AMFTRB Exam DSM Dx Questions And Answers
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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) vs. Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder (SCD) ANS
People with autism repeat certain behaviors, have disruptive behaviors, and trouble with social
interaction (not necessarily speech). Individuals with SCD will NOT display these behaviors. People
with SCD struggle to adjust their communication based on the specific situation.
Specific Learning Disorder vs. ADHD ANS SLDs compromise student's ability to listen, think,
speak, read, write, spell, or do math. While ADHD is characterized by limited alertness in academic
environment
Pica vs. Rumination Disorder ANS PICA is persistent eating of non-food substances. Rumination
is the repeated regurgitation of undigested food not related to any other disorder (may chew and
swallow again, or spit out)
Language Disorder vs Child Onset Fluency Disorder ANS LDs refer to difficulties understanding
or using written or spoken language, but not spoken language. COFD, aka Stuttering, is a specific
LD, with repetition of words and prolonged syllables.
Tourette's Disorder vs. Persistent Motor/Vocal Tic Disorder ANS Tourette's is a
neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by multiple motor AND vocal tics, and is often comorbid
with ADHD or OCD. PMVTD is characterized by presence of either motor OR vocal tics.
Encopresis vs. Enuresis ANS Encopresis is repeated pooping in inappropriate places (at least age
4). Enuresis, aka bedwetting, is involuntary peeing, usually at night (at least age 5)
Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) vs. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) ANS SAD
characterized by excessive anxiety about separation from home orl oves ones, whereas GAD is about
everyday events and activities
Selective mutism vs. Social anxiety disorder ANS SM is childhood disorder where child can't
speak in certain situations. Children with SM are typically shy, anxious, and have difficulty with
conversation. SAD can occur in children and adults, and is a persistent fear of social situations and
anticipation of embarrassment or negative evaluation
, Reactive Attachment Disorder vs. Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder ANS Both can occur
in children who have severe disruptions in early care, such as institutional care, neglect or frequent
changes of caregivers. Children with RAD have difficulty forming attachments and may be
emotionally withdrawn, whereas DSED is difficulty regulating social interactions and an excessive
desire for attention and physical contact with unfamiliar adults (onset before 5)
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) vs. Conduct Disorder (CD) vs. Disruptive Mood Disregulation
Disorder (DMDD) ANS ODD is characterized by disobedient, defiant, and hostile behavior
towards authority figures, CD is characterized by persistent pattern of aggressive, illegal, or
destructive behavior or towards others and/or property or violating rights of others, and DMDD is
characterized by severe recurrent temper outbursts and persistent irritability and anger.
Brief Psychotic Disorder vs. Schizophreniform Disorder vs. Schizophrenia ANS Brief Psychotic
Disorder is characterized by symptoms of psychosis lasting less than ONE month, Schizophreniform
Disorder is characterized by symptoms of psychosis lasting LESS than six months, and
Schizophrenia is a chronic disorder characterized by symptoms of psychosis lasting at LEAST six
months with additional negative symptoms.
Major Depressive Disorder vs. Unspecified Depressive Disorder vs. Persistent Depressive Disorder
(PDD, prev known as dysthymia) ANS MDD is characterized by one or more major depressive
episodes, Unspecified Depressive Disorder is characterized by symptoms of depression that do not
meet the full criteria for MDD or other depressive disorders, and PDD is a chronic form of
depression characterized by a depressed mood for at least 2 years and additional symptoms, such as
difficulties with self-esteem, concentration, and ability to make decisions
Bipolar I vs Bipolar II vs Cyclothymia ANS BP1 includes at least one manic or mixed episodes
of major depressive episodes.
BP2 has at least one major depressive episode, with hypomanic episode (less severe form of mania)
Cyclothymia: numerous periods of hypomania and depressive symptoms, neither meeting full criteria
for full episodes
Schizoaffective Disorder vs. Bipolar I with Psychotic Features ANS Schizoaffective Disorder is
characterized by symptoms of both schizophrenia and a mood disorder, while Bipolar I with
Psychotic Features is characterized by manic or mixed episodes with symptoms of psychosis, but
without the co-occurring mood disorder.
