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PMHNP Diagnosis and Psychotherapy Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified

A patient presents with persistent sadness, loss of interest, and fatigue for the past 3 weeks. What is the most likely diagnosis?

• Adjustment disorder

✔✔B. Major depressive disorder

• Dysthymia
• Generalized anxiety disorder

A client with panic disorder asks about therapy that focuses on gradual exposure to feared situations. Which approach is most appropriate?

• Interpersonal therapy
• Psychodynamic therapy

✔✔C. Cognitive behavioral therapy with exposure

• Motivational interviewing

Which symptom is most characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder? 1 / 4

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• Flashbacks to trauma
• Recurrent panic attacks

✔✔C. Excessive worry most days for at least 6 months

• Mood swings and hypomania

A patient reports persistent fear of social interactions due to fear of embarrassment. What is the best diagnosis?

• Agoraphobia

✔✔B. Social anxiety disorder

• Specific phobia
• Panic disorder

Which psychotherapy technique focuses on identifying and challenging irrational beliefs?✔✔A. Cognitive restructuring

• Mindfulness meditation
• Systematic desensitization
• Motivational enhancement
• / 4

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Which diagnosis is most appropriate for a patient who has experienced a traumatic event and has intrusive memories, hypervigilance, and avoidance for 2 weeks?✔✔A. Acute stress disorder

B. PTSD

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder

A client demonstrates splitting, unstable relationships, and intense emotional reactions. Which therapy is most effective?

• Cognitive behavioral therapy

✔✔B. Dialectical behavior therapy

• Interpersonal therapy
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing

Which disorder is characterized by chronic low mood for at least 2 years in adults?

• Major depressive disorder
• Cyclothymia

✔✔C. Persistent depressive disorder 3 / 4

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• Adjustment disorder

A patient reports recurrent panic attacks without a clear trigger. What is the best diagnosis?✔✔A. Panic disorder

• Agoraphobia
• Specific phobia
• Generalized anxiety disorder

Which psychotherapy approach explores early life experiences and unconscious patterns?

• Cognitive behavioral therapy

✔✔B. Psychodynamic therapy

• Solution-focused therapy
• Behavioral activation

Which diagnosis best fits a patient with alternating periods of hypomania and mild depression for more than 2 years?

• Bipolar I disorder
• Persistent depressive disorder
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