Abnormal Child and Adolescent Psychology Exam Questions and Answers

200 Questions and Answers

$7.99

Master the complexities of developmental psychopathology with this in-depth Abnormal Child and Adolescent Psychology Practice Exam—a trusted resource designed for psychology students, aspiring clinicians, educators, and healthcare professionals. Featuring a well-rounded selection of Abnormal Child and Adolescent Psychology Exam Questions and Answers, this quiz supports a clear understanding of psychological disorders that affect children and adolescents.

This practice exam explores key diagnostic categories including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorders, conduct and oppositional defiant disorders, ADHD, eating disorders, and trauma-related conditions. It also emphasizes the role of developmental stages, family dynamics, school environment, and cultural influences on psychological well-being.

Structured to align with undergraduate and graduate-level psychology curricula, the questions reflect DSM-5 classifications and real-life case scenarios. Test-takers will enhance their ability to evaluate symptoms, differentiate between diagnoses, and consider biopsychosocial factors in assessment and treatment planning.

Each question is supported by a comprehensive answer explanation, promoting deeper understanding of core topics such as emotional dysregulation, cognitive development, behavioral manifestations, risk and protective factors, and evidence-based interventions. Whether you’re preparing for a final exam or professional certification, these Abnormal Child and Adolescent Psychology Exam Questions and Answers provide the academic rigor and practical insight needed for success.

The exam also reinforces ethical considerations in working with young populations, including issues of confidentiality, mandatory reporting, and cultural sensitivity. It’s an ideal tool for psychology majors, mental health trainees, special education teachers, or anyone involved in child and adolescent welfare.

By using this focused practice exam, learners build strong foundations in diagnostic thinking and intervention strategies that are critical for careers in psychology, counseling, social work, and education.

Sample Questions and Answers

Which of the following is most characteristic of a child with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)?

A. Frequent mood swings B. Disregard for rules and authority figures
C. Lack of empathy
D. Recurrent nightmares

Answer: B. Disregard for rules and authority figures

Which disorder is marked by persistent defiant behavior and irritability, but does not involve extreme aggression?

A. Antisocial Personality Disorder
B. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
C. Conduct Disorder
D. Bipolar Disorder

Answer: B. Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A child who consistently has difficulty making eye contact, struggles with understanding social cues, and exhibits repetitive behaviors most likely has:

A. Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
B. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
C. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
D. Conduct Disorder

Answer: B. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

The primary symptom of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is:

Difficulty sleeping
B. Excessive aggression
C. Inattention and hyperactivity
D. Avoidance of social interactions

Answer: C. Inattention and hyperactivity

Which of the following is a potential cause of conduct disorder in children?

Trauma or abuse
B. Positive reinforcement of good behavior
C. Social isolation
D. Strict parenting

Answer: A. Trauma or abuse

A child who consistently engages in severe lying, stealing, or aggression may have:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder
B. Conduct Disorder
C. Major Depressive Disorder
D. Separation Anxiety Disorder

Answer: B. Conduct Disorder

A common feature of both ADHD and learning disabilities is:

Difficulty in following instructions
B. Lack of interest in academics
C. Intellectual disabilities
D. Difficulty in managing emotions

Answer: A. Difficulty in following instructions

Which of the following best describes the symptoms of Separation Anxiety Disorder?

Fear of abandonment, excessive worry about parents’ safety
B. Difficulty in making friends
C. Obsessive thoughts about failure
D. Extreme fatigue and low energy

Answer: A. Fear of abandonment, excessive worry about parents’ safety

A child with a persistent fear of social situations and the fear of being judged negatively by others may have:

Social Anxiety Disorder
B. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
C. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
D. Panic Disorder

Answer: A. Social Anxiety Disorder

A common characteristic of children with reactive attachment disorder (RAD) is:

Persistent sadness
B. Difficulty forming healthy relationships
C. Sudden bursts of anger
D. Excessive sleepiness

Answer: B. Difficulty forming healthy relationships

What is the hallmark characteristic of children with a manic episode in bipolar disorder?

Severe mood swings with periods of euphoria
B. Difficulty concentrating and staying still
C. Lack of emotional expression
D. Persistent fears and worries

Answer: A. Severe mood swings with periods of euphoria

The best intervention for a child with specific phobia would be:

Medication only
B. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
C. Long-term hospitalization
D. Psychoanalysis

Answer: B. Cognitive-behavioral therapy

A child diagnosed with a mood disorder may demonstrate:

Sudden changes in behavior, such as withdrawal from family and friends
B. Extreme hyperactivity
C. Hypervigilance
D. Severe aggression towards peers

Answer: A. Sudden changes in behavior, such as withdrawal from family and friends

Which disorder is characterized by the child having a consistent pattern of being excessively clingy or fearful when away from their caregivers?

Separation Anxiety Disorder
B. Social Anxiety Disorder
C. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
D. Autism Spectrum Disorder

Answer: A. Separation Anxiety Disorder

Which of the following disorders often co-occurs with ADHD in children?

Depression
B. Bipolar Disorder
C. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
D. Schizophrenia

Answer: C. Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Which behavior is most likely to be exhibited by a child with anorexia nervosa?

Binge eating followed by purging
B. Consuming large amounts of food in secret
C. Restricting food intake and excessive exercise
D. Avoiding food and not thinking about eating

Answer: C. Restricting food intake and excessive exercise

Which of the following is the primary symptom of Conduct Disorder?

Extreme hyperactivity
B. Aggression and disregard for others’ rights
C. Persistent feelings of sadness
D. Inability to focus on tasks

Answer: B. Aggression and disregard for others’ rights

What is a common treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder in children?

Medication with a focus on anti-depressants
B. Exposure therapy
C. Psychoeducation and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
D. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

Answer: C. Psychoeducation and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

In children, the most common form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is:

Checking rituals
B. Contamination fears
C. Hoarding
D. Repeating certain phrases or actions

Answer: B. Contamination fears

Children with a history of trauma often experience:

Delusions
B. Nightmares and flashbacks
C. Increased energy and excitement
D. Disinterest in the world around them

Answer: B. Nightmares and flashbacks

The first-line treatment for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often involves:

Antidepressant medications
B. Stimulant medications
C. Intensive psychotherapy
D. Hospitalization

Answer: B. Stimulant medications

Which of the following is the primary cause of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in children?

A traumatic event or experience
B. Genetic predisposition
C. Poor parenting
D. Chronic health conditions

Answer: A. A traumatic event or experience

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) typically have challenges in:

Understanding sarcasm or non-literal language
B. Memory and attention
C. Visual-spatial skills
D. Ability to perform physical tasks

Answer: A. Understanding sarcasm or non-literal language

What distinguishes social anxiety disorder from selective mutism in children?

Social anxiety involves a fear of judgment, while selective mutism involves an inability to speak
B. Selective mutism leads to aggression, while social anxiety does not
C. Social anxiety always results in depression, while selective mutism does not
D. Selective mutism occurs only in children with autism

Answer: A. Social anxiety involves a fear of judgment, while selective mutism involves an inability to speak

A child diagnosed with ADHD may struggle with:

Understanding abstract concepts
B. Sleeping at night
C. Sitting still for extended periods
D. Developing language skills

Answer: C. Sitting still for extended periods

The onset of which disorder is typically between ages 6 and 12?

Schizophrenia
B. ADHD
C. Borderline Personality Disorder
D. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Answer: B. ADHD

What is the most common form of anxiety disorder in children?

Specific Phobia
B. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
C. Panic Disorder
D. Separation Anxiety Disorder

Answer: A. Specific Phobia

A child with an intellectual disability would likely demonstrate:

An inability to understand humor
B. Challenges in academic learning and adaptive behavior
C. A high level of social functioning
D. Difficulty focusing on a single task for long periods

Answer: B. Challenges in academic learning and adaptive behavior

Which of the following is an example of a compulsive behavior in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Hoarding items
B. Checking things repeatedly
C. Overeating
D. Sleep disturbances

Answer: B. Checking things repeatedly

Which of the following therapies is most commonly used to treat childhood depression?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
B. Psychoanalysis
C. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
D. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Answer: A. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Be the first to review “Abnormal Child and Adolescent Psychology Exam Questions and Answers”

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Shopping Cart
Scroll to Top