DHA Clinical Psychologist exam questions

6 worked Clinical Psychologist practice questions

Original exam-style questions from the bank, spread across the blueprint domains. They are not real or recalled exam questions. Try each one, then open the answer for the rationale and reference. None of them appear in the free mock exam, so reading them will not spoil it.

1. Question 1 · Evidence-Based Psychological Interventions

   Which set of components makes up standard comprehensive DBT for borderline personality disorder?

   1. AIndividual therapy, skills group, phone coaching, consultation team
   2. BIndividual therapy, family therapy, medication review, inpatient care
   3. CSkills group, psychoeducation, relaxation, journaling
   4. DGroup therapy, exposure therapy, hypnosis, medication
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: A. Individual therapy, skills group, phone coaching, consultation team

   Comprehensive DBT combines individual therapy, group skills training, between-session phone coaching and a therapist consultation team. Skills groups alone are an adaptation, not the full model.

   Reference: Linehan, DBT Skills Training Manual, 2nd ed.

2. Question 2 · Evidence-Based Psychological Interventions

   A heavy drinker says he has no problem and does not intend to change in the next 6 months. Which stage of change is he in?

   1. AContemplation
   2. BPreparation
   3. CPrecontemplation
   4. DMaintenance
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: C. Precontemplation

   Precontemplation is no intention to change within 6 months. Contemplation involves recognising the problem and considering change, often with ambivalence.

   Reference: Prochaska and DiClemente, Transtheoretical Model of Change

3. Question 3 · Neuropsychology and Health Psychology

   Which feature most suggests delirium rather than dementia?

   1. AGradual decline over 2 years
   2. BIntact attention with progressive memory loss
   3. CStable symptoms through the day
   4. DAcute onset with fluctuating attention
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: D. Acute onset with fluctuating attention

   Delirium has acute onset, fluctuating course and impaired attention and needs a search for medical causes. Gradual progressive decline with preserved attention suggests dementia.

   Reference: DSM-5-TR, American Psychiatric Association 2022

4. Question 4 · Psychological Assessment and Psychometrics

   A test has SD 15 and reliability coefficient 0.91. What is its standard error of measurement?

   1. A1.35
   2. B4.5
   3. C13.5
   4. D9.0
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: B. 4.5

   SEM = SD x square root of (1 - r) = 15 x square root of 0.09 = 15 x 0.3 = 4.5. Multiplying 15 by 0.09 without the square root gives 1.35.

   Reference: Anastasi and Urbina, Psychological Testing, 7th ed.

5. Question 5 · Psychological Assessment and Psychometrics

   During a neuropsychological assessment for a compensation claim, memory scores are far below expected for a mild injury. What should be included to assess the credibility of these results?

   1. AA longer intelligence test battery
   2. BA projective personality test
   3. CStandalone and embedded performance validity tests
   4. DA structured psychiatric interview on its own
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: C. Standalone and embedded performance validity tests

   Performance validity tests, such as forced-choice memory tests, detect non-credible effort and are recommended in all neuropsychological evaluations, especially with external incentives. More cognitive tests without validity measures cannot show whether low scores are valid.

   Reference: AACN Consensus Statement on Validity Assessment 2021

6. Question 6 · Psychopathology and Diagnosis

   A 22-year-old has had hallucinations, delusions and disorganised speech for 3 months, with no mood episode or substance use. What is the most appropriate diagnosis?

   1. ASchizophrenia
   2. BBrief psychotic disorder
   3. CSchizophreniform disorder
   4. DSchizoaffective disorder
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: C. Schizophreniform disorder

   Schizophreniform disorder requires the same symptoms as schizophrenia lasting at least 1 month but less than 6 months. Brief psychotic disorder lasts under 1 month, and schizophrenia requires 6 months.

   Reference: DSM-5-TR, American Psychiatric Association 2022