional collaboration.
How does the DSM-5 categorize disorders? (Bonder, Ch 2) - correct answer-By diagnostic categories
(e.g., mood, anxiety, neurodevelopmental) and includes criteria, severity levels, and specifiers.
What are specifiers in DSM-5, and why are they important for OT? (Bonder, Ch 2) - correct answer-
Specifiers describe additional features (e.g., "with anxious distress") to tailor treatment and understand
functional impact.
Why must OTs consider cultural context when using the DSM-5? (Bonder, Ch 2) - correct answer-Cultural
factors influence symptom expression, diagnosis, and intervention strategies.
What is a key critique of DSM-5 from an OT perspective? (Bonder, Ch 2) - correct answer-It focuses on
deficits and symptoms, not strengths or function; may pathologize normal behavior.
, How can occupational therapists supplement the DSM-5 in practice? (Bonder, Ch 2) - correct answer-By
using occupation-based models like MOHO to assess performance, participation, and client-centered
goals.
What is the reward pathway involved in substance addiction? (Bonder, Ch 18) - correct answer-The
mesolimbic dopamine system (VTA → nucleus accumbens).
What are the 3 stages of addiction in neurobiology? (Bonder, Ch 18) - correct answer-Incentive salience
(craving), negative emotional state (withdrawal), and executive dysfunction (loss of control).
What are DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Substance Use Disorder? (Bonder, Ch 18) - correct answer-
Tolerance, withdrawal, craving, loss of control, neglect of roles, continued use despite harm.
How does substance abuse affect occupational performance? (Bonder, Ch 18) - correct answer-It
disrupts self-care, routines, work, social interaction, and leisure.
Name two behavioral interventions OTs may support in SUD treatment. (Bonder, Ch 18) - correct
answer-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing.
