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 Services Test on Human Behavior. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations to enhance your comprehension and 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 factor is NOT associated with the prognosis for schizophrenia?

  1. Age of onset

  2. Recent large weight gain

  3. Duration of symptoms

  4. Family history of mental illness

The correct answer is: Recent large weight gain

In assessing the factors that influence the prognosis for schizophrenia, recent large weight gain is not typically identified as a significant predictor. Research suggests that the prognosis for individuals with schizophrenia is more closely related to factors such as the age of onset, the duration of symptoms prior to treatment, and family history of mental illness. The age of onset can help in predicting the course of the disorder; earlier onset is often associated with a more severe course and poorer overall outcomes. The duration of symptoms prior to appropriate treatment is critical; longer durations have been linked to worse prognoses, as early intervention tends to lead to better outcomes. Additionally, a family history of mental illness can indicate genetic predispositions that may affect the individual's prognosis. While recent weight changes can be important for overall health and may influence treatment adherence or lead to additional health complications, they do not have a direct established correlation with the overall prognosis of schizophrenia compared to the other factors mentioned. This distinction makes recent large weight gain an irrelevant factor when discussing prognosis in the context of schizophrenia specifically.