NR547 DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS IN
PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL HEALTH
ACROSS THE LIFESPAN PRACTICUM
EXAM REVIEW
1. A 24-year-old patient presents with symptoms of depression. Before initiating an
antidepressant, which assessment is most critical to differentiate Major Depressive Disorder
from Bipolar Disorder?
A. Evaluating the patient’s current sleep hygiene and caffeine intake.
B. Assessing for a history of generalized anxiety using the GAD-7.
C. Ordering a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level.
D. Screening for a history of hypomanic or manic episodes using the Mood Disorder
Questionnaire (MDQ).
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: To differentiate MDD from Bipolar Disorder, it is vital to screen
for history of mania/hypomania. Treating a bipolar patient with antidepressants alone can
trigger a manic switch.
,2. Which neurotransmitter is primarily targeted by benzodiazepines to achieve an anxiolytic
effect?
A. Serotonin
B. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
C. Dopamine
D. Norepinephrine
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effect of GABA, the
primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, leading to sedation and decreased
anxiety.
3. A 65-year-old patient presents with acute onset confusion, fluctuating consciousness, and
visual hallucinations. Which diagnosis is most likely?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Delirium
C. Vascular Dementia
D. Late-onset Schizophrenia
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: Acute onset and fluctuating levels of consciousness are hallmark
features of delirium, often caused by medical issues like infection or polypharmacy, unlike
the gradual decline in dementia.
4. Which of the following laboratory findings would most likely mimic symptoms of a
depressive disorder?
A. Elevated white blood cell count
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Hypothyroidism (Elevated TSH)
D. Elevated liver enzymes
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hypothyroidism frequently presents with symptoms
indistinguishable from depression, including lethargy, weight gain, and low mood.
5. In the DSM-5-TR, what is the required duration of symptoms for a diagnosis of Generalized
Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
A. At least 6 months
B. At least 1 month
C. At least 3 months
D. At least 2 weeks
Answer: A
PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL HEALTH
ACROSS THE LIFESPAN PRACTICUM
EXAM REVIEW
1. A 24-year-old patient presents with symptoms of depression. Before initiating an
antidepressant, which assessment is most critical to differentiate Major Depressive Disorder
from Bipolar Disorder?
A. Evaluating the patient’s current sleep hygiene and caffeine intake.
B. Assessing for a history of generalized anxiety using the GAD-7.
C. Ordering a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level.
D. Screening for a history of hypomanic or manic episodes using the Mood Disorder
Questionnaire (MDQ).
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: To differentiate MDD from Bipolar Disorder, it is vital to screen
for history of mania/hypomania. Treating a bipolar patient with antidepressants alone can
trigger a manic switch.
,2. Which neurotransmitter is primarily targeted by benzodiazepines to achieve an anxiolytic
effect?
A. Serotonin
B. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
C. Dopamine
D. Norepinephrine
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effect of GABA, the
primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, leading to sedation and decreased
anxiety.
3. A 65-year-old patient presents with acute onset confusion, fluctuating consciousness, and
visual hallucinations. Which diagnosis is most likely?
A. Alzheimer’s Disease
B. Delirium
C. Vascular Dementia
D. Late-onset Schizophrenia
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: Acute onset and fluctuating levels of consciousness are hallmark
features of delirium, often caused by medical issues like infection or polypharmacy, unlike
the gradual decline in dementia.
4. Which of the following laboratory findings would most likely mimic symptoms of a
depressive disorder?
A. Elevated white blood cell count
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Hypothyroidism (Elevated TSH)
D. Elevated liver enzymes
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hypothyroidism frequently presents with symptoms
indistinguishable from depression, including lethargy, weight gain, and low mood.
5. In the DSM-5-TR, what is the required duration of symptoms for a diagnosis of Generalized
Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
A. At least 6 months
B. At least 1 month
C. At least 3 months
D. At least 2 weeks
Answer: A
