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DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria Knowledge Test

Evaluate DSM-5 Criteria Knowledge in Minutes

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
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Welcome to the DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria Knowledge Test, a focused quiz designed to challenge and refine your understanding of mental health classifications. Whether you're a psychology student, clinician, or educator, this practice quiz helps you pinpoint core symptoms and apply diagnostic thresholds with confidence. You can freely customize this test in our editor to match specific learning goals. After completing it, explore complementary resources like the Diagnostic Assessment Quiz or browse all quizzes for further skill-building. For wellness perspectives, check out the Wellbeing Coaching Referral Criteria Quiz.

Which major change regarding diagnostic axes was introduced in the DSM-5?
The DSM-5 eliminated the multiaxial system entirely.
The DSM-5 expanded to seven axes.
The DSM-5 introduced separate axes for cultural syndromes.
The DSM-5 merged axes I and II but kept others.
The DSM-5 removed the previous five-axis diagnostic system to streamline criteria. This change reflects the integration of psychosocial and contextual factors into single diagnostic categories.
What is one of the two core symptoms required for a Major Depressive Episode in DSM-5?
Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day.
Recurrent suicidal ideation without other symptoms.
Weight gain of more than 5% body weight.
Insomnia occasionally during periods of stress.
A core criterion for Major Depressive Episode is either depressed mood or markedly diminished interest or pleasure. Suicidal ideation, weight changes, and insomnia can be additional symptoms but are not core by themselves.
According to DSM-5, how long must symptoms persist to meet the criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
At least 6 months.
At least 1 month.
At least 3 months.
At least 12 months.
DSM-5 requires generalized anxiety symptoms to be present for six months or more for a GAD diagnosis. Shorter durations would not meet the threshold.
In DSM-5, how many symptoms from the inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive domain are required to diagnose ADHD in adults (age 17 and older)?
At least 5 symptoms.
At least 3 symptoms.
At least 6 symptoms.
At least 8 symptoms.
For adults 17 and older, DSM-5 lowers the symptom threshold to five in either domain. Children under 17 require six symptoms.
How are mental disorders organized in the DSM-5?
They are grouped into chapters based on related diagnostic categories and symptom clusters.
They are listed alphabetically for ease of reference.
They are ranked by prevalence from most to least common.
They are sorted by treatment complexity and cost.
DSM-5 organizes disorders into thematic chapters reflecting diagnostic similarity and symptom overlap. This structure helps clinicians navigate related conditions effectively.
What is the minimum duration of depressed mood required to diagnose Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) in DSM-5?
At least 2 years.
At least 1 year.
At least 6 months.
At least 3 years.
Persistent Depressive Disorder requires a depressed mood for at least two years in adults. Shorter durations would not meet the DSM-5 threshold.
Which of the following distinguishes a hypomanic episode from a manic episode in DSM-5?
It lasts at least 4 consecutive days and does not cause marked impairment in social or occupational functioning.
It requires the presence of psychotic features.
It lasts for at least 7 days.
It always necessitates hospitalization.
Hypomania is defined as a distinct period of elevated mood lasting at least four days without severe impairment or psychosis. Mania is longer and more impairing.
In DSM-5, what duration of symptoms differentiates Acute Stress Disorder from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder?
Less than one month of symptoms indicates Acute Stress Disorder.
Symptoms lasting one to six months indicate Acute Stress Disorder.
More than six months indicates Acute Stress Disorder.
Less than one week indicates Acute Stress Disorder.
Acute Stress Disorder covers symptom duration from 3 days up to one month post-trauma. PTSD requires symptoms to persist beyond one month.
After an unexpected panic attack, how long must persistent concern or behavior change last to meet the DSM-5 criteria for Panic Disorder?
At least one month.
At least two weeks.
At least six months.
At least three months.
DSM-5 requires worrying about additional attacks or maladaptive changes for at least one month after a panic attack. Shorter periods do not fulfill the criteria.
John has experienced five of the nine DSM-5 symptoms for Major Depression, including depressed mood and fatigue, for 10 consecutive days. Does he meet criteria for a Major Depressive Episode?
He does not meet criteria because the duration is less than the required two weeks.
He meets criteria for a Major Depressive Episode.
He meets criteria for Persistent Depressive Disorder.
He meets criteria for Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood.
A Major Depressive Episode requires at least two weeks of symptoms. Ten days is insufficient, so he does not meet the criteria.
Which of the following best describes Substance/Medication-Induced Bipolar and Related Disorder in DSM-5?
Mood symptoms that develop during or soon after substance intoxication or withdrawal and are prominent.
Mood symptoms that persist for more than two years without substance involvement.
Mood symptoms that are better explained by a medical condition.
Chronic mood instability with impulsive behaviors.
Substance/Medication-Induced Bipolar Disorder occurs when mood symptoms are a direct physiological effect of a substance. Persistent or medically explained mood symptoms are ruled out.
For a diagnosis of Schizoaffective Disorder in DSM-5, psychotic symptoms must be present for at least how long in the absence of a major mood episode?
Two weeks.
One day.
Two days.
One month.
Schizoaffective Disorder requires a minimum of two weeks of psychotic symptoms without concurrent mood episodes. Shorter durations would suggest a different diagnosis.
Which set of presentation specifiers is recognized for ADHD in DSM-5?
Combined presentation, predominantly inattentive presentation, and predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation.
Childhood presentation, adolescent presentation, adult presentation.
Type A presentation, Type B presentation, Type C presentation.
Mild, moderate, and severe presentations.
DSM-5 specifies three ADHD presentations based on dominant symptom clusters. Other groupings are not part of the official classification.
According to DSM-5, obsessions in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder are best described as:
Recurrent and persistent thoughts, urges, or images that are intrusive and unwanted.
Repetitive behaviors performed according to rigid rules.
Uncontrollable emotional outbursts triggered by stress.
Rapid mood swings associated with anxiety.
Obsessions are defined as intrusive, unwanted thoughts or urges that cause anxiety. Repetitive behaviors are compulsions, not obsessions.
How many core domains of impairment are required for a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in DSM-5?
Two domains (social communication deficits and restricted, repetitive behaviors).
One domain.
Three domains.
Four domains.
DSM-5 requires deficits in two core areas: social communication/interaction and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior. This consolidates previous subtypes into a single spectrum.
What distinguishes Somatic Symptom Disorder from Illness Anxiety Disorder in DSM-5?
Somatic Symptom Disorder requires one or more distressing somatic symptoms, whereas Illness Anxiety Disorder involves excessive worry about having a serious illness with minimal or no somatic symptoms.
Somatic Symptom Disorder is always brief, whereas Illness Anxiety Disorder is chronic.
Illness Anxiety Disorder requires frequent doctor visits, whereas Somatic Symptom Disorder does not.
Somatic Symptom Disorder involves psychotic features, whereas Illness Anxiety Disorder does not.
The key difference is the presence of significant somatic complaints in Somatic Symptom Disorder. Illness Anxiety Disorder centers on fear of having an illness without prominent physical symptoms.
In DSM-5, a Major Neurocognitive Disorder is characterized by which of the following?
Significant cognitive decline from a previous level that interferes with independence in everyday activities.
Modest cognitive decline that does not interfere with independence.
Cognitive deficits that are fully reversible with treatment.
Cognitive deficits occurring only during substance use.
Major Neurocognitive Disorder requires deficits that impair independence in daily living. Modest decline without functional impact is classified as Mild Neurocognitive Disorder.
Which feature is more indicative of Borderline Personality Disorder rather than Bipolar II Disorder according to DSM-5?
Rapid mood changes in response to interpersonal stressors.
Discrete episodes of elevated mood lasting at least one week.
Persistent depressed mood for more than two years.
Lack of empathy and disregard for others.
Borderline Personality Disorder involves rapid mood shifts tied to relationships. Bipolar II features are distinct hypomanic and depressive episodes of defined duration.
A patient experiences two weeks of auditory hallucinations without mood symptoms and also has a one-week manic episode. Based on DSM-5 criteria, what is the most appropriate diagnosis?
Schizoaffective Disorder.
Bipolar I Disorder with psychotic features.
Schizophrenia.
Brief Psychotic Disorder.
Schizoaffective Disorder requires at least two weeks of psychotic symptoms without mood episodes plus periods of mood disturbance. This pattern differentiates it from bipolar or schizophrenia alone.
Which feature is characteristic of the "with atypical features" specifier for Major Depressive Disorder in DSM-5?
Mood reactivity (improvement in mood in response to positive events).
Early morning awakening.
Marked psychomotor agitation.
Excessive guilt and worthlessness.
Atypical features include mood reactivity and specific vegetative symptoms. Early awakening and psychomotor changes align more with melancholic or other specifiers.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify core DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for major mental disorders
  2. Analyze symptom clusters to differentiate similar diagnoses
  3. Apply DSM-5 thresholds to clinical case vignettes accurately
  4. Evaluate differential diagnoses using DSM-5 guidelines
  5. Demonstrate proficiency in DSM-5 classification structure and terms

Cheat Sheet

  1. Understand the six-step framework for differential diagnosis in DSM-5 - Ready to be the Sherlock Holmes of mental health? This structured approach helps you rule out malingering, substance effects, medical causes, and more to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. Differential Diagnosis Step by Step
  2. Psychiatry Online
  3. Master the core criteria for major depressive disorder - Think of it as your mental health checklist: at least five symptoms over two weeks, including a down mood or loss of interest. Knowing these essentials ensures you spot MDD early and plan the right treatment. DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for MDD
  4. MedicalCRITERIA.com
  5. Differentiate dysthymia from depressive personality disorder - Spotting subtle differences can feel like a fun puzzle! Focus on symptom duration, intensity, and whether they're more somatic or cognitive to choose the best intervention. Depressive Personality Disorder Explained
  6. Wikipedia
  7. Explore DSM-5's classification of mental disorders - Imagine a neatly organized library: anxiety, mood, personality, and more all shelved in categories. Understanding this layout makes flipping through the manual a breeze. DSM-5 Categories Overview
  8. OpenStax
  9. Rule out substance-induced disorders - Timing is everything! Linking symptom onset to substance use prevents mix-ups and ensures clients get the right help. Substance-Induced Disorders Guide
  10. Psychiatry Online
  11. Leverage the DSM-5-TR Handbook of Differential Diagnosis - Think of its decision trees and tables as GPS for your clinical journey. With these tools, distinguishing similar disorders becomes almost effortless. DSM-5-TR Handbook Insights
  12. APA DSM Library
  13. Embrace the end of the multiaxial system - The DSM-5 ditched multiple axes for a single, unified list, making diagnoses more streamlined. This simplification helps you focus on what really matters. Multiaxial System Changes
  14. Verywell Mind
  15. Learn criteria for anxiety disorders - From generalized worry to panic attacks, each anxiety subtype has its own checklist. Early recognition means faster relief for those racing hearts and restless minds. Anxiety Disorders Breakdown
  16. OpenStax
  17. Rule out medical conditions that mimic psychiatric symptoms - Sometimes a physical illness hides behind mood changes or hallucinations. Checking labs and histories guarantees you treat the right culprit. Medical Mimics in Psychiatry
  18. Psychiatry Online
  19. Establish boundaries between "disorder" and "no disorder" - Not every tough day is a disorder! Deciding when to intervene keeps resources focused on clients who truly need help. Disorder vs. No Disorder
  20. Psychiatry Online
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