Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

What is the definition of "Macropsia" in the DSM-5?

1. The interpretation of objects as being smaller than they are

2. A visual perception where objects appear larger than reality

3. A hallucination that involves seeing people or lights

4. An optical illusion involving background landscapes

The correct answer is: A visual perception where objects appear larger than reality

The correct definition of "Macropsia" in the DSM-5 is a visual perception where objects appear larger than reality. This condition refers to a distortion in visual perception, where the individual perceives objects, whether they are people or inanimate things, as being significantly larger than they actually are. This can occur in various contexts and may be associated with certain neurological conditions or psychological disorders. Understanding Macropsia is essential in clinical practice, as it can impact a person's perception of their environment and may contribute to anxiety or distress. Proper identification and assessment of such perceptual disturbances allow for better-targeted interventions and therapeutic strategies. While other options mention different forms of visual perception or optical phenomena, they do not accurately describe Macropsia. Each of those alternatives refers to either a diminutive perception (as in seeing objects smaller than they are) or hallucinations, which are distinct experiences from the misperception represented by Macropsia.