NR547 DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS IN
PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL HEALTH
ACROSS THE LIFESPAN FINAL EXAM
REVIEW
1. A 24-year-old male presents with auditory hallucinations and paranoia lasting for 4
months. He has not experienced a major depressive or manic episode. What is the most likely
diagnosis?
A. Schizophrenia
B. Schizophreniform Disorder
C. Brief Psychotic Disorder
D. Schizoaffective Disorder
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Schizophreniform disorder is characterized by symptoms of
schizophrenia lasting at least 1 month but less than 6 months. Schizophrenia requires 6
months of symptoms.
,2. In differentiating Bipolar I from Bipolar II, which symptom is the defining factor for Bipolar
I?
A. The presence of at least one hypomanic episode
B. A history of major depressive episodes
C. Rapid cycling of moods over a 12-month period
D. The presence of at least one manic episode
Answer: D
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 72-year-old female presents with acute onset confusion, fluctuating consciousness, and
visual hallucinations following a hip surgery. What is the priority differential?
A. Major Neurocognitive Disorder (Alzheimer’s)
B. Vascular Dementia
C. Late-onset Schizophrenia
D. Delirium
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset, fluctuating course,
and disturbances in attention and awareness, often triggered by medical conditions or
post-operative states.
4. Which medical condition is most likely to mimic symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
(GAD)?
A. Hypothyroidism
B. Hyperglycemia
C. Vitamin B12 deficiency
D. Hyperthyroidism
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperthyroidism commonly presents with anxiety, palpitations,
tremors, and sweating, closely mimicking GAD symptoms.
5. A 9-year-old child exhibits persistent irritability and frequent, severe temper outbursts that
are out of proportion to the situation, occurring 3 or more times per week. What is the likely
diagnosis?
A. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
B. Bipolar Disorder, Pediatric
C. Conduct Disorder
D. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL HEALTH
ACROSS THE LIFESPAN FINAL EXAM
REVIEW
1. A 24-year-old male presents with auditory hallucinations and paranoia lasting for 4
months. He has not experienced a major depressive or manic episode. What is the most likely
diagnosis?
A. Schizophrenia
B. Schizophreniform Disorder
C. Brief Psychotic Disorder
D. Schizoaffective Disorder
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Schizophreniform disorder is characterized by symptoms of
schizophrenia lasting at least 1 month but less than 6 months. Schizophrenia requires 6
months of symptoms.
,2. In differentiating Bipolar I from Bipolar II, which symptom is the defining factor for Bipolar
I?
A. The presence of at least one hypomanic episode
B. A history of major depressive episodes
C. Rapid cycling of moods over a 12-month period
D. The presence of at least one manic episode
Answer: D
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 72-year-old female presents with acute onset confusion, fluctuating consciousness, and
visual hallucinations following a hip surgery. What is the priority differential?
A. Major Neurocognitive Disorder (Alzheimer’s)
B. Vascular Dementia
C. Late-onset Schizophrenia
D. Delirium
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: Delirium is characterized by an acute onset, fluctuating course,
and disturbances in attention and awareness, often triggered by medical conditions or
post-operative states.
4. Which medical condition is most likely to mimic symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
(GAD)?
A. Hypothyroidism
B. Hyperglycemia
C. Vitamin B12 deficiency
D. Hyperthyroidism
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperthyroidism commonly presents with anxiety, palpitations,
tremors, and sweating, closely mimicking GAD symptoms.
5. A 9-year-old child exhibits persistent irritability and frequent, severe temper outbursts that
are out of proportion to the situation, occurring 3 or more times per week. What is the likely
diagnosis?
A. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
B. Bipolar Disorder, Pediatric
C. Conduct Disorder
D. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
