NR547 MIDTERM: DIFFERENTIAL
DIAGNOSIS IN PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL
HEALTH REVIEW QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. When differentiating between Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Hypothyroidism,
which laboratory finding is most diagnostic for primary hypothyroidism?
A. Low TSH and low Free T4
B. Low TSH and high Free T4
C. Elevated Triiodothyronine (T3) levels
D. Elevated Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and low Free T4
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Primary hypothyroidism is characterized by an elevated TSH as
the pituitary attempts to stimulate a failing thyroid gland, resulting in low levels of
circulating Free T4.
2. A 25-year-old patient presents with auditory hallucinations and paranoia for three weeks.
No prior history of psychiatric illness is noted. What is the most appropriate DSM-5-TR
diagnosis?
A. Schizophrenia
,B. Schizophreniform Disorder
C. Brief Psychotic Disorder
D. Schizoaffective Disorder
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Brief Psychotic Disorder involves symptoms lasting at least one
day but less than one month. Schizophreniform requires 1-6 months, and Schizophrenia
requires at least 6 months.
3. The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) is most useful as a screening tool for which of the
following conditions?
A. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
B. Major Depressive Disorder
C. Borderline Personality Disorder
D. Bipolar Spectrum Disorders
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The MDQ is a validated screening tool designed to identify
symptoms associated with bipolar I, II, and NOS disorders.
4. Which element of the Mental Status Exam (MSE) evaluates a patient’s awareness of their
psychiatric condition?
A. Judgment
, B. Insight
C. Cognition
D. Orientation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Insight refers to the patient’s understanding of their illness,
while judgment refers to their ability to make sound decisions.
5. To diagnose Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in adults, symptoms must be present
for at least how long?
A. 2 weeks
B. 6 months
C. 3 months
D. 1 month
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: According to DSM-5-TR criteria, the duration of disturbance
(symptoms) must be more than one month for a PTSD diagnosis.
6. Which scale is specifically designed to assess the severity of anxiety symptoms and is
sensitive to change over time?
A. PHQ-9
B. HAM-A
DIAGNOSIS IN PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL
HEALTH REVIEW QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. When differentiating between Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Hypothyroidism,
which laboratory finding is most diagnostic for primary hypothyroidism?
A. Low TSH and low Free T4
B. Low TSH and high Free T4
C. Elevated Triiodothyronine (T3) levels
D. Elevated Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and low Free T4
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Primary hypothyroidism is characterized by an elevated TSH as
the pituitary attempts to stimulate a failing thyroid gland, resulting in low levels of
circulating Free T4.
2. A 25-year-old patient presents with auditory hallucinations and paranoia for three weeks.
No prior history of psychiatric illness is noted. What is the most appropriate DSM-5-TR
diagnosis?
A. Schizophrenia
,B. Schizophreniform Disorder
C. Brief Psychotic Disorder
D. Schizoaffective Disorder
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Brief Psychotic Disorder involves symptoms lasting at least one
day but less than one month. Schizophreniform requires 1-6 months, and Schizophrenia
requires at least 6 months.
3. The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) is most useful as a screening tool for which of the
following conditions?
A. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
B. Major Depressive Disorder
C. Borderline Personality Disorder
D. Bipolar Spectrum Disorders
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The MDQ is a validated screening tool designed to identify
symptoms associated with bipolar I, II, and NOS disorders.
4. Which element of the Mental Status Exam (MSE) evaluates a patient’s awareness of their
psychiatric condition?
A. Judgment
, B. Insight
C. Cognition
D. Orientation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Insight refers to the patient’s understanding of their illness,
while judgment refers to their ability to make sound decisions.
5. To diagnose Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in adults, symptoms must be present
for at least how long?
A. 2 weeks
B. 6 months
C. 3 months
D. 1 month
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: According to DSM-5-TR criteria, the duration of disturbance
(symptoms) must be more than one month for a PTSD diagnosis.
6. Which scale is specifically designed to assess the severity of anxiety symptoms and is
sensitive to change over time?
A. PHQ-9
B. HAM-A
