A clinical social worker is conducting an assessment with a 28-year-old client who presents with a persistent sad mood, fatigue, and severe sleep disturbances. The client notes these symptoms began four weeks ago after a romantic breakup. The social worker finds no suicidal ideation. What diagnosis should the social worker consider FIRST?

A social worker is assessing a 45-year-old client who reports a persistent fear of being in public spaces, such as shopping malls and public transport, because they are afraid they will have a panic attack and won’t be able to escape. The client has avoided leaving their house alone for 8 months. What is the MOST likely diagnosis?

A client in outpatient therapy reports experiencing a sudden onset of rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, and a fear of dying. These episodes occur randomly and last for about 10 minutes. The client has been constantly worried about having another attack for the past month. What diagnosis should the social worker consider?

A clinical social worker is assessing a child whose parents report is highly irritable, argumentative, and frequently loses their temper at home and school. The behaviors have been present for 8 months. The child has no history of physical aggression or law violation. What diagnosis is MOST consistent with these symptoms?

During a suicide risk assessment, a client admits to having occasional thoughts of suicide. The client states, ‘I would never do it because of my kids, but sometimes I wish I didn’t wake up.’ How should the social worker classify this client’s risk level, and what is the next step?

A clinical social worker is assessing a 35-year-old client who has experienced recurrent intrusive memories, nightmares, and flash-backs for 5 weeks following a violent mugging. The client avoids the street where the event occurred and reports feeling constantly on edge. What is the MOST likely diagnosis?

A client is referred after the death of their child 8 months ago. The client exhibits severe grief, crying spells, inability to work, and persistent longing for the deceased that has not improved. What diagnosis should be considered?

What is a primary clinical differentiator between Bipolar I Disorder and Bipolar II Disorder?

A client presents with flat affect, lack of motivation (avolition), social withdrawal, and disorganized speech. These symptoms have been present for 7 months. What is the MOST likely diagnosis?

Differentiating between Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorders is based on what clinical features?

A client is referred for therapy after experiencing a sudden loss of motor function in their left arm. Medical evaluations reveal no neurological or physical basis for the paralysis. What diagnosis should be considered?

What is the key differentiator between Somatic Symptom Disorder and Illness Anxiety Disorder?

A 10-year-old child presents with severe, recurrent temper outbursts (verbal/behavioral) that are grossly out of proportion, occurring 3 times a week. Between outbursts, the child’s mood is persistently irritable or angry. Symptoms have been present for 12 months. What is the diagnosis?

A client reports checking that their front door is locked exactly 15 times before leaving the house, because they fear their family will be harmed if they do not. This behavior takes over 1 hour a day and causes severe distress. What are these symptoms?

A clinical social worker is assessing an adolescent with significant weight loss, fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. The client has restricted their food intake severely. What is the first priority?