LMSW Practice Test

A young woman with a history of drug abuse shows symptoms of agitation, anxiety, sweating, and restlessness. What might the social worker suspect?

1. A drug overdose.

2. A possible drug withdrawal syndrome.

3. A pre-psychotic episode.

4. Intoxication.

The correct answer is: A drug overdose.

In this scenario, the symptoms presented—agitation, anxiety, sweating, and restlessness—are commonly associated with drug withdrawal. When an individual with a history of drug abuse stops using substances, their body may react negatively to the absence of the drug, leading to withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can vary but often include heightened anxiety levels, physical agitation, and various autonomic responses such as sweating. While a drug overdose could present with agitation and anxiety, it typically manifests with more severe and acute physiological impairments, such as altered consciousness or respiratory distress, which are not indicated in the symptoms listed. A pre-psychotic episode may involve agitation, but it would more likely include additional symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions, which are not mentioned here. Intoxication usually involves euphoria or sedation, varying widely based on the substance, but the symptoms described are more aligned with withdrawal than intoxication. Given this context, the young woman's symptoms strongly suggest a possible drug withdrawal syndrome.