NRNP6635: PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND
DIAGNOSTIC REASONING PRACTICE
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A 28-year-old female presents with a six-month history of excessive worry about her job
performance, health, and finances. She reports restlessness, muscle tension, and difficulty
concentrating. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis according to DSM-5-TR
criteria?
A. Panic Disorder
B. Social Anxiety Disorder
C. Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety
D. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by
excessive anxiety and worry for at least six months, involving several events or activities,
accompanied by symptoms like muscle tension and concentration difficulties.
,2. When differentiating between Bipolar I and Bipolar II Disorder, which clinical feature is
pathognomonic for Bipolar I?
A. A history of at least one Major Depressive Episode
B. A history of at least one Manic Episode
C. Hypomanic episodes lasting at least 4 days
D. Rapid cycling of mood states
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Bipolar I Disorder requires the occurrence of at least one manic
episode. Bipolar II requires a hypomanic episode and a major depressive episode, but
never a full manic episode.
3. A patient presents with a two-year history of depressed mood for most of the day, more
days than not. They report poor appetite, insomnia, and low self-esteem but have never met
the full criteria for a Major Depressive Episode. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Major Depressive Disorder, Chronic
B. Cyclothymic Disorder
C. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
D. Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) involves a
depressed mood for at least two years in adults (one year in children/adolescents) without
meeting full MDD criteria during that time.
4. Which of the following symptoms is considered a ‘negative symptom’ of Schizophrenia?
A. Auditory hallucinations
B. Delusions of grandeur
C. Disorganized speech
D. Avolition
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Negative symptoms involve a loss or deficit in normal
functioning, such as avolition (lack of motivation), alogia, or affective flattening. The other
options are positive or disorganized symptoms.
5. A 19-year-old college student has been experiencing auditory hallucinations and delusional
thinking for the past three weeks. Symptoms began suddenly following a breakup. There are
no mood symptoms. What is the most appropriate provisional diagnosis?
A. Schizophreniform Disorder
B. Schizoaffective Disorder
C. Schizophrenia
D. Brief Psychotic Disorder
DIAGNOSTIC REASONING PRACTICE
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A 28-year-old female presents with a six-month history of excessive worry about her job
performance, health, and finances. She reports restlessness, muscle tension, and difficulty
concentrating. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis according to DSM-5-TR
criteria?
A. Panic Disorder
B. Social Anxiety Disorder
C. Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety
D. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by
excessive anxiety and worry for at least six months, involving several events or activities,
accompanied by symptoms like muscle tension and concentration difficulties.
,2. When differentiating between Bipolar I and Bipolar II Disorder, which clinical feature is
pathognomonic for Bipolar I?
A. A history of at least one Major Depressive Episode
B. A history of at least one Manic Episode
C. Hypomanic episodes lasting at least 4 days
D. Rapid cycling of mood states
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Bipolar I Disorder requires the occurrence of at least one manic
episode. Bipolar II requires a hypomanic episode and a major depressive episode, but
never a full manic episode.
3. A patient presents with a two-year history of depressed mood for most of the day, more
days than not. They report poor appetite, insomnia, and low self-esteem but have never met
the full criteria for a Major Depressive Episode. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Major Depressive Disorder, Chronic
B. Cyclothymic Disorder
C. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
D. Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) involves a
depressed mood for at least two years in adults (one year in children/adolescents) without
meeting full MDD criteria during that time.
4. Which of the following symptoms is considered a ‘negative symptom’ of Schizophrenia?
A. Auditory hallucinations
B. Delusions of grandeur
C. Disorganized speech
D. Avolition
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Negative symptoms involve a loss or deficit in normal
functioning, such as avolition (lack of motivation), alogia, or affective flattening. The other
options are positive or disorganized symptoms.
5. A 19-year-old college student has been experiencing auditory hallucinations and delusional
thinking for the past three weeks. Symptoms began suddenly following a breakup. There are
no mood symptoms. What is the most appropriate provisional diagnosis?
A. Schizophreniform Disorder
B. Schizoaffective Disorder
C. Schizophrenia
D. Brief Psychotic Disorder
