Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Human Behavior Practice Test

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Social Work Examination with detailed questions on human behavior. Study effectively with multiple choice questions and expert explanations. Ensure your readiness for the test!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What is the most common presenting complaint among psychiatric patients?

  1. Anxiety

  2. Depression

  3. Schizophrenia symptoms

  4. Personality disorders

The correct answer is: Depression

The most common presenting complaint among psychiatric patients is depression. This condition often manifests as a predominant emotional experience that individuals describe when seeking help. Symptoms of depression can include persistent sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, and feelings of hopelessness. Due to its prevalent nature and the significant impact it can have on functioning, many patients seek treatment due to depressive symptoms. Anxiety, while also a common issue among psychiatric patients, tends to be one of several complaints reported rather than the primary presenting issue. Similarly, although schizophrenia and various personality disorders can lead individuals to seek treatment, these tend to be less frequently identified as the initial reason for help, particularly when compared to the widespread impact of depression in the population. Therefore, depression stands out as a prevalent concern, leading many individuals to seek psychiatric evaluation and treatment.