NRNP 6635 PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND
DIAGNOSTIC REASONING FINAL EXAM
PREP QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A 28-year-old patient presents with a history of at least one hypomanic episode and at
least one major depressive episode. There has never been a manic episode. Which is the most
likely diagnosis?
A. Bipolar I Disorder
B. Bipolar II Disorder
C. Cyclothymic Disorder
D. Major Depressive Disorder with psychotic 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. The presence of a
manic episode would change the diagnosis to Bipolar I.
,2. In differentiating Schizoaffective Disorder from Schizophrenia with mood features, which
DSM-5 criterion is pivotal?
A. The presence of hallucinations only during a major mood episode.
B. The presence of delusions for at least 2 weeks in the absence of a major mood episode.
C. The duration of the total illness being less than 6 months.
D. The severity of social and occupational dysfunction.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: For Schizoaffective Disorder, delusions or hallucinations must
be present for at least 2 weeks in the absence of a major mood episode (depressive or
manic) during the entire duration of the illness.
3. A 9-year-old child exhibits persistent irritability and frequent episodes of extreme
behavioral dyscontrol occurring at least three times a week. This pattern has been present for
over a year. What is the most appropriate diagnosis?
A. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
B. Conduct Disorder
C. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
D. Bipolar I Disorder
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is
characterized by severe recurrent temper outbursts and a persistently irritable or angry
mood between outbursts, with onset before age 10.
4. Which of the following is a requirement for a diagnosis of Persistent Depressive Disorder
(Dysthymia) in adults?
A. Depressed mood for most of the day for at least 1 year.
B. Symptoms must include suicidal ideation.
C. Depressed mood for most of the day for at least 2 years.
D. The presence of at least one manic episode in the past.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Persistent Depressive Disorder in adults requires a depressed
mood for most of the day, for more days than not, for at least 2 years. In children and
adolescents, the duration is 1 year.
5. A patient reports a sudden onset of intense fear, heart palpitations, and shortness of
breath that peaks within minutes. These episodes are unexpected. To meet Panic Disorder
criteria, what else is required?
A. The episodes must occur daily for at least one week.
B. History of a traumatic event.
C. The presence of agoraphobia.
DIAGNOSTIC REASONING FINAL EXAM
PREP QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A 28-year-old patient presents with a history of at least one hypomanic episode and at
least one major depressive episode. There has never been a manic episode. Which is the most
likely diagnosis?
A. Bipolar I Disorder
B. Bipolar II Disorder
C. Cyclothymic Disorder
D. Major Depressive Disorder with psychotic 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. The presence of a
manic episode would change the diagnosis to Bipolar I.
,2. In differentiating Schizoaffective Disorder from Schizophrenia with mood features, which
DSM-5 criterion is pivotal?
A. The presence of hallucinations only during a major mood episode.
B. The presence of delusions for at least 2 weeks in the absence of a major mood episode.
C. The duration of the total illness being less than 6 months.
D. The severity of social and occupational dysfunction.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: For Schizoaffective Disorder, delusions or hallucinations must
be present for at least 2 weeks in the absence of a major mood episode (depressive or
manic) during the entire duration of the illness.
3. A 9-year-old child exhibits persistent irritability and frequent episodes of extreme
behavioral dyscontrol occurring at least three times a week. This pattern has been present for
over a year. What is the most appropriate diagnosis?
A. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
B. Conduct Disorder
C. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
D. Bipolar I Disorder
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is
characterized by severe recurrent temper outbursts and a persistently irritable or angry
mood between outbursts, with onset before age 10.
4. Which of the following is a requirement for a diagnosis of Persistent Depressive Disorder
(Dysthymia) in adults?
A. Depressed mood for most of the day for at least 1 year.
B. Symptoms must include suicidal ideation.
C. Depressed mood for most of the day for at least 2 years.
D. The presence of at least one manic episode in the past.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Persistent Depressive Disorder in adults requires a depressed
mood for most of the day, for more days than not, for at least 2 years. In children and
adolescents, the duration is 1 year.
5. A patient reports a sudden onset of intense fear, heart palpitations, and shortness of
breath that peaks within minutes. These episodes are unexpected. To meet Panic Disorder
criteria, what else is required?
A. The episodes must occur daily for at least one week.
B. History of a traumatic event.
C. The presence of agoraphobia.
