NRNP 6635: PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND
DIAGNOSTIC REASONING
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. A 24-year-old female presents with a history of at least one hypomanic episode and at least
one major depressive episode. She has never experienced a full manic episode. Which
diagnosis is most appropriate?
A. Bipolar I Disorder
B. Bipolar II Disorder
C. Cyclothymic Disorder
D. Major Depressive Disorder with Mixed Features
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Bipolar II Disorder is characterized by a clinical course of one or
more major depressive episodes and at least one hypomanic episode. If there has ever been
a manic episode, the diagnosis is changed to Bipolar I.
2. According to the DSM-5-TR, what is the minimum duration of symptoms required for a
diagnosis of Schizophrenia?
A. 1 month
,B. 3 months
C. 1 year
D. 6 months
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A diagnosis of Schizophrenia requires continuous signs of the
disturbance persisting for at least 6 months, including at least 1 month of active-phase
symptoms.
3. Which of the following personality disorders is characterized by a pervasive pattern of
grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy?
A. Borderline Personality Disorder
B. Histrionic Personality Disorder
C. Antisocial Personality Disorder
D. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Narcissistic Personality Disorder involves grandiosity and a lack
of empathy, whereas Histrionic focuses on attention-seeking and Borderline on instability
of relationships and self-image.
, 4. In differentiating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from Acute Stress Disorder (ASD),
which timeframe is the primary factor for ASD?
A. Symptoms lasting less than 1 week
B. Symptoms lasting at least 6 months
C. Symptoms lasting between 3 days and 1 month after trauma
D. Symptoms beginning 6 months after the event
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Acute Stress Disorder is diagnosed when symptoms occur
between 3 days and 1 month after exposure to a traumatic event. If symptoms persist
beyond 1 month, PTSD is considered.
5. A 45-year-old patient reports persistent worry about multiple events, difficulty
concentrating, and muscle tension for the last 8 months. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
B. Social Anxiety Disorder
C. Panic Disorder
D. Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety
Answer: A
DIAGNOSTIC REASONING
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. A 24-year-old female presents with a history of at least one hypomanic episode and at least
one major depressive episode. She has never experienced a full manic episode. Which
diagnosis is most appropriate?
A. Bipolar I Disorder
B. Bipolar II Disorder
C. Cyclothymic Disorder
D. Major Depressive Disorder with Mixed Features
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Bipolar II Disorder is characterized by a clinical course of one or
more major depressive episodes and at least one hypomanic episode. If there has ever been
a manic episode, the diagnosis is changed to Bipolar I.
2. According to the DSM-5-TR, what is the minimum duration of symptoms required for a
diagnosis of Schizophrenia?
A. 1 month
,B. 3 months
C. 1 year
D. 6 months
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A diagnosis of Schizophrenia requires continuous signs of the
disturbance persisting for at least 6 months, including at least 1 month of active-phase
symptoms.
3. Which of the following personality disorders is characterized by a pervasive pattern of
grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy?
A. Borderline Personality Disorder
B. Histrionic Personality Disorder
C. Antisocial Personality Disorder
D. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Narcissistic Personality Disorder involves grandiosity and a lack
of empathy, whereas Histrionic focuses on attention-seeking and Borderline on instability
of relationships and self-image.
, 4. In differentiating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from Acute Stress Disorder (ASD),
which timeframe is the primary factor for ASD?
A. Symptoms lasting less than 1 week
B. Symptoms lasting at least 6 months
C. Symptoms lasting between 3 days and 1 month after trauma
D. Symptoms beginning 6 months after the event
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Acute Stress Disorder is diagnosed when symptoms occur
between 3 days and 1 month after exposure to a traumatic event. If symptoms persist
beyond 1 month, PTSD is considered.
5. A 45-year-old patient reports persistent worry about multiple events, difficulty
concentrating, and muscle tension for the last 8 months. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
B. Social Anxiety Disorder
C. Panic Disorder
D. Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety
Answer: A
