NR547 WEEK 4 EXAM V1:
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS IN
PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH.
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A 28-year-old patient presents with a long-standing pattern of detachment from social
relationships and a restricted range of expression of emotions in interpersonal settings. They
prefer solitary activities and show little interest in sexual experiences with others. Which
diagnosis is most likely?
A. Schizoid Personality Disorder
B. Avoidant Personality Disorder
C. Schizotypal Personality Disorder
D. Antisocial Personality Disorder
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Schizoid Personality Disorder is characterized by a pervasive
pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotions,
differing from Avoidant PD, where the person desires relationships but fears rejection.
,2. In the differential diagnosis of ADHD, which of the following symptoms must be present
before age 12 to meet DSM-5-TR criteria?
A. Hyperfocus on specific tasks
B. Auditory processing deficits
C. Academic failure in multiple subjects
D. Persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: DSM-5-TR requires that several inattentive or hyperactive-
impulsive symptoms be present prior to age 12 years.
3. Which personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability of
interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, along with marked impulsivity?
A. Histrionic Personality Disorder
B. Borderline Personality Disorder
C. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
D. Dependent Personality Disorder
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Borderline Personality Disorder is defined by instability in
relationships, self-image, and mood, often accompanied by frantic efforts to avoid
abandonment.
, 4. A 10-year-old child exhibits a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which the
basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms are violated, including
aggression to people and animals. This is characteristic of:
A. Conduct Disorder
B. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
C. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
D. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Conduct Disorder involves more severe violations of others’
rights and societal norms compared to ODD, which focuses more on defiance and
irritability.
5. When considering the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which two domains of
impairment are required for diagnosis?
A. Intellectual disability and language impairment
B. Social communication/interaction and restricted/repetitive behaviors
C. Motor delays and sensory processing deficits
D. Inattention and impulsivity
Answer: B
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS IN
PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH.
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A 28-year-old patient presents with a long-standing pattern of detachment from social
relationships and a restricted range of expression of emotions in interpersonal settings. They
prefer solitary activities and show little interest in sexual experiences with others. Which
diagnosis is most likely?
A. Schizoid Personality Disorder
B. Avoidant Personality Disorder
C. Schizotypal Personality Disorder
D. Antisocial Personality Disorder
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Schizoid Personality Disorder is characterized by a pervasive
pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotions,
differing from Avoidant PD, where the person desires relationships but fears rejection.
,2. In the differential diagnosis of ADHD, which of the following symptoms must be present
before age 12 to meet DSM-5-TR criteria?
A. Hyperfocus on specific tasks
B. Auditory processing deficits
C. Academic failure in multiple subjects
D. Persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: DSM-5-TR requires that several inattentive or hyperactive-
impulsive symptoms be present prior to age 12 years.
3. Which personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability of
interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, along with marked impulsivity?
A. Histrionic Personality Disorder
B. Borderline Personality Disorder
C. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
D. Dependent Personality Disorder
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Borderline Personality Disorder is defined by instability in
relationships, self-image, and mood, often accompanied by frantic efforts to avoid
abandonment.
, 4. A 10-year-old child exhibits a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which the
basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms are violated, including
aggression to people and animals. This is characteristic of:
A. Conduct Disorder
B. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
C. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
D. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Conduct Disorder involves more severe violations of others’
rights and societal norms compared to ODD, which focuses more on defiance and
irritability.
5. When considering the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which two domains of
impairment are required for diagnosis?
A. Intellectual disability and language impairment
B. Social communication/interaction and restricted/repetitive behaviors
C. Motor delays and sensory processing deficits
D. Inattention and impulsivity
Answer: B
