Social Work Test Prep » name that dx

Social Work (Exam) Prep: Name That Dx V

SWTP — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 21:00:15 +0000

From the Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders. Good for the exam, good for practice. What’s the dx that goes with these symptoms? (Easier for the holiday weekend.)

Self-induced vomiting…may have serious medical consequences, including:

Erosion of tooth enamel, particularly on the molars and maxillary incisors. Loss of tooth enamel is irreversible.

Enlargement of the salivary glands.

Scars and calloused areas on the knuckles from contact with the teeth.

Irritation of the throat and esophagus from contact with stomach acid.

Tearing of mucous membranes in the upper gastrointenstinal tract or perforation of the esophagus and stomach wall. Perforation of part of the digestive tract is a rare complication of bulimia but is potentially fatal.

Electrolyte imbalances. The loss of fluids from repeated vomiting and laxative abuse can deplete the body’s stores of hydrogen chloride, potassium, sodium, and magnesium. Hypokalemia (abnormally low levels of potassium in the blood) is a potential medical emergency that can lead to muscle cramps,seizures, and heart arrhythmias.

DSM Quick Quiz: Name That Dx IV

SWTP — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:51:04 +0000

Social work exam prep continues… Text from the Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders; answer there or in comments.

[THIS DX] is a short-term, time-limited disorder. An individual with [THIS DX] has experienced at least one of the major symptoms of psychosis for less than one month. Hallucinations , delusions , strange bodily movements or lack of movements (catatonic behavior), peculiar speech and bizarre or markedly inappropriate behavior are all classic psychotic symptoms that may occur in [THIS DX].

DSM Quick Quiz: Name That Dx III

SWTP — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 01:35:06 +0000

Get your social work exam passed. Name that diagnosis–turbo round, with information in the criteria removed. Answer in comments; full criteria (if you want to guess at the x’s) at the Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders.

frantic efforts to avoid real or perceived xxxxxxxx

pattern of xxxxxxxxxxx interpersonal relationships, characterized by alternating between xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

extreme, persistently unstable xxxxxxxxxxxxx

xxxxxxx behavior in at least two areas

recurrent xxxxxxxxx behavior, gestures, or threats, or recurring acts of xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

unstable mood caused by brief but intense episodes of depression, irritability, or anxiety

chronic feelings of xxxxxxxxxxxx

inappropriate and intense anger, or difficulty controlling anger displayed through temper outbursts, physical fights, and/or sarcasm

stress-related paranoia xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxs

DSM Quick Quiz: Name That Dx II

SWTP — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:30:22 +0000

Name these two related diagnoses. Text from the Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders. Answer there or in comments.

[ANSWER A] is characterized by major depressive episodes alternating with episodes of hypomania, a milder form of mania. Patients with [ANSWER A] tend to have extremely low energy, retarded mental and physical processes, and more profound fatigue (for example, hypersomnia—a sleep disorder marked by a need for excessive sleep or sleepiness when awake) than people with unipolar depression.

[ANSWER B] is characterized by manic episodes, the “high” of the manic-depressive cycle. Apatient experiencing mania often has feelings of self-importance, elation, talkativeness, increased sociability, and a desire to embark on goal-oriented activities, coupled with the characteristics of irritability, impatience, impulsiveness, hyperactivity, and a decreased need for sleep. Usually this manic period is followed by a period of depression, although a few [ANSWER B] individuals may not experience a major depressive episode. Mixed states, where both manic or hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms occur at the same time, also occur frequently with [ANSWER B] patients (for example, depression with the racing thoughts of mania). Also, dysphoric mania is common (mania characterized by anger and irritability).

DSM Quick Quiz: Name That Dx

SWTP — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:47:14 +0000

See how many of the following criteria it takes you to ID the following DSM diagnosis (text from the Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders). Answer there or in comments.

The person fears being shamed or ridiculed in close relationships. As a result, people with this disorder become overly alert to behavioral cues that may indicate disapproval or rejection. They will flee a situation in which they believe that others might turn against them.

The person is inhibited in unfamiliar social situations due to feelings of inadequacy. Low self-esteem undermines their confidence in meeting and conversing with new acquaintances.

The person regards him- or herself as socially inept. This self-disparagement is especially apparent when the person must make social contacts with strangers. People with [THIS DX] perceive themselves as unappealing or inferior to others.

The person is reluctant to take social risks, in order to avoid possible humiliation. Avoidant people seek interactions that promise the greatest amount of acceptance while minimizing the likelihood of embarrassment or rejection. They might go to a school dance, for example, but remain in one corner chatting with close friends rather than going out on the dance floor with someone they do not know well.

The person is preoccupied with being criticized or rejected. Much mental and physical energy is spent brooding about and avoiding situations perceived as “dangerous.”

The person avoids occupational activities that require significant interpersonal contact. Job interviews or pro motions may be turned down because the person’s own perceptions of his or her abilities do not match the job description.

The person is reluctant to participate in social involvement without clear assurance that they will be accept ed. People with this disorder assume other people are not safe to trust until proven otherwise. Others must offer repeated support and encouragement in order to persuade them to participate in a social event.