Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) Practice

Which of the following best describes Axis I disorders?

1. Personality disorders and mental retardation

2. Major mental disorders, developmental disorders, and learning disabilities

3. An individual's cultural identification with dominant norms

4. Process of accepting one's own ethnic group

The correct answer is: Major mental disorders, developmental disorders, and learning disabilities

Axis I disorders encompass a range of major mental disorders, developmental disorders, and learning disabilities. This classification includes conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, and various types of developmental and learning problems that can significantly impact a person's functioning and well-being. By incorporating both major mental health conditions and developmental disorders, this option captures the breadth of challenges that individuals can face, making it pertinent for accurate diagnosis and treatment in clinical settings. Understanding these disorders is crucial in the field of addiction counseling, as many individuals with Axis I disorders may also struggle with substance use issues, necessitating integrated treatment approaches that address both mental health and addiction. The other options relate to different aspects of mental health or sociocultural identity but do not accurately define Axis I disorders as recognized in diagnostic frameworks like the DSM. Therefore, the inclusion of diverse mental health challenges in the definition makes the chosen answer the most appropriate in describing Axis I disorders.