CMN 568 COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
GUIDE 2026 COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
◉ Depression in children.
Answer: Persistent state of unhappiness that interferes with
pleasure or productivity
Dysphoric mood (tearful, sad, downturned expression, anger, quick
temper, slumped posture, unhappiness)
Characteristic neuronegative signs and symptoms
loss of interest in play, social activities and school, boredom, loss of
pleasure
Suicidal ideation, feelings of hopelessness
When several depression symptoms cluster together over time (2
weeks or more) are consistent and cause impairment, a major
depressive episode may be present
◉ Depression in children - screening.
Answer: AAP recommends annual screening in children age 12 and
older using a standardized measurement tool
Always ask and document responses about any suicidal thinking and
self injurious behaviors
,◉ Depression in children - Treatment.
Answer: Fluoxitine (Prozac) is FDA approved for treatment of
depression in children over 8
Precaution when prescribing SSRI's for individual with family hx of
bipolar because they can cause manic or hypomanic symptoms
SSRI adverse effects: GI distress and nausea, headache, decreased
appetite, weight loss, insomnia, sedatioin, sexual dysfunction
Fluoxatine has longest 1/2 life of SSRI, if provider wants to start
MAOI must allow a 5 week break.
◉ Bipolar disorder in children - Facts.
Answer: Depressive symptoms are most commonly reported first
Not caused by prescribed or illicit drugs
Patients showing signs of bipolar disorder should be screened for
substance, sexual and physical abuse, PTSD, and hyperthyroidism
◉ Bipolar disorder in children - signs and symptoms.
Answer: Periods of abnormally and persistent elevated expansive, or
irritable mood and heightened levels of energy and activity
Associated symptoms of grandiosity, diminished need for sleep,
pressured speech, racing thoughts, impaired judgement
More likely to be aggressive and inappropriate toward peers
◉ Bipolar disorder in children - treatment.
,Answer: Treat with mood stabilizers such as lithium, atypical
antiphyscotics or epileptic drugs
Refer to mental health provider
◉ Depression in adults - Sign and symptoms.
Answer: Mood varies from mild sadness to intense despondency and
feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and hopelessness
Difficulty thinking, inability to concentrate, ruminations and lack of
decisiveness
Loss of interest with diminished involvement with work and
recreation
Somatic complaints such as disrupted, lessened, or excessive sleep,
loss of energy, change in appetite and decreased sexual drive
severe depression may present with psychomotor retardation or
agitation, delusions, withdrawal from activities, anorexia, insomnia,
reduced sexual drive, weight loss, and various somatic complaints,
suicidal ideation
◉ Depression in adults - treatment.
Answer: mild forms usually do not require drug therapy and can be
managed by psychotherapy
Medications are needed if symptoms persist for more than a few
weeks and if have a 1st degree relative with major depression
AA involvement with religious or spiritual leaders/groups tend to
improve depression treatment
, Hospitalization is necessary if suicide is a mojor concern or if
complex treatment modalities are required
◉ Depression in adults - Medications.
Answer: Four groups of antidepressants used:
Newer antidepressants (SSRI's, SNRI's, buproprion, vilazadone,
vortioxetine, and mirtazapine
TCA's
MAOI's
Stimulants
Fluoxetine takes 2-6 weeks to act on depression and if some relief is
experienced after 2 weeks and no suicidal ideation then medication
should be continued adn reassessment of patient in 6 weeks is
warranted (when full effect is expected)
◉ Anxiety disorders in Adults - signs and symptoms.
Answer: Persistent excessive anxiety or chronic fear and associated
behavioral disturbances.
Somatic symptoms referable to the autonomic nervous system or to
a specific organ system
Not limited to adjustment disorder
Not a result of physical disorders, other psychiatric conditions
All underlying medical conditions should be ruled out
GUIDE 2026 COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
◉ Depression in children.
Answer: Persistent state of unhappiness that interferes with
pleasure or productivity
Dysphoric mood (tearful, sad, downturned expression, anger, quick
temper, slumped posture, unhappiness)
Characteristic neuronegative signs and symptoms
loss of interest in play, social activities and school, boredom, loss of
pleasure
Suicidal ideation, feelings of hopelessness
When several depression symptoms cluster together over time (2
weeks or more) are consistent and cause impairment, a major
depressive episode may be present
◉ Depression in children - screening.
Answer: AAP recommends annual screening in children age 12 and
older using a standardized measurement tool
Always ask and document responses about any suicidal thinking and
self injurious behaviors
,◉ Depression in children - Treatment.
Answer: Fluoxitine (Prozac) is FDA approved for treatment of
depression in children over 8
Precaution when prescribing SSRI's for individual with family hx of
bipolar because they can cause manic or hypomanic symptoms
SSRI adverse effects: GI distress and nausea, headache, decreased
appetite, weight loss, insomnia, sedatioin, sexual dysfunction
Fluoxatine has longest 1/2 life of SSRI, if provider wants to start
MAOI must allow a 5 week break.
◉ Bipolar disorder in children - Facts.
Answer: Depressive symptoms are most commonly reported first
Not caused by prescribed or illicit drugs
Patients showing signs of bipolar disorder should be screened for
substance, sexual and physical abuse, PTSD, and hyperthyroidism
◉ Bipolar disorder in children - signs and symptoms.
Answer: Periods of abnormally and persistent elevated expansive, or
irritable mood and heightened levels of energy and activity
Associated symptoms of grandiosity, diminished need for sleep,
pressured speech, racing thoughts, impaired judgement
More likely to be aggressive and inappropriate toward peers
◉ Bipolar disorder in children - treatment.
,Answer: Treat with mood stabilizers such as lithium, atypical
antiphyscotics or epileptic drugs
Refer to mental health provider
◉ Depression in adults - Sign and symptoms.
Answer: Mood varies from mild sadness to intense despondency and
feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and hopelessness
Difficulty thinking, inability to concentrate, ruminations and lack of
decisiveness
Loss of interest with diminished involvement with work and
recreation
Somatic complaints such as disrupted, lessened, or excessive sleep,
loss of energy, change in appetite and decreased sexual drive
severe depression may present with psychomotor retardation or
agitation, delusions, withdrawal from activities, anorexia, insomnia,
reduced sexual drive, weight loss, and various somatic complaints,
suicidal ideation
◉ Depression in adults - treatment.
Answer: mild forms usually do not require drug therapy and can be
managed by psychotherapy
Medications are needed if symptoms persist for more than a few
weeks and if have a 1st degree relative with major depression
AA involvement with religious or spiritual leaders/groups tend to
improve depression treatment
, Hospitalization is necessary if suicide is a mojor concern or if
complex treatment modalities are required
◉ Depression in adults - Medications.
Answer: Four groups of antidepressants used:
Newer antidepressants (SSRI's, SNRI's, buproprion, vilazadone,
vortioxetine, and mirtazapine
TCA's
MAOI's
Stimulants
Fluoxetine takes 2-6 weeks to act on depression and if some relief is
experienced after 2 weeks and no suicidal ideation then medication
should be continued adn reassessment of patient in 6 weeks is
warranted (when full effect is expected)
◉ Anxiety disorders in Adults - signs and symptoms.
Answer: Persistent excessive anxiety or chronic fear and associated
behavioral disturbances.
Somatic symptoms referable to the autonomic nervous system or to
a specific organ system
Not limited to adjustment disorder
Not a result of physical disorders, other psychiatric conditions
All underlying medical conditions should be ruled out
