NR547 WEEK 4 EXAM V1:
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS IN
PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH.
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. When distinguishing between Bipolar I and Bipolar II Disorder, which clinical feature is the
primary diagnostic differentiator?
A. The severity and duration of manic vs. hypomanic symptoms.
B. The presence of at least one major depressive episode.
C. The age of onset of the first mood episode.
D. The family history of mood disorders.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Bipolar I requires at least one manic episode (lasting at least 1
week or requiring hospitalization), whereas Bipolar II requires at least one hypomanic
episode (lasting at least 4 days) and one major depressive episode, without any history of a
full manic episode.
,2. A 24-year-old patient presents with auditory hallucinations and delusions for 4 months. He
has not experienced a mood episode. Which diagnosis is most appropriate?
A. Schizophrenia
B. Schizophreniform Disorder
C. Schizoaffective Disorder
D. Brief Psychotic Disorder
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Schizophreniform disorder is characterized by symptoms
identical to Schizophrenia but lasting at least 1 month and less than 6 months.
Schizophrenia requires symptoms to persist for at least 6 months.
3. In the differential diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), which medical condition
must be ruled out due to its high prevalence of mimicking depressive symptoms?
A. Hypothyroidism
B. Hyperparathyroidism
C. Hypertension
D. Type 2 Diabetes
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: Hypothyroidism commonly causes symptoms such as fatigue,
weight gain, and low mood, which directly mimic MDD. Thyroid function tests (TSH/T4)
are standard in the initial workup.
4. Which screening tool is specifically designed to identify symptoms of Bipolar Spectrum
Disorders in a clinical setting?
A. PHQ-9
B. GAD-7
C. HAM-D
D. MDQ
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) is a validated
screening tool used to identify individuals likely to have Bipolar Disorder, particularly
focusing on hypomanic/manic symptoms.
5. According to the DSM-5-TR, what is the minimum duration of symptoms required for a
diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
A. 2 weeks
B. 1 month
C. 3 months
D. 6 months
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS IN
PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH.
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. When distinguishing between Bipolar I and Bipolar II Disorder, which clinical feature is the
primary diagnostic differentiator?
A. The severity and duration of manic vs. hypomanic symptoms.
B. The presence of at least one major depressive episode.
C. The age of onset of the first mood episode.
D. The family history of mood disorders.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Bipolar I requires at least one manic episode (lasting at least 1
week or requiring hospitalization), whereas Bipolar II requires at least one hypomanic
episode (lasting at least 4 days) and one major depressive episode, without any history of a
full manic episode.
,2. A 24-year-old patient presents with auditory hallucinations and delusions for 4 months. He
has not experienced a mood episode. Which diagnosis is most appropriate?
A. Schizophrenia
B. Schizophreniform Disorder
C. Schizoaffective Disorder
D. Brief Psychotic Disorder
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Schizophreniform disorder is characterized by symptoms
identical to Schizophrenia but lasting at least 1 month and less than 6 months.
Schizophrenia requires symptoms to persist for at least 6 months.
3. In the differential diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), which medical condition
must be ruled out due to its high prevalence of mimicking depressive symptoms?
A. Hypothyroidism
B. Hyperparathyroidism
C. Hypertension
D. Type 2 Diabetes
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: Hypothyroidism commonly causes symptoms such as fatigue,
weight gain, and low mood, which directly mimic MDD. Thyroid function tests (TSH/T4)
are standard in the initial workup.
4. Which screening tool is specifically designed to identify symptoms of Bipolar Spectrum
Disorders in a clinical setting?
A. PHQ-9
B. GAD-7
C. HAM-D
D. MDQ
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) is a validated
screening tool used to identify individuals likely to have Bipolar Disorder, particularly
focusing on hypomanic/manic symptoms.
5. According to the DSM-5-TR, what is the minimum duration of symptoms required for a
diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
A. 2 weeks
B. 1 month
C. 3 months
D. 6 months
