NRNP 6635 PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND
DIAGNOSTIC REASONING FINAL EXAM
1. A 24-year-old patient presents with excessive anxiety and worry about multiple events for
at least 6 months, finding it difficult to control the worry. Which brain region is most
associated with the modulation of fear and anxiety in this disorder?
A. Amygdala
B. Hippocampus
C. Basal Ganglia
D. Pons
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The amygdala is the primary brain structure involved in
processing fear and anxiety, acting as an integrative center for emotions and motivation.
2. When differentiating between Bipolar I and Bipolar II Disorder, which clinical feature is
required for a diagnosis of Bipolar I?
A. At least one hypomanic episode
B. A history of major depressive episodes
,C. At least one manic episode
D. Rapid cycling of moods within a week
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Bipolar I requires at least one manic episode. Bipolar II requires
at least one hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode, but never a full manic
episode.
3. A patient exhibits a pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships and a
restricted range of expression of emotions in interpersonal settings. Which personality
disorder is most likely?
A. Avoidant Personality Disorder
B. Schizoid Personality Disorder
C. Schizotypal Personality Disorder
D. Antisocial Personality Disorder
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Schizoid Personality Disorder is characterized by social
detachment and restricted emotional expression, unlike Schizotypal, which includes
cognitive/perceptual distortions.
, 4. In the neurobiology of Schizophrenia, the ‘positive’ symptoms such as hallucinations are
primarily associated with hyperactivity in which dopaminergic pathway?
A. Mesolimbic pathway
B. Nigrostriatal pathway
C. Mesocortical pathway
D. Tuberoinfundibular pathway
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperactivity in the mesolimbic pathway is associated with
positive symptoms (hallucinations/delusions), while hypoactivity in the mesocortical
pathway is associated with negative symptoms.
5. Which of the following is a core requirement for a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD) according to DSM-5-TR?
A. Symptoms lasting at least 1 month
B. History of a traumatic event within the last 2 weeks
C. Presence of at least three manic symptoms
D. Symptoms occurring only during sleep
Answer: A
DIAGNOSTIC REASONING FINAL EXAM
1. A 24-year-old patient presents with excessive anxiety and worry about multiple events for
at least 6 months, finding it difficult to control the worry. Which brain region is most
associated with the modulation of fear and anxiety in this disorder?
A. Amygdala
B. Hippocampus
C. Basal Ganglia
D. Pons
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The amygdala is the primary brain structure involved in
processing fear and anxiety, acting as an integrative center for emotions and motivation.
2. When differentiating between Bipolar I and Bipolar II Disorder, which clinical feature is
required for a diagnosis of Bipolar I?
A. At least one hypomanic episode
B. A history of major depressive episodes
,C. At least one manic episode
D. Rapid cycling of moods within a week
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Bipolar I requires at least one manic episode. Bipolar II requires
at least one hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode, but never a full manic
episode.
3. A patient exhibits a pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships and a
restricted range of expression of emotions in interpersonal settings. Which personality
disorder is most likely?
A. Avoidant Personality Disorder
B. Schizoid Personality Disorder
C. Schizotypal Personality Disorder
D. Antisocial Personality Disorder
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Schizoid Personality Disorder is characterized by social
detachment and restricted emotional expression, unlike Schizotypal, which includes
cognitive/perceptual distortions.
, 4. In the neurobiology of Schizophrenia, the ‘positive’ symptoms such as hallucinations are
primarily associated with hyperactivity in which dopaminergic pathway?
A. Mesolimbic pathway
B. Nigrostriatal pathway
C. Mesocortical pathway
D. Tuberoinfundibular pathway
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperactivity in the mesolimbic pathway is associated with
positive symptoms (hallucinations/delusions), while hypoactivity in the mesocortical
pathway is associated with negative symptoms.
5. Which of the following is a core requirement for a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD) according to DSM-5-TR?
A. Symptoms lasting at least 1 month
B. History of a traumatic event within the last 2 weeks
C. Presence of at least three manic symptoms
D. Symptoms occurring only during sleep
Answer: A
