NR547 DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS IN
PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL HEALTH
ACROSS THE LIFESPAN PRACTICUM
FINAL EXAM REVIEW
1. When differentiating between Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Bipolar II Disorder,
which clinical finding is the most significant indicator of Bipolar II?
A. A family history of unipolar depression in first-degree relatives.
B. Evidence of psychotic features during a depressive episode.
C. A history of at least one hypomanic episode lasting at least 4 consecutive days.
D. Persistence of depressive symptoms for more than two years without remission.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Bipolar II requires at least one hypomanic episode (4+ days) and
one major depressive episode. Psychotic features can occur in MDD, and family history of
MDD is non-specific. Persistent symptoms for 2 years suggest Dysthymia.
,2. A 24-year-old patient presents with auditory hallucinations and delusions. Symptoms have
persisted for 4 months. What is the most likely provisional diagnosis?
A. Schizoid Personality Disorder
B. Schizophreniform Disorder
C. Schizophrenia
D. Brief Psychotic Disorder
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Schizophreniform disorder is diagnosed when symptoms of
schizophrenia are present for more than 1 month but less than 6 months. Schizophrenia
requires 6 months of symptoms.
3. Which screening tool is most appropriate for a clinician to differentiate between ADHD and
Bipolar Disorder in a pediatric patient?
A. Vanderbilt Assessment Scale
B. PHQ-9 Modified for Teens
C. Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS)
D. GAD-7
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: The Vanderbilt scale is a standard tool for diagnosing ADHD and
assessing common comorbidities in children, helping to distinguish core ADHD symptoms
from other behaviors.
4. In the differential diagnosis of anxiety, which medical condition must be ruled out due to
its ability to mimic a panic attack?
A. Pheochromocytoma
B. Hypothyroidism
C. Iron Deficiency Anemia
D. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Pheochromocytoma, a tumor of the adrenal glands, secretes
catecholamines that cause tachycardia, sweating, and intense anxiety, mimicking panic
disorder.
5. A patient exhibits a pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships and a
restricted range of emotional expression. Which Cluster A personality disorder is most likely?
A. Schizoid Personality Disorder
B. Antisocial Personality Disorder
C. Schizotypal Personality Disorder
D. Avoidant Personality Disorder
PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL HEALTH
ACROSS THE LIFESPAN PRACTICUM
FINAL EXAM REVIEW
1. When differentiating between Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Bipolar II Disorder,
which clinical finding is the most significant indicator of Bipolar II?
A. A family history of unipolar depression in first-degree relatives.
B. Evidence of psychotic features during a depressive episode.
C. A history of at least one hypomanic episode lasting at least 4 consecutive days.
D. Persistence of depressive symptoms for more than two years without remission.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Bipolar II requires at least one hypomanic episode (4+ days) and
one major depressive episode. Psychotic features can occur in MDD, and family history of
MDD is non-specific. Persistent symptoms for 2 years suggest Dysthymia.
,2. A 24-year-old patient presents with auditory hallucinations and delusions. Symptoms have
persisted for 4 months. What is the most likely provisional diagnosis?
A. Schizoid Personality Disorder
B. Schizophreniform Disorder
C. Schizophrenia
D. Brief Psychotic Disorder
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Schizophreniform disorder is diagnosed when symptoms of
schizophrenia are present for more than 1 month but less than 6 months. Schizophrenia
requires 6 months of symptoms.
3. Which screening tool is most appropriate for a clinician to differentiate between ADHD and
Bipolar Disorder in a pediatric patient?
A. Vanderbilt Assessment Scale
B. PHQ-9 Modified for Teens
C. Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS)
D. GAD-7
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: The Vanderbilt scale is a standard tool for diagnosing ADHD and
assessing common comorbidities in children, helping to distinguish core ADHD symptoms
from other behaviors.
4. In the differential diagnosis of anxiety, which medical condition must be ruled out due to
its ability to mimic a panic attack?
A. Pheochromocytoma
B. Hypothyroidism
C. Iron Deficiency Anemia
D. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Pheochromocytoma, a tumor of the adrenal glands, secretes
catecholamines that cause tachycardia, sweating, and intense anxiety, mimicking panic
disorder.
5. A patient exhibits a pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships and a
restricted range of emotional expression. Which Cluster A personality disorder is most likely?
A. Schizoid Personality Disorder
B. Antisocial Personality Disorder
C. Schizotypal Personality Disorder
D. Avoidant Personality Disorder
