Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Therapist Development Center Practice Exam

What diagnosis is considered for a veteran experiencing irritability and avoidance after a combat trauma event?

1. Adjustment Disorder

2. Acute Stress Disorder

3. Generalized Anxiety Disorder

4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

The correct answer is: Acute Stress Disorder

The reasoning for identifying Acute Stress Disorder as the correct diagnosis in this context lies in the specific criteria and timeframe associated with this condition. Acute Stress Disorder occurs in individuals who exhibit symptoms, such as irritability and avoidance, within three days to one month following exposure to a traumatic event. In the case of a veteran experiencing these symptoms after a combat trauma event, the immediate response is significant for diagnosis. This condition includes a range of symptoms that align with the experiences of those exposed to severe stressors, including re-experiencing the trauma, hyperarousal, and avoidance behaviors. Symptoms like irritability are commonly reported by individuals suffering from Acute Stress Disorder, particularly following a traumatic military experience. The other diagnoses, while they share some common symptoms, do not fit the timeline and specific context as closely. Adjustment Disorder relates more to difficulties in adjusting to stressors that occur within three months of the event, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by chronic anxiety that is not linked to a specific traumatic event. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, on the other hand, requires symptoms to persist for more than one month after the traumatic event, which exceeds the timeline for Acute Stress Disorder.