Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Human Behavior Practice Test

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Prepare for the SWES Human Behavior Exam. Practice with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Maximize your performance!

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!

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A patient recovering from depression shows improvement. The social worker's concern about the patient committing suicide would likely?

Decrease
Stay the same
Increase
Remain uncertain

The correct answer is: Increase

The concern about a patient committing suicide may increase during their recovery process from depression due to a phenomenon known as "contrary motion." As individuals start to feel better, there can be a surge of energy that may allow them to act on suicidal thoughts that they may have previously felt unable to do so while in a more severe depressed state. This paradoxical improvement in mood, combined with residual hopelessness or unresolved issues, can elevate the risk of suicide. In addition, a social worker may be particularly vigilant during this transitional period because the patient's change in behavior might not yet fully reflect their overall emotional state or coping abilities. It is essential for practitioners to continually assess suicidal ideation and risk throughout the recovery journey, ensuring that necessary interventions and safety plans are in place. By maintaining a heightened awareness, the social worker can provide the appropriate support and resources to the patient as they navigate their recovery.