MIDTERM EXAM: NRNP 6635
PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND
DIAGNOSTIC REASONING QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. A 45-year-old patient presents with a history of recurrent episodes of elevated mood,
decreased need for sleep, and impulsive spending. However, the patient also reports periods
of intense depression. To distinguish Bipolar I from Bipolar II, what is the primary diagnostic
requirement?
A. The presence of at least one manic episode lasting at least one week.
B. The presence of at least one major depressive episode.
C. The presence of hypomanic episodes only.
D. A history of suicidal ideation during depressive cycles.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Bipolar I requires at least one manic episode (lasting 1 week or
requiring hospitalization). Bipolar II requires a hypomanic episode AND a major depressive
episode, but never a full manic episode.
,2. During a Mental Status Examination (MSE), a clinician notes that the patient’s emotional
expression is significantly reduced in intensity and range. Which term best describes this
finding?
A. Blunted affect
B. Labile affect
C. Flat affect
D. Inappropriate affect
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Blunted affect refers to a significant reduction in the intensity of
emotional expression. Flat affect is a total or near-total absence of expression, which is
more severe.
3. According to DSM-5-TR, what is the minimum duration of symptoms required to diagnose
Schizophreniform Disorder?
A. At least 1 month but less than 6 months.
B. Less than 1 month.
C. Exactly 6 months.
D. At least 2 weeks but less than 1 month.
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: Schizophreniform disorder requires symptoms for at least 1
month but less than 6 months. Brief Psychotic Disorder is less than 1 month, and
Schizophrenia requires symptoms for at least 6 months.
4. A patient reports a persistent fear of being in open spaces, using public transportation, or
being in a crowd because they fear escape might be difficult. What is the most likely
diagnosis?
A. Social Anxiety Disorder
B. Specific Phobia
C. Agoraphobia
D. Panic Disorder
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Agoraphobia is characterized by marked fear or anxiety about
two or more of the following: using public transport, being in open spaces, being in
enclosed places, standing in line/crowds, or being outside home alone.
5. Which neurotransmitter is primarily implicated in the ‘reward system’ of the brain and is a
major target for substances of abuse?
A. Dopamine
B. GABA
C. Serotonin
PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND
DIAGNOSTIC REASONING QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. A 45-year-old patient presents with a history of recurrent episodes of elevated mood,
decreased need for sleep, and impulsive spending. However, the patient also reports periods
of intense depression. To distinguish Bipolar I from Bipolar II, what is the primary diagnostic
requirement?
A. The presence of at least one manic episode lasting at least one week.
B. The presence of at least one major depressive episode.
C. The presence of hypomanic episodes only.
D. A history of suicidal ideation during depressive cycles.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Bipolar I requires at least one manic episode (lasting 1 week or
requiring hospitalization). Bipolar II requires a hypomanic episode AND a major depressive
episode, but never a full manic episode.
,2. During a Mental Status Examination (MSE), a clinician notes that the patient’s emotional
expression is significantly reduced in intensity and range. Which term best describes this
finding?
A. Blunted affect
B. Labile affect
C. Flat affect
D. Inappropriate affect
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Blunted affect refers to a significant reduction in the intensity of
emotional expression. Flat affect is a total or near-total absence of expression, which is
more severe.
3. According to DSM-5-TR, what is the minimum duration of symptoms required to diagnose
Schizophreniform Disorder?
A. At least 1 month but less than 6 months.
B. Less than 1 month.
C. Exactly 6 months.
D. At least 2 weeks but less than 1 month.
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: Schizophreniform disorder requires symptoms for at least 1
month but less than 6 months. Brief Psychotic Disorder is less than 1 month, and
Schizophrenia requires symptoms for at least 6 months.
4. A patient reports a persistent fear of being in open spaces, using public transportation, or
being in a crowd because they fear escape might be difficult. What is the most likely
diagnosis?
A. Social Anxiety Disorder
B. Specific Phobia
C. Agoraphobia
D. Panic Disorder
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Agoraphobia is characterized by marked fear or anxiety about
two or more of the following: using public transport, being in open spaces, being in
enclosed places, standing in line/crowds, or being outside home alone.
5. Which neurotransmitter is primarily implicated in the ‘reward system’ of the brain and is a
major target for substances of abuse?
A. Dopamine
B. GABA
C. Serotonin
