1. A 30-year-old male is diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) after being involved in a motor vehicle accident. Which of the
following symptoms is most likely to be present in PTSD?
A. Flashbacks
B. Hypomanic episodes
C. Disorganized speech
D. Impulsivity
Answer: a) Flashbacks
Rationale: Flashbacks are a hallmark symptom of PTSD. These
intrusive memories can cause individuals to feel as if they are reliving
the traumatic event.
2. A 42-year-old male with a history of alcohol dependence presents for
evaluation. He reports having several seizures after abrupt cessation of
drinking. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Alcohol withdrawal seizures
B. Epilepsy
C. Stroke
D. Panic disorder
Answer: a) Alcohol withdrawal seizures
,Rationale: Seizures that occur after the sudden cessation of alcohol in
an individual with alcohol dependence are a hallmark of alcohol
withdrawal. These seizures typically occur within 6-48 hours of the last
drink.
3. A 40-year-old female with a history of depression presents with
increasing feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. She denies a
plan or intent to harm herself. Which of the following is the most
appropriate intervention?
A. Increase antidepressant dosage
B. Initiate cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
C. Hospitalization for safety evaluation
D. Recommend self-care techniques
Answer: c) Hospitalization for safety evaluation
Rationale: Given the presence of suicidal thoughts, the patient needs
immediate evaluation to assess her safety. Hospitalization may be
necessary to provide a safe environment and ensure she receives
appropriate psychiatric care.
4. A 45-year-old female presents with intrusive, distressing thoughts
about harming her child, which she finds horrifying. She has no intent
to act on these thoughts. Which of the following is the most likely
diagnosis?
A. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
B. Postpartum depression
,C. Generalized anxiety disorder
D. Acute stress disorder
Answer: a) Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Rationale: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can manifest with
intrusive and disturbing thoughts (obsessions) that the individual finds
repugnant and distressing. This differs from psychotic delusions
because the person recognizes the thoughts as irrational.
5. A 60-year-old male with depression is being treated with a selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). He presents with a high fever,
altered mental status, and muscle rigidity. Which of the following is the
most likely diagnosis?
A. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
B. Serotonin syndrome
C. Delirium
D. Panic disorder
Answer: b) Serotonin syndrome
Rationale: Serotonin syndrome can occur with the use of SSRIs,
especially when combined with other serotonergic medications. It is
characterized by hyperthermia, altered mental status, autonomic
dysregulation, and neuromuscular hyperactivity.
6. A 40-year-old male presents with sudden onset of extreme fear of
public speaking, sweating, and palpitations. These symptoms occur
only in social situations. What is the most likely diagnosis?
, A. Generalized anxiety disorder
B. Social anxiety disorder
C. Panic disorder
D. Specific phobia
Answer: b) Social anxiety disorder
Rationale: Social anxiety disorder is characterized by an intense fear of
social situations where the individual may be scrutinized or judged.
Symptoms like sweating, palpitations, and fear of public speaking are
consistent with this condition.
7. A 35-year-old male with a history of chronic anxiety presents with
difficulty concentrating, irritability, and muscle tension. These
symptoms have been ongoing for the last few months. What is the
most likely diagnosis?
A. Panic disorder
B. Generalized anxiety disorder
C. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
D. Post-traumatic stress disorder
Answer: b) Generalized anxiety disorder
Rationale: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by
persistent, excessive worry and anxiety that is difficult to control.
Associated symptoms include restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and
muscle tension.
(PTSD) after being involved in a motor vehicle accident. Which of the
following symptoms is most likely to be present in PTSD?
A. Flashbacks
B. Hypomanic episodes
C. Disorganized speech
D. Impulsivity
Answer: a) Flashbacks
Rationale: Flashbacks are a hallmark symptom of PTSD. These
intrusive memories can cause individuals to feel as if they are reliving
the traumatic event.
2. A 42-year-old male with a history of alcohol dependence presents for
evaluation. He reports having several seizures after abrupt cessation of
drinking. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Alcohol withdrawal seizures
B. Epilepsy
C. Stroke
D. Panic disorder
Answer: a) Alcohol withdrawal seizures
,Rationale: Seizures that occur after the sudden cessation of alcohol in
an individual with alcohol dependence are a hallmark of alcohol
withdrawal. These seizures typically occur within 6-48 hours of the last
drink.
3. A 40-year-old female with a history of depression presents with
increasing feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. She denies a
plan or intent to harm herself. Which of the following is the most
appropriate intervention?
A. Increase antidepressant dosage
B. Initiate cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
C. Hospitalization for safety evaluation
D. Recommend self-care techniques
Answer: c) Hospitalization for safety evaluation
Rationale: Given the presence of suicidal thoughts, the patient needs
immediate evaluation to assess her safety. Hospitalization may be
necessary to provide a safe environment and ensure she receives
appropriate psychiatric care.
4. A 45-year-old female presents with intrusive, distressing thoughts
about harming her child, which she finds horrifying. She has no intent
to act on these thoughts. Which of the following is the most likely
diagnosis?
A. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
B. Postpartum depression
,C. Generalized anxiety disorder
D. Acute stress disorder
Answer: a) Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Rationale: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can manifest with
intrusive and disturbing thoughts (obsessions) that the individual finds
repugnant and distressing. This differs from psychotic delusions
because the person recognizes the thoughts as irrational.
5. A 60-year-old male with depression is being treated with a selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). He presents with a high fever,
altered mental status, and muscle rigidity. Which of the following is the
most likely diagnosis?
A. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
B. Serotonin syndrome
C. Delirium
D. Panic disorder
Answer: b) Serotonin syndrome
Rationale: Serotonin syndrome can occur with the use of SSRIs,
especially when combined with other serotonergic medications. It is
characterized by hyperthermia, altered mental status, autonomic
dysregulation, and neuromuscular hyperactivity.
6. A 40-year-old male presents with sudden onset of extreme fear of
public speaking, sweating, and palpitations. These symptoms occur
only in social situations. What is the most likely diagnosis?
, A. Generalized anxiety disorder
B. Social anxiety disorder
C. Panic disorder
D. Specific phobia
Answer: b) Social anxiety disorder
Rationale: Social anxiety disorder is characterized by an intense fear of
social situations where the individual may be scrutinized or judged.
Symptoms like sweating, palpitations, and fear of public speaking are
consistent with this condition.
7. A 35-year-old male with a history of chronic anxiety presents with
difficulty concentrating, irritability, and muscle tension. These
symptoms have been ongoing for the last few months. What is the
most likely diagnosis?
A. Panic disorder
B. Generalized anxiety disorder
C. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
D. Post-traumatic stress disorder
Answer: b) Generalized anxiety disorder
Rationale: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by
persistent, excessive worry and anxiety that is difficult to control.
Associated symptoms include restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and
muscle tension.
