NRNP 6635: ADVANCED
PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND
DIAGNOSTIC REASONING FINAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient presents with a history of at least one major depressive episode and at least one
hypomanic episode, but has never experienced a full manic episode. Which diagnosis is most
appropriate?
A. Bipolar I Disorder
B. Major Depressive Disorder with atypical features
C. Cyclothymic Disorder
D. Bipolar II Disorder
Answer: D
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 a manic episode
occurs, the diagnosis changes to Bipolar I.
,2. In the DSM-5 criteria for Schizophrenia, how long must continuous signs of the disturbance
persist for a diagnosis to be made?
A. At least 1 month
B. At least 6 months
C. At least 3 months
D. At least 1 year
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: DSM-5 requires continuous signs of the disturbance for at least 6
months, including at least 1 month of active-phase symptoms.
3. Which personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of social and
interpersonal deficits, reduced capacity for close relationships, and cognitive or perceptual
distortions/eccentricities?
A. Schizotypal Personality Disorder
B. Schizoid Personality Disorder
C. Avoidant Personality Disorder
D. Paranoid Personality Disorder
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: Schizotypal personality disorder involves acute discomfort with
close relationships plus eccentric behavior and cognitive distortions, distinguishing it from
Schizoid which focuses purely on social detachment.
4. A 28-year-old female reports intense fear of abandonment, unstable self-image, and
chronic feelings of emptiness. She often engages in impulsive self-damaging behaviors. Which
cluster does this disorder belong to?
A. Cluster A
B. Cluster D
C. Cluster C
D. Cluster B
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Borderline Personality Disorder belongs to Cluster B, which is
characterized by dramatic, emotional, or erratic behaviors.
5. What is the primary difference between Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and Posttraumatic
Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
A. The severity of the trauma
B. The presence of dissociative symptoms
C. The age of the patient
D. The duration of symptoms
PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND
DIAGNOSTIC REASONING FINAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient presents with a history of at least one major depressive episode and at least one
hypomanic episode, but has never experienced a full manic episode. Which diagnosis is most
appropriate?
A. Bipolar I Disorder
B. Major Depressive Disorder with atypical features
C. Cyclothymic Disorder
D. Bipolar II Disorder
Answer: D
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 a manic episode
occurs, the diagnosis changes to Bipolar I.
,2. In the DSM-5 criteria for Schizophrenia, how long must continuous signs of the disturbance
persist for a diagnosis to be made?
A. At least 1 month
B. At least 6 months
C. At least 3 months
D. At least 1 year
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: DSM-5 requires continuous signs of the disturbance for at least 6
months, including at least 1 month of active-phase symptoms.
3. Which personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of social and
interpersonal deficits, reduced capacity for close relationships, and cognitive or perceptual
distortions/eccentricities?
A. Schizotypal Personality Disorder
B. Schizoid Personality Disorder
C. Avoidant Personality Disorder
D. Paranoid Personality Disorder
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: Schizotypal personality disorder involves acute discomfort with
close relationships plus eccentric behavior and cognitive distortions, distinguishing it from
Schizoid which focuses purely on social detachment.
4. A 28-year-old female reports intense fear of abandonment, unstable self-image, and
chronic feelings of emptiness. She often engages in impulsive self-damaging behaviors. Which
cluster does this disorder belong to?
A. Cluster A
B. Cluster D
C. Cluster C
D. Cluster B
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Borderline Personality Disorder belongs to Cluster B, which is
characterized by dramatic, emotional, or erratic behaviors.
5. What is the primary difference between Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and Posttraumatic
Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
A. The severity of the trauma
B. The presence of dissociative symptoms
C. The age of the patient
D. The duration of symptoms
