NR547 WEEK 4 EXAM: DIFFERENTIAL
DIAGNOSIS IN PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL
HEALTH ACROSS THE LIFESPAN.
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A 45-year-old patient presents with symptoms of depression, weight gain, and cold
intolerance. Which medical condition must be ruled out before diagnosing Major Depressive
Disorder?
A. Hyperthyroidism
B. Diabetes Mellitus
C. Hypothyroidism
D. Hyperparathyroidism
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hypothyroidism often mimics depressive symptoms, including
fatigue, weight gain, and lethargy, and should be ruled out via TSH testing.
2. What is the primary duration requirement for diagnosing Hypomanic episodes in Bipolar II
Disorder?
A. At least 2 consecutive days
,B. At least 14 consecutive days
C. At least 7 consecutive days
D. At least 4 consecutive days
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: According to DSM-5-TR, a hypomanic episode must last at least
4 consecutive days, whereas mania requires at least 7 days unless hospitalization occurs.
3. A 10-year-old child exhibits persistent irritability and frequent temper outbursts that are
out of proportion to the situation. These symptoms occur across multiple settings. What is
the most likely diagnosis?
A. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
B. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
C. Pediatric Bipolar Disorder
D. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: DMDD is characterized by severe recurrent temper outbursts
and a persistently irritable or angry mood between outbursts in children up to age 18.
4. Which symptom is essential for a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?
A. Psychomotor agitation
B. Suicidal ideation
, C. Anhedonia or depressed mood
D. Sleep disturbance
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: To meet MDD criteria, at least one of the symptoms must be
either depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure (anhedonia).
5. In differentiating between Bipolar I and Bipolar II, which factor is the defining characteristic
of Bipolar I?
A. The presence of at least one hypomanic episode
B. The presence of at least one manic episode
C. A history of Major Depressive episodes
D. Rapid cycling within one year
Answer: B
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 manic
episode.
6. A patient reports feeling ‘on edge’ for the last 8 months, with difficulty concentrating,
muscle tension, and sleep disturbance. They worry about their job, health, and finances.
Diagnosis?
A. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
DIAGNOSIS IN PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL
HEALTH ACROSS THE LIFESPAN.
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A 45-year-old patient presents with symptoms of depression, weight gain, and cold
intolerance. Which medical condition must be ruled out before diagnosing Major Depressive
Disorder?
A. Hyperthyroidism
B. Diabetes Mellitus
C. Hypothyroidism
D. Hyperparathyroidism
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hypothyroidism often mimics depressive symptoms, including
fatigue, weight gain, and lethargy, and should be ruled out via TSH testing.
2. What is the primary duration requirement for diagnosing Hypomanic episodes in Bipolar II
Disorder?
A. At least 2 consecutive days
,B. At least 14 consecutive days
C. At least 7 consecutive days
D. At least 4 consecutive days
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: According to DSM-5-TR, a hypomanic episode must last at least
4 consecutive days, whereas mania requires at least 7 days unless hospitalization occurs.
3. A 10-year-old child exhibits persistent irritability and frequent temper outbursts that are
out of proportion to the situation. These symptoms occur across multiple settings. What is
the most likely diagnosis?
A. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
B. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
C. Pediatric Bipolar Disorder
D. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: DMDD is characterized by severe recurrent temper outbursts
and a persistently irritable or angry mood between outbursts in children up to age 18.
4. Which symptom is essential for a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?
A. Psychomotor agitation
B. Suicidal ideation
, C. Anhedonia or depressed mood
D. Sleep disturbance
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: To meet MDD criteria, at least one of the symptoms must be
either depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure (anhedonia).
5. In differentiating between Bipolar I and Bipolar II, which factor is the defining characteristic
of Bipolar I?
A. The presence of at least one hypomanic episode
B. The presence of at least one manic episode
C. A history of Major Depressive episodes
D. Rapid cycling within one year
Answer: B
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 manic
episode.
6. A patient reports feeling ‘on edge’ for the last 8 months, with difficulty concentrating,
muscle tension, and sleep disturbance. They worry about their job, health, and finances.
Diagnosis?
A. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
