Correct Answers | Latest Version (2026/2027) Expert
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Overview
This exam covers key concepts in childhood trauma, attachment disorders, PTSD,
and dissociative disorders, with a strong focus on diagnosis and differentiation. It
includes understanding conditions such as Reactive Attachment Disorder and
Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder, including their age requirements, causes
(especially social neglect), and behavioral patterns. The exam also emphasizes
trauma-related disorders like acute stress disorder and PTSD, including symptom
clusters (intrusion, avoidance, negative mood, and arousal), timeframes, and risk
factors.
In addition, it tests the ability to distinguish between similar disorders (e.g., PTSD
vs. OCD, ADHD, depression, and traumatic brain injury) and to recognize how
symptoms present differently in children versus adults. The exam also covers
dissociative disorders, including amnesia and identity disturbances, as well as basic
treatment approaches and pharmacological options. Overall, it focuses on applying
diagnostic criteria and clinical reasoning to real-world scenarios rather than simple
memorization.
What age must disturbances in Reactive Attachment Disorder be evident before? - correct answer -
Before age 5 years.
What is the developmental age requirement for a child to be diagnosed with Reactive Attachment
Disorder? - correct answer -At least 9 months.
What are the risk factors for Reactive Attachment Disorder? - correct answer -Serious social neglect is
the only known risk factor.
What differentiates Reactive Attachment Disorder from Autism Spectrum Disorder? - correct answer -
RAD is characterized by a history of severe social neglect, while ASD includes restricted interests and
ritualized behaviors.
,What is a key feature of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder that is not present in Reactive
Attachment Disorder? - correct answer -Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors.
What distinguishes children with Reactive Attachment Disorder in terms of social communication? -
correct answer -Their social communicative functioning is comparable to their overall level of
intellectual functioning.
What is the difference in attachment behavior between children with Reactive Attachment Disorder and
those with Autism Spectrum Disorder? - correct answer -Children with RAD rarely or inconsistently
show attachment behavior, while children with ASD typically show attachment behavior appropriate for
their developmental level.
What should children with intellectual developmental disorder exhibit in terms of social skills? - correct
answer -Social and emotional skills comparable to their cognitive skills.
How do children with Reactive Attachment Disorder differ from those with depressive disorders in terms
of attachment? - correct answer -Children with RAD do not seek or respond to comfort from
caregivers, while those with depressive disorders typically do.
What is a characteristic behavior of children with Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder? - correct
answer -A pattern of actively approaching and interacting with unfamiliar adults.
What are some behaviors that indicate Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder? - correct answer -
Reduced reticence with strangers, overly familiar behavior, and willingness to go off with unfamiliar
adults.
What is a diagnostic requirement for Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder? - correct answer -The
child must have experienced a pattern of extremes of insufficient care.
What is the developmental age requirement for a child to be diagnosed with Disinhibited Social
Engagement Disorder? - correct answer -At least 9 months.
,What is the significance of the care in Criterion C for both Reactive Attachment Disorder and
Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder? - correct answer -The care is presumed to be responsible for
the disturbed behavior in Criterion A.
What is the specification for a persistent diagnosis of Reactive Attachment Disorder? - correct answer -
The disorder has been present for more than 12 months.
What is the commonality between Reactive Attachment Disorder and Disinhibited Social Engagement
Disorder? - correct answer -Both disorders involve a history of social neglect or deprivation.
What emotional responses are often limited in children with Reactive Attachment Disorder? - correct
answer -Positive affect and emotional responsiveness to others.
What is a common behavior seen in both Reactive Attachment Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder?
- correct answer -Stereotypic behaviors such as rocking or flapping.
What is the primary focus of treatment for children with Reactive Attachment Disorder? - correct
answer -Improving the quality of the caregiving environment.
What is the significance of the child's age in diagnosing Reactive Attachment Disorder? - correct
answer -The disturbance must be evident before age 5 to meet diagnostic criteria.
What is the role of structured observations in diagnosing Reactive Attachment Disorder? - correct
answer -They help discriminate RAD from other disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorder.
What is the essential feature of disinhibited social engagement disorder? - correct answer -A pattern
of behavior that involves culturally inappropriate, overly familiar behavior with relative strangers.
What developmental age must a child be to be diagnosed with disinhibited social engagement disorder?
- correct answer -At least 9 months.
, How can disinhibited social engagement disorder be distinguished from ADHD? - correct answer -
Children with disinhibited social engagement disorder do not show difficulties with attention or
hyperactivity.
What are the intrusion symptoms associated with PTSD in children 6 years and younger? - correct
answer -Recurrent distressing memories, distressing dreams, dissociative reactions, intense
psychological distress, and marked physiological reactions.
What is one example of a dissociative reaction in children with PTSD? - correct answer -Flashbacks in
which the child feels or acts as if the traumatic event is recurring.
What constitutes persistent avoidance of stimuli in PTSD? - correct answer -Avoidance of activities,
places, or people that arouse recollections of the traumatic event.
What are some negative alterations in cognitions associated with PTSD? - correct answer -Increased
negative emotional states, diminished interest in activities, socially withdrawn behavior, and reduced
expression of positive emotions.
What alterations in arousal and reactivity are associated with PTSD? - correct answer -Irritable
behavior, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, problems with concentration, and sleep
disturbances.
What gender-related issues are associated with PTSD prevalence? - correct answer -PTSD is more
prevalent among women than men, partly due to higher exposure to interpersonal violence.
What distinguishes adjustment disorders from PTSD? - correct answer -Adjustment disorders can occur
in response to any stressor, not just those involving actual or threatened death or serious injury.
What is the duration of symptoms for acute stress disorder? - correct answer -Symptoms last from 3
days to 1 month following exposure to the traumatic event.