Mental Health Technician Certification (AMCA) Practice Test

Which term best describes a primary diagnosis for a client suffering from dissociative disorder?

1. Uncontrolled anger issues

2. Disturbed personal identity

3. Severe anxiety disorder

4. Compulsive behavior disorder

The correct answer is: Disturbed personal identity

The term that best describes a primary diagnosis for a client suffering from a dissociative disorder is the concept of "disturbed personal identity." Dissociative disorders, which include conditions like dissociative identity disorder (previously known as multiple personality disorder), are characterized by disruptions in a person's consciousness, memory, identity, or perception of the environment. These disruptions can manifest as a fragmented sense of self or a feeling of detachment from one’s thoughts and surroundings. In cases of dissociative disorders, individuals might experience shifts in identity or significant memory gaps, which directly relate to the notion of a "disturbed personal identity." This highlights the core issues typical in these disorders, where an individual may struggle with their sense of self due to the psychological stressors they are facing. Other options, such as uncontrolled anger issues, severe anxiety disorder, or compulsive behavior disorder, do not capture the essence of dissociative disorders. While individuals with dissociative disorders may also experience symptoms of anxiety or other behavioral issues, these do not define the primary diagnosis associated with dissociation itself. Instead, they represent different classes of mental health conditions that require separate diagnoses and treatment approaches.