This week, our free MFT Clinical exam practice question is going to focus on the topic of depressive and bipolar related disorders. Most of us have worked with individuals who have been diagnosed with some form of these DSM diagnoses, which will be extremely helpful during the exam. Yet, not everyone has witnessed (or experienced) working with clients exhibiting symptoms associated with the diagnoses of Bipolar I or Bipolar II. Regardless of how much or how little you already know about this subject, the Therapist Development Center’s exam prep will ensure you know everything you need to correctly answer questions on this topic.
How might this topic be tested?
Whether you are taking the California MFT Clinical Exam or the National MFT Exam, there are several ways in which depressive and bipolar related disorders might be tested. Questions on the either exam could test your ability to:
- Diagnose these disorders
- Differentiate these diagnoses from each other
- Develop an appropriate treatment plan
- Know expression of diagnoses across the lifespan
- Be familiar with various medications used to treat these disorders
- Be aware of proper referrals and coordination of care
Let’s see how you do on this week’s FREE MFT Clinical practice question.
Practice Question on Depressive / Bipolar Related Disorders:
A 62-year-old female comes to therapy for the treatment of depression. She is recently separated from her partner of sixteen years and was also subjected to a recent layoff at work. She reports that she is struggling with ageism and is unable to find employment, has a hard time getting out of bed and doesn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. In addition, she states that the only solace she finds is at the bottom of a bottle and that she stopped attending bocce tournaments she used to enjoy. What interventions should the therapist consider in this case?
A. Identify social supports available to client
Inquire about frequency and intensity of her alcohol consumption
Refer the client to a psychiatrist for medication evaluation
B. Identify social supports available to client
Inquire about frequency and intensity of her alcohol consumption
Evaluate level of suicide risk
C. Suggest the client exercise on a regular basis
Refer the client to join the group of recently single individuals
Evaluate level of suicide risk
D. Suggest the client exercise on a regular basis
Refer the client to join the group of recently single individuals
Refer the client to a psychiatrist for medication evaluation
(correct answer and rationale below)
The correct answer is B.
- Based on the information presented, it is evident that the client is struggling with depression and hopelessness. In addition, her recent history of loss and substance use all put her at a high level of risk for suicide. Thus, we must assess for suicide in our answer. The only two answers that contain that option are B and C. Thus, answers A and D are automatically going to be ruled out.
- Answer C has the therapist providing very good referrals; however, it ignores a pretty important element that we have to attend to and that is alcohol use. The referrals and recommendations mentioned in C might come later, but they are not as imminent as doing a substance use evaluation. Thus, C can also be ruled out, leaving us with the best possible answer B.
To learn all about the intricacies of depressive and bipolar disorders, sign up for one of TDC’s MFT exam study guides to help you prepare for your exam today! Amanda Rowan has helped thousands of Marriage and Family Therapists pass their MFT exams-are you our next success story?