A 27-year-old client insists that her neighbors are plotting against her, despite no objective evidence. She maintains employment but spends hours daily documenting “proof” of these conspiracies. From a DSM-5 perspective, which feature differentiates Delusional Disorder from Schizophrenia in this case?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a barangay health worker observed that many residents with pre-existing anxiety disorders reported more panic attacks after nightly exposure to alarming news broadcasts. Which model best explains this phenomenon?

A psychologist is invited to testify in court about a juvenile accused of theft. He used the Panukat ng Ugali at Pagkatao (PUP) and the MMPI-2. However, he released the client’s raw scores to the lawyer without written consent. According to the PAP Code of Ethics, which principle was violated?

Freud described hysteria (now part of Conversion Disorder) as resulting from unconscious conflict converted into physical symptoms. In DSM-5 terms, which clinical finding supports the diagnosis of Conversion Disorder today?

A client with Major Depressive Disorder presents with persistent sadness and hopelessness. His family is encouraging immediate medication, while the psychologist suggests CBT first. Which ethical value should primarily guide the psychologist’s recommendation?

A 10-year-old is brought to a clinic for constant refusal to attend school due to fears that something bad will happen to her mother. Symptoms persisted for 4 weeks. The most appropriate DSM-5 diagnosis is:

A researcher studying “AI psychosis” notes that heavy users of AI chatbots report derealization, identity confusion, and paranoia about being replaced by artificial intelligence. Which category of DSM-5 disorders most closely fits this cluster of symptoms?

A newly licensed psychometrician accepts an assessment request to evaluate a client’s neuropsychological deficits using the Halstead–Reitan Battery, a test she has never been trained on. According to ethical standards, what is the best action?

A client diagnosed with Schizophrenia has stopped taking antipsychotic medication due to weight gain but insists on continuing therapy. From a biopsychosocial standpoint, which intervention would best complement psychotherapy?

A man with Alcohol Use Disorder frequently justifies his drinking by saying, “At least I’m not using shabu like others.” Which defense mechanism, as proposed by psychoanalytic theory, best applies here?

A 40-year-old client reports persistent sadness, anhedonia, early morning awakening, psychomotor retardation, and feelings of worthlessness for the past 5 months. Which DSM-5 specifier best applies?

A psychometrician is tasked to administer the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Test but plans to photocopy test items to save costs. According to the PAP Code of Ethics, which principle is most directly violated?

A 19-year-old woman meets criteria for Bulimia Nervosa. She reports binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting about 5 times per week. According to DSM-5, the severity level is:

Freud would interpret obsessive hand-washing rituals as stemming from fixation in which psychosexual stage?

A client with PTSD presents with persistent nightmares and intrusive memories. Which first-line evidence-based treatment is most recommended?

A 35-year-old man presents with alternating periods of elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, and inflated self-esteem lasting 5 days, followed by 2 weeks of depressed mood and hopelessness. He has never had full manic episodes. Most likely diagnosis?

During a school evaluation, a child demonstrates consistent difficulty discarding old papers, toys, and wrappers, leading to a classroom filled with clutter. Which disorder is most likely?

A 47-year-old client experiencing cognitive decline is administered the MMSE and WAIS-IV. The psychometrician explains results directly to the client in technical terms, leaving them confused. According to ethics, what should have been done instead?

A man with Alcohol Use Disorder has been sober for 6 months but reports strong cravings whenever he passes by a bar. According to DSM-5, his disorder should be specified as:

A psychometrician feels emotionally exhausted from repeatedly handling trauma survivors and notices irritability, poor concentration, and withdrawal from colleagues. Which phenomenon best describes this?

A 29-year-old woman presents with alternating periods of intense relationships, frantic efforts to avoid abandonment, chronic emptiness, and impulsive self-harm. Which diagnosis best differentiates her from Bipolar II Disorder?

A client with Generalized Anxiety Disorder is prescribed SSRIs. After 4 weeks, the client reports mild improvement but also insomnia and nausea. Which is the most evidence-based clinical action?

A psychometrician conducts a WAIS-IV in English for a client who speaks Cebuano as a first language, without considering cultural/linguistic limitations. Which principle is violated?

A 45-year-old man with schizophrenia has prominent negative symptoms (avolition, anhedonia) but fewer hallucinations. Which antipsychotic medication subtype is most likely prescribed to target these symptoms?

A 10-year-old girl suddenly begins refusing to eat after her grandfather’s death, claiming “I don’t want to die like him.” Her symptoms last 1 month, interfere with growth, and are not due to cultural fasting. Best DSM-5 diagnosis?

During therapy, a client says: “I’m terrified I’ll get cancer, though my doctors found nothing wrong.” He frequently seeks reassurance and has minimal physical symptoms. What is the most accurate DSM-5 diagnosis?

A psychometrician is approached by a barangay official requesting psychological test results of a local teacher without the teacher’s consent, “for community safety.” What should the psychometrician do?

A 60-year-old man with memory decline and difficulty in executive functioning remains able to perform basic daily activities but needs help with finances. Which stage of Major Neurocognitive Disorder is suggested?

A 20-year-old college student meets full PTSD criteria after a car accident. She also uses alcohol heavily to cope, meeting criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder. Which DSM-5 diagnosis should be made?

A therapist working with a depressed client begins to unconsciously feel hopeless and unmotivated during sessions, reflecting the client’s symptoms. Which psychoanalytic concept applies?

A client with panic disorder requests medication from a psychometrician during assessment, stating, “I trust you more than doctors.” Which is the best response?

A psychologist is asked to assess a child’s intelligence for SPED placement. The parents insist the child should be tested only with the Stanford-Binet because “IQ is universal.” Which is the best course?

A client with Schizophrenia reports auditory hallucinations but is otherwise stable on medication. He asks if he can stop therapy sessions “since the pills are enough.” What is the best approach?

A psychometrician is asked to score MMPI-2 profiles manually without having full interpretive training. Which is the best action?

A 22-year-old has recurrent binge eating without compensatory behaviors, BMI within normal range, and feelings of loss of control. Which DSM-5 diagnosis is the best fit?

A therapist notices strong sexual attraction toward a client who is also unusually flirtatious. Which is the best ethical step?

A client with PTSD refuses to discuss trauma memories in therapy but agrees to relaxation training and gradual exposure. Which is the best course?

A psychometrician conducting a group test sees one examinee looking at another’s answer sheet. Which is the best immediate response?

A 70-year-old with gradual memory decline maintains daily living skills but struggles with complex tasks. Which diagnosis is the best fit?

A client diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder expresses vague suicidal thoughts but denies plan or intent. Which is the best immediate clinical step?

During World War II, the U.S. Army heavily relied on intelligence tests such as the Army Alpha and Beta. Which of the following tests later became widely used to assess both children and adults and remains culturally adapted in the Philippines?

A client with Major Depressive Disorder reports persistent feelings of worthlessness and recurrent insomnia. His psychiatrist prescribes an SSRI, while the psychologist provides cognitive restructuring sessions. This treatment approach reflects:

In the Philippines, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many employees reported difficulty sleeping, irritability, and fear of infection despite vaccination. If you were applying the biopsychosocial model, which factor is BEST explained by the “social” aspect?

A 9-year-old girl persistently eats chalk and soap for 2 months. According to DSM-5, this is MOST consistent with:

During a session, a psychologist realizes that her client’s presenting problem is outside her training and competence. According to the PAP Code of Ethics, what is the MOST ethical course of action?

In explaining schizophrenia, the dopamine hypothesis suggests:

A client believes that AI-generated advertisements on his social media are “secret messages from the government” controlling his life. What type of delusion is MOST applicable?

A child was brought for consultation because he urinates in his bed at night twice a week, for the past 4 months. He is 7 years old and has never achieved consistent nighttime dryness. Which disorder is MOST appropriate?

A client reports both intrusive flashbacks from a car accident and compulsive rituals of checking his car locks repeatedly. Which principle applies in diagnosing this case?

During an online teletherapy session, the psychologist experiences an unstable internet connection, which leads to abrupt disconnection while the client was disclosing suicidal thoughts. According to PAP ethics, what should the psychologist do FIRST?

A 27-year-old client presents with alternating periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms for the past 3 years, without ever meeting full criteria for mania or major depression. What is the MOST likely DSM-5 diagnosis?

A client diagnosed with PTSD demonstrates hyperarousal and exaggerated startle responses. Which brain structure is MOST implicated in these symptoms?

Which of the following BEST illustrates the gene-environment interaction in psychopathology?

A Filipino client with schizophrenia insists on using herbal supplements from a faith healer alongside prescribed antipsychotics. The MOST culturally responsive approach is:

A 15-year-old male with ADHD is undergoing assessment. Which test is MOST appropriate to measure his attention and cognitive functioning?

A client with Schizoid Personality Disorder seeks therapy after workplace stress but shows little interest in forming relationships. Which therapeutic approach is MOST appropriate?

A client is diagnosed with both Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. This reflects which DSM-5 principle?

A client expresses suicidal thoughts but has no plan or intent. According to PAP Code of Ethics, what is the psychologist’s MOST ethical responsibility?

Which theoretical approach explains specific phobias as originating from classical conditioning, maintained by avoidance learning?

A 70-year-old man suddenly develops confusion, disorientation, and fluctuating attention over several hours. Which condition is MOST likely?

You witness a Grade 7 student at the school clinic who pricked her finger, cut in line, mocked classmates, and TikToked on a clinic bed without remorse. She appeared proud of her behavior and showed no guilt. Which diagnosis is MOST consistent with her presentation?

April Jeanette Mendez (aka AJ Lee) grew up in a poverty-stricken environment where her family faced financial instability, forcing them to move frequently due to debt. During adolescence, she was clinically diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder, characterized by episodes of elevated mood, impulsivity, and depressive crashes. Despite these struggles, she pursued her passion for professional wrestling, inspired by her idol, Lita, and supplemented her training with various jobs to finance her dream.

Upon being signed by WWE, AJ developed an on-screen persona known for her “crazy cool” character. This character was marked by impulsive romantic entanglements with multiple wrestlers, mood lability, flirtatious behavior, and dramatic reactions when faced with rejection. For instance, after being rejected by a wrestler named Bryan, AJ’s persona spiraled into erratic behavior, shifting affection rapidly toward other wrestlers. During Punk & Bryan's match, she climbed a turnbuckle appearing to attempt self-harm by jumping into a table, only to kiss CM Punk and then impulsively push both him and Bryan into the table. Later, during a segment, CM Punk declined to marry her and suggested she seek professional help.

A decade later, AJ returned to WWE not just as her persona, but also as herself, now married to CM Punk, where she openly shared her mental health history, advocated therapy, and supported her husband in a storyline against a rival couple.

As a clinician tasked to evaluate AJ’s case, you must differentiate her real-life diagnosis from her wrestling persona’s behaviors. Which interpretation BEST captures this distinction?

Randy Orton, a professional wrestler known as “The Viper,” has a reputation inside and outside the ring for sudden bursts of aggression. Reports from his wrestling persona highlight moments where he unpredictably lashes out — attacking referees, destroying equipment, and ambushing fellow wrestlers without provocation. These incidents are often scripted into storylines that emphasize his “explosive” temperament.

Outside the ring, Orton has also been involved in real-life controversies, including accounts of temper outbursts during training, arguments with management, and disciplinary issues that led to suspensions. However, he has also maintained long stretches of professional stability, disciplined training, and consistent performance without violent incidents.

Given this background, you are asked to evaluate whether Orton’s aggressive behaviors align with a legitimate clinical diagnosis of Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) or whether they are more consistent with character portrayal in the context of professional wrestling.

Which of the following interpretations is MOST accurate?

In the mid-2000s, WWE introduced the character “Eugene,” portrayed as a simple, naïve, and childlike adult who idolized wrestlers, displayed exaggerated mannerisms, and was booked to appear as having an intellectual disability. On-screen, Eugene often misunderstood social cues, imitated his favorite wrestlers in a playful manner, and became the subject of both comedic segments and bullying storylines.

Behind the scenes, Nick Dinsmore, the performer, was an experienced and technically skilled wrestler with no known intellectual disability. The persona was created purely as a storyline device, drawing both popularity and controversy because it was based on stereotypes rather than accurate clinical representation.

As a clinician reviewing this case, how should Eugene’s behavior be interpreted in terms of diagnosis and ethical representation?

In the film Split, the main character, Kevin Wendell Crumb, is portrayed as having 23 distinct personalities, with a 24th called “The Beast” emerging as a violent, superhuman identity. The movie shows abrupt switching between personalities with changes in voice, posture, and mannerisms. Some identities are childlike, others are meticulous, and some are aggressive. The film also depicts Kevin’s traumatic childhood as the origin of his condition.

As a psychometrician reviewing the case, you are tasked to evaluate whether this portrayal is clinically consistent with the DSM-5 description of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID).

Arthur Fleck, an impoverished man with a history of childhood abuse and neurological issues, presents with uncontrollable laughing fits, social withdrawal, and episodes of rage. He struggles with delusions of grandeur, believing he has relationships that don’t exist, and develops violent retaliatory behaviors after repeated social rejection. The film portrays him as evolving into the criminal persona “Joker,” whose actions are fueled by both untreated mental illness and societal neglect.

Based on DSM-5, which is the MOST accurate interpretation of Arthur’s portrayal?

Dr. Harleen Quinzel, originally a psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum, begins a romantic and sexual relationship with her patient, the Joker, eventually adopting his worldview and criminal lifestyle. She abandons professional duties, engages in violence, and uses her psychological knowledge to manipulate others.

Which PAP Code of Ethics violations are MOST evident in Harley Quinn’s actions?

John Nash, a brilliant mathematician, experiences progressive symptoms starting in graduate school. He has elaborate delusions of working on a secret government project, perceives visual and auditory hallucinations of individuals (like a roommate who never existed), and demonstrates paranoia about being watched. Despite significant impairment, he continues to pursue mathematics, though his work and family life suffer. With treatment, Nash eventually learns to cope by recognizing hallucinations as unreal, though they do not disappear.

Which of the following BEST describes the clinical accuracy of Nash’s portrayal in A Beautiful Mind?

John Wayne Gacy, known as the “Killer Clown,” was convicted of murdering more than 30 young men and boys in the 1970s. He lured victims to his home under the pretense of offering work or companionship, then restrained, sexually assaulted, and killed them, often burying bodies under his house.

Psychiatric evaluations revealed a complex profile. He exhibited antisocial personality traits such as lack of remorse, manipulation, and repeated law-breaking. In addition, his crimes involved sexual elements consistent with multiple paraphilic disorders. These included Sexual Sadism Disorder, Pedophilic Disorder, and Fetishistic/Transvestic elements.

Which of the following BEST captures the psychiatric interpretation of John Wayne Gacy’s case?

Ted Bundy was an American serial killer who murdered numerous young women during the 1970s. He lured victims by feigning injury or impersonating authority figures, then abducted, sexually assaulted, and killed them. Bundy was known for his superficial charm, intelligence, and ability to manipulate others. Many victims resembled one another, and several murders involved necrophilic acts with corpses.

Forensic psychiatrists widely recognized Bundy’s Antisocial Personality Disorder traits — deceitfulness, lack of remorse, and repeated violation of the rights of others. Additionally, his sexual crimes revealed elements of Paraphilic Disorders, especially Sexual Sadism Disorder and Necrophilic Disorder. Despite his charisma and occasional displays of affect, Bundy consistently demonstrated emotional detachment and instrumental violence.

Bill Cosby, once a popular comedian and actor, was accused and later convicted of sexually assaulting multiple women over several decades. A recurring pattern was reported: he would drug victims with sedatives and then engage in sexual acts without their consent. Victims often recalled amnesia due to being incapacitated.

Clinically, Cosby’s case highlights traits of Antisocial Personality Disorder — repeated violations of others’ rights, deceit, lack of remorse, and exploitation of power. His sexual behavior also aligns with Paraphilic Disorders, particularly Sexual Sadism Disorder. Some clinicians also suggest features of Paraphilic Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, since the consistent drugging element reflects arousal from rendering victims powerless rather than from the sexual act alone.

Which psychiatric interpretation is MOST accurate for Bill Cosby’s offending pattern?

Harvey Weinstein, a powerful Hollywood producer, was accused by numerous women of sexual harassment and assault spanning decades. Allegations revealed a pattern of coercion: offering acting roles or career opportunities in exchange for sexual favors, and threatening professional retaliation if victims refused. Many women felt unable to speak out due to fear of losing their careers.

From a clinical perspective, Weinstein’s behavior demonstrates traits of Antisocial Personality Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Sexual coercion also suggests elements of Sexual Sadism Disorder, as power and domination were central to his arousal pattern.

As a licensed psychometrician or psychologist, handling cases like Weinstein’s requires strict adherence to the PAP Code of Ethics, RA 11036, and laws protecting victims of abuse.

If a client discloses a Weinstein-like case of sexual coercion, what is the MOST ethical and professional course of action under the PAP Code of Ethics?

In the 2018 Burari deaths case in India, 11 family members were found dead in their home under mysterious circumstances. The investigation revealed that the family head, Lalit Bhatia, had a strong belief in “shared trance and ritualistic practices” and that following these rituals would prevent misfortune. Psychological evaluations of Lalit suggested that he exhibited hallucinations, delusions, and extreme ritualistic behaviors, often convincing the entire family to participate.

Based on the information above, which DSM-5 diagnosis or psychological phenomena most appropriately describes Lalit’s condition?

Tim Bergling, professionally known as Avicii, was a high-profile musician who struggled with anxiety, major depressive episodes, and substance use, compounded by chronic health issues from acute pancreatitis. Despite retiring from touring in 2016 to focus on his well-being, he continued to experience intense emotional distress and poor coping with fame-related pressures, ultimately leading to his suicide in 2018.

If Avicii had sought psychological intervention while still alive, which approach aligns most appropriately with his diagnosis, coping needs, and the ethical standards of the PAP Code of Ethics for handling a high-profile client?

Liam Payne, former member of One Direction, tragically died on October 16, 2024, after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. A partial autopsy revealed multiple substances in his system, including alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant. Before his death, hotel staff reported him acting aggressively and destructively, and a 911 call described him as being under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Minutes later, he fell from the balcony and was found with severe injuries.

If you were Liam Payne's clinician just before this incident, which approach aligns best with his clinical needs and ethical standards?

A 6-month-pregnant board examinee suddenly shows active labor signs in the middle of her licensure examination. The exam venue has no medical staff on-site, and the other candidates are panicking. As the psychometrician or proctor, which approach best aligns with professional, ethical, and legal responsibilities according to the PAP Code of Ethics?

During a board licensure examination, news breaks that a hostage situation is unfolding at a nearby building, approximately 200 meters from the testing site. Students are panicking, and anxiety levels in the room are rising. As the exam proctor / psychologist on-site, which course of action best balances crisis management, psychological safety, and ethical responsibility?

During a nationwide protest against the government, news spreads that major roads leading to the testing venue are blocked, and clashes between protesters and police have been reported nearby. Examinees are showing high anxiety, panic, and fear of being harmed, threatening to leave the venue mid-exam. As the exam proctor or on-site psychologist, which course of action best addresses examinees’ psychological safety, ethical duty, and exam integrity?

A 19-year-old college student reports persistent sadness and anhedonia for 2 weeks, with functional impairment. Which DSM-5 diagnosis is MOST consistent?

A 35-year-old client with schizophrenia refuses treatment, stating, “I am fine, the government is just spying on me.” This denial of illness is BEST explained as:

According to cognitive theory, panic disorder is BEST explained by:

A 6-year-old child repeatedly draws houses, trees, and people during assessment. Which test is MOST likely being administered?

In the film Rocketman, Elton John is shown entering a room wearing a flamboyant costume, then sitting with a group of people arranged in a circle, openly discussing his struggles with substance abuse, depression, and identity issues. This therapeutic setup is commonly used for individuals sharing similar experiences in order to foster mutual support, accountability, and recovery-oriented dialogue.

Which psychological approach is being depicted?

Which sociocultural factor MOST affects the underreporting of mental health problems in the Philippines?

A client with OCD refuses medication but agrees to therapy. Which psychological intervention has the STRONGEST evidence base for treatment?

A 78-year-old client with Alzheimer’s disease is enrolled in a clinical trial. Which ethical principle is MOST important to protect in this context?

A 21-year-old female reports recurrent binge eating without compensatory behaviors. She is overweight and distressed about her eating. Which DSM-5 diagnosis is MOST appropriate?

A client reports persecutory delusions that “AI is controlling my thoughts” after prolonged use of immersive VR and chatbot systems. This is BEST conceptualized as:

A Filipino psychologist notices that many clients avoid therapy due to fear of gossip and shame. According to sociocultural research, this barrier is BEST explained by:

Bertina, a 26-year-old woman, grew up as the sole caregiver of her chronically ill mother while shouldering medical and financial burdens after her parents’ separation. Following her mother’s death in 2021, she developed extreme sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of meaning in life despite maintaining work responsibilities. Over time, she reported binge–purge eating episodes, intrusive trauma memories, distractibility, compulsive rituals, constant worry, perfectionistic rigidity, and unstable relationships marked by intense abandonment fears. Based on her clinical presentation, which DSM-5 diagnosis BEST captures the central mood disturbance linked to her bereavement, while the others represent comorbid conditions?

Jeffrey Dahmer, known as the “Milwaukee Cannibal,” committed multiple murders between 1978 and 1991. His crimes involved premeditated sexual assault, necrophilia, dismemberment, and cannibalism. Psychological evaluations indicated paraphilic interests (particularly sexual sadism and necrophilia), lack of empathy, and compulsive urges toward his victims, though he was found to have no formal psychotic disorder.

Based on DSM-5 criteria, what is the most appropriate diagnosis for Dahmer?

A 28-year-old client presents with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and occasional panic attacks, but these symptoms do not meet full criteria for any single DSM-5 disorder. The client is experiencing significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. According to DSM-5 guidelines, what is the most appropriate diagnosis?

A 35-year-old client exhibits recurrent binge eating episodes without compensatory behaviors, lasting several months. The pattern causes marked distress, but the client does not meet the full criteria for Bulimia Nervosa or Binge Eating Disorder. The clinician wants to document the specific reason the full criteria are not met. What is the most accurate DSM-5 diagnosis?

According to the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia, which pathway is MOST linked with positive symptoms?

A 70-year-old woman with Alzheimer’s disease has been wandering outside at night and forgetting to eat. According to evidence-based practice, which intervention is MOST appropriate for safety and functioning?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many OFWs reported persistent insomnia, irritability, and loneliness after returning home. Which DSM-5 diagnosis is MOST likely if symptoms lasted 4 months and are directly linked to reintegration stress?

A patient with schizophrenia hears voices commanding him to hurt others. Which symptom category BEST fits?

A 17-year-old male has recurrent aggressive outbursts grossly disproportionate to provocation, not premeditated, occurring for >12 months. Which DSM-5 diagnosis is MOST consistent?

A client in therapy repeatedly projects feelings of abandonment onto the therapist, believing the therapist will leave her “like everyone else.” This BEST reflects:

What are the 5D's of psychopathology?