Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Practice Exam

The diagnosis most likely associated with mental status examinations is delirium. This is because mental status examinations are specifically designed to assess a range of cognitive functions, including consciousness, attention, memory, perception, and thought processes. Delirium is characterized by an acute change in attention and cognition, often resulting from medical conditions, substance use, or withdrawal. It is marked by fluctuations in attention and awareness, which can be readily observed during a mental status examination.

In contrast, schizophrenia and personality disorders like Avoidant Personality Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder typically require a more comprehensive assessment, including a detailed history and observation over time. These diagnoses involve chronic patterns of behavior and thought that may not be immediately apparent in a brief examination. While mental status examinations can provide some insight into the cognitive and emotional functioning of individuals with these disorders, they are not the primary method for diagnosing them, as these conditions involve more stable and pervasive issues that extend beyond acute cognitive changes.