Mental Disorders Quiz: Definition & Classification (DSM-5)

Question 1

The primary purpose of the DSM-5 is to:

Accepted Answer

Classify and diagnose mental disorders.

Answer

Provide therapy for mental health issues.

Answer

Conduct research on the causes of mental disorders.

Answer

Prescribe medications for mental illnesses.

Question 2

A patient is experiencing excessive worry, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and trouble sleeping. These symptoms might indicate a diagnosis of:

Accepted Answer

Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Answer

Major Depressive Disorder.

Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Answer

Schizophrenia.

Question 3

What is a major benefit of using a diagnostic system like the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

It provides a shared language and framework for mental health professionals.

Answer

It guarantees a definitive and unchanging diagnosis.

Answer

It eliminates the need for individual assessment and evaluation.

Question 4

Experiencing hallucinations and delusions are common symptoms associated with:

Accepted Answer

Schizophrenia.

Answer

Bipolar Disorder.

Answer

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Question 5

The DSM-5 organizes mental disorders based on:

Accepted Answer

Categories of similar disorders.

Answer

Severity of the symptoms of each disorder.

Answer

Alphabetical order of disorder names.

Answer

Prevalence (how common each disorder is).

Question 6

A patient who experiences extreme mood swings, alternating between periods of high energy (mania) and low mood (depression), might be diagnosed with:

Accepted Answer

Bipolar Disorder.

Answer

Dissociative Disorder.

Answer

Major Depressive Disorder.

Answer

Anxiety Disorder.

Question 7

The DSM-5 recognizes that mental disorders are:

Accepted Answer

Complex and influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors.

Answer

Solely caused by environmental factors.

Answer

Solely caused by biological factors.

Question 8

A patient experiencing intrusive thoughts and urges to perform repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that cause distress and interfere with their life may be diagnosed with:

Accepted Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Answer

Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Answer

Panic Disorder.

Answer

Social Anxiety Disorder.

Question 9

Which of the following is a key diagnostic criterion for mental disorders, according to the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Clinically significant disturbance in cognitive, emotional, or behavioral functioning

Answer

Experiencing emotions that fall within the typical range of human emotions

Answer

Deviation from cultural or religious practices that are considered normative

Question 10

The DSM-5 primarily employs which approach to classifying mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

Descriptive

Answer

Dimensional

Answer

Psychodynamic

Answer

Causal

Question 11

When using the DSM-5 to diagnose a patient with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, a therapist would primarily focus on:

Accepted Answer

The patient's reported symptoms and how they impair daily life

Answer

Exploring unconscious conflicts that may be contributing to the anxiety

Answer

Administering a blood test to measure neurotransmitter levels

Question 12

Why is it important to consider cultural context when diagnosing mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

Cultural factors can shape the way symptoms are expressed and interpreted

Answer

Cultural background determines the most effective treatment approach

Answer

Individuals from specific cultures are more prone to developing mental disorders

Question 13

In the field of mental health, 'comorbidity' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The presence of multiple distinct mental disorders in the same individual

Answer

The degree of severity of a single mental disorder

Answer

The probability of inheriting a mental disorder

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a primary goal of the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Providing definitive explanations for the causes of mental disorders

Answer

Facilitating communication among mental health professionals

Answer

Informing treatment planning and intervention strategies

Question 15

A potential benefit of using diagnostic labels for mental disorders is:

Accepted Answer

It can assist individuals in accessing appropriate care and support

Answer

It permanently fixes the individual's identity and limits their future possibilities

Answer

It eliminates the need for further evaluation or assessment

Question 16

The DSM-5 recognizes that mental disorders exist on a continuum or spectrum. What are the implications of this for the diagnostic process?

Accepted Answer

Diagnosis may involve evaluating the intensity and range of an individual's symptoms

Answer

Diagnoses are always clear-cut and easily categorized

Answer

All individuals within a specific disorder will display identical symptoms

Question 17

Which of the following is an ethical consideration when diagnosing mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring that diagnoses are based on objective evidence rather than personal biases

Answer

Using diagnostic labels casually in everyday conversations

Answer

Sharing a patient's diagnosis with anyone who expresses concern

Question 18

The ongoing development and revisions of the DSM reflect:

Accepted Answer

The evolving understanding of mental disorders and advancements in scientific research

Answer

A desire to pathologize all human experiences and behaviors

Answer

The unchanging nature of knowledge in the field of mental health

Question 19

According to the DSM-5, what is the best definition of a mental disorder?

Accepted Answer

A significant problem in an individual's thinking, feelings, or behavior that causes distress or dysfunction in their life.

Answer

A condition that can be cured with medication.

Answer

Any unusual thought, feeling, or behavior that deviates from societal norms.

Answer

A pattern of behavior that is considered abnormal by mental health professionals.

Question 20

The DSM-5 uses a __________ approach to classify mental disorders.

Accepted Answer

Categorical

Answer

Behavioral

Answer

Psychodynamic

Answer

Dimensional

Question 21

Which of these is NOT a major category of mental disorders in the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Personality Disorders

Answer

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Answer

Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders

Answer

Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders

Question 22

Someone who experiences constant worry, anxiety, and nervousness for at least six months might be diagnosed with:

Accepted Answer

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Answer

Panic Disorder

Answer

Social Anxiety Disorder

Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Question 23

The primary goal of the DSM-5 is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide a standardized system for diagnosing mental disorders.

Answer

Prescribe specific treatments for mental disorders.

Answer

Identify all the possible causes of mental disorders.

Answer

Explain the causes of mental disorders.

Question 24

A potential benefit of using the DSM-5 for diagnosing mental disorders is that it:

Accepted Answer

Helps mental health professionals use a common language and criteria for diagnosis.

Answer

Eliminates the need for further assessment or treatment planning.

Answer

Guarantees accurate and reliable diagnoses in all cases.

Answer

Provides a complete understanding of the individual's mental health.

Question 25

A major criticism of the categorical approach to classifying mental disorders is that it:

Accepted Answer

Can oversimplify and ignore individual differences in how people experience mental health challenges.

Answer

Does not provide enough information for accurate diagnosis.

Answer

Is too complex and difficult to use in practice.

Answer

Fails to consider the biological basis of mental disorders.

Question 26

The term 'comorbidity' in mental health refers to:

Accepted Answer

The presence of two or more mental disorders in the same person.

Answer

The influence of environmental factors on mental health.

Answer

The progression of a mental disorder over time.

Answer

The impact of medication on mental health.

Question 27

An accurate diagnosis of a mental disorder is important because it can help:

Accepted Answer

Guide treatment planning and improve outcomes for the individual.

Answer

Determine the exact cause of the disorder.

Answer

Prevent future mental health problems.

Answer

Control the individual's behavior.

Question 28

Which of the following is an example of a 'specifier' used in the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

With anxious distress

Answer

Major Depressive Disorder

Answer

Psychotherapy

Answer

Neurotransmitter imbalance

Question 29

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a mental disorder, according to the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Physical symptoms

Answer

Impaired functioning

Answer

Clinically significant distress

Answer

Marked deviation from cultural norms

Question 30

What is the primary purpose of the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

To provide a common language and diagnostic criteria for mental disorders

Answer

To determine the appropriate treatment for mental disorders

Answer

To estimate the prevalence of mental disorders in the population

Question 31

Which of the following is a major axis in the DSM-5 classification system?

Accepted Answer

Diagnostic categories

Answer

Prognosis

Answer

Severity of symptoms

Answer

Comorbid conditions

Question 32

What is the difference between a diagnosis and a symptom?

Accepted Answer

A diagnosis is a cluster of symptoms that meet specific criteria, while a symptom is a single indication of a disorder.

Answer

A symptom is a diagnosis that has been confirmed by a healthcare professional.

Question 33

Which of the following disorders is characterized by persistent and excessive worry?

Accepted Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

Social anxiety disorder

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer

Panic disorder

Question 34

What is the difference between a psychotic and a non-psychotic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Psychotic disorders involve hallucinations and delusions, while non-psychotic disorders do not.

Answer

Non-psychotic disorders are more likely to be chronic than psychotic disorders.

Answer

Psychotic disorders are more severe than non-psychotic disorders.

Question 35

Which of the following is a symptom of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Excessive worry

Answer

Compulsions

Answer

Depressed mood

Question 36

What is the main goal of treating mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

To reduce symptoms and improve functioning

Answer

To cure mental disorders completely

Answer

To punish individuals with mental disorders

Answer

To prevent mental disorders from developing

Question 37

Which of the following is a type of psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Answer

Medication

Answer

Yoga

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy

Question 38

What is the importance of accurate diagnosis in mental health care?

Accepted Answer

It helps ensure appropriate treatment and improves patient outcomes.

Answer

It is required by law in all states.

Answer

It reduces the stigma associated with mental illness.