NRNP 6635 MIDTERM:
PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND
DIAGNOSTIC REASONING. QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. A 28-year-old patient presents with symptoms of elevated mood, decreased need for
sleep, and grandiosity that have persisted for 5 days. These symptoms are noticeable to
others but do not cause marked impairment in functioning or require hospitalization. The
patient also has a history of major depressive episodes. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Bipolar II Disorder
B. Bipolar I Disorder
C. Cyclothymic Disorder
D. Schizoaffective Disorder
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Bipolar II Disorder requires the presence of at least one
hypomanic episode (minimum 4 days, not severe enough for hospitalization/marked
impairment) and at least one major depressive episode.
,2. According to the DSM-5-TR, what is the minimum duration required for the diagnosis of
Schizophreniform Disorder?
A. At least 6 months
B. At least 1 month but less than 6 months
C. Less than 1 month
D. At least 2 weeks
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Schizophreniform disorder is characterized by symptoms
identical to schizophrenia but lasting at least 1 month and less than 6 months.
3. In the Mental Status Examination (MSE), how is ‘affect’ best described?
A. The patient’s internal emotional state over a period of time.
B. The patient’s awareness of their psychiatric condition.
C. The logical flow of the patient’s thoughts.
D. The patient’s immediate expression of emotion, observed by the clinician.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Affect refers to the clinician’s observation of the patient’s
current emotional expression, whereas mood is the patient’s subjective internal state.
, 4. A patient reports a persistent fear of being in open spaces, using public transport, or
standing in line, specifically because they fear escape might be difficult if they develop panic-
like symptoms. This has lasted for 8 months. Which diagnosis is most appropriate?
A. Agoraphobia
B. Panic Disorder
C. Social Anxiety Disorder
D. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Agoraphobia involves marked fear about two or more situations
(public transport, open spaces, etc.) due to fear that escape might be difficult or help
unavailable.
5. To diagnose a patient with Antisocial Personality Disorder, they must be at least 18 years
old and have evidence of which disorder before the age of 15?
A. Conduct Disorder
B. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
C. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
D. Intermittent Explosive Disorder
Answer: A
PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND
DIAGNOSTIC REASONING. QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. A 28-year-old patient presents with symptoms of elevated mood, decreased need for
sleep, and grandiosity that have persisted for 5 days. These symptoms are noticeable to
others but do not cause marked impairment in functioning or require hospitalization. The
patient also has a history of major depressive episodes. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Bipolar II Disorder
B. Bipolar I Disorder
C. Cyclothymic Disorder
D. Schizoaffective Disorder
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Bipolar II Disorder requires the presence of at least one
hypomanic episode (minimum 4 days, not severe enough for hospitalization/marked
impairment) and at least one major depressive episode.
,2. According to the DSM-5-TR, what is the minimum duration required for the diagnosis of
Schizophreniform Disorder?
A. At least 6 months
B. At least 1 month but less than 6 months
C. Less than 1 month
D. At least 2 weeks
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Schizophreniform disorder is characterized by symptoms
identical to schizophrenia but lasting at least 1 month and less than 6 months.
3. In the Mental Status Examination (MSE), how is ‘affect’ best described?
A. The patient’s internal emotional state over a period of time.
B. The patient’s awareness of their psychiatric condition.
C. The logical flow of the patient’s thoughts.
D. The patient’s immediate expression of emotion, observed by the clinician.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Affect refers to the clinician’s observation of the patient’s
current emotional expression, whereas mood is the patient’s subjective internal state.
, 4. A patient reports a persistent fear of being in open spaces, using public transport, or
standing in line, specifically because they fear escape might be difficult if they develop panic-
like symptoms. This has lasted for 8 months. Which diagnosis is most appropriate?
A. Agoraphobia
B. Panic Disorder
C. Social Anxiety Disorder
D. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Agoraphobia involves marked fear about two or more situations
(public transport, open spaces, etc.) due to fear that escape might be difficult or help
unavailable.
5. To diagnose a patient with Antisocial Personality Disorder, they must be at least 18 years
old and have evidence of which disorder before the age of 15?
A. Conduct Disorder
B. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
C. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
D. Intermittent Explosive Disorder
Answer: A
