NRNP6635 / NRNP 6635 Midterm Exam Study
Guide 2025/2026
Psychopathology and Diagnostic Reasoning | Walden
| Verified Questions & Answers, 100% Correct
Prepared for Walden University
Multiple-Choice Questions
Which criterion is essential for diagnosing Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) according
to DSM-5?
a) Elevated mood for at least one week
b) Depressed mood or loss of interest for at least two weeks
c) Psychotic symptoms persisting for one month
d) Recurrent panic attacks
Correct Answer: b
Rationale: DSM-5 requires depressed mood or anhedonia for at least two weeks, plus
additional symptoms, for MDD diagnosis. Psychopathological concepts emphasize dura-
tion and core symptoms, distinguishing MDD from mania (elevated mood), psychosis, or
anxiety disorders.
A patient reports excessive worry about multiple events for six months. Which disorder
is most likely?
a) Panic Disorder
b) Generalized Anxiety Disorder
c) Social Anxiety Disorder
d) Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Correct Answer: b
Rationale: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) involves excessive worry about multiple
events for at least six months. Diagnostic reasoning differentiates GADs pervasive worry
from Panic Disorder (sudden attacks), Social Anxiety (social-specific fear), and OCD
(obsessions/compulsions).
1
, What is the hallmark feature of Schizophrenia in the DSM-5?
a) Mood swings
b) Delusions or hallucinations
c) Recurrent panic attacks
d) Compulsive behaviors
Correct Answer: b
Rationale: Schizophrenia is characterized by delusions or hallucinations, among other
psychotic symptoms, persisting for at least one month. Psychopathological concepts
distinguish psychosis from mood disorders, anxiety, or OCD.
Which neurotransmitter is most implicated in the pathophysiology of depression?
a) Dopamine
b) Serotonin
c) GABA
d) Acetylcholine
Correct Answer: b
Rationale: Serotonin dysregulation is central to depressions pathophysiology, influencing
mood regulation. Diagnostic reasoning uses neurobiological evidence to guide treatment,
unlike dopamine (reward), GABA (inhibition), or acetylcholine (cognition).
A patient exhibits inflated self-esteem and decreased need for sleep. Which disorder is
suggested?
a) Major Depressive Disorder
b) Bipolar I Disorder
c) Generalized Anxiety Disorder
d) Schizophrenia
Correct Answer: b
Rationale: Bipolar I Disorder involves manic episodes with inflated self-esteem and re-
duced sleep. Diagnostic reasoning distinguishes mania from depression, anxiety, or psy-
chosis based on symptom presentation.
What is the primary purpose of a mental status examination (MSE)?
a) Assess physical health
b) Evaluate cognitive and emotional functioning
c) Diagnose personality disorders
d) Determine medication dosage
Correct Answer: b
Rationale: The MSE evaluates cognitive and emotional functioning, including mood,
thought processes, and perception. Diagnostic reasoning uses MSE to inform psy-
chopathology assessment, not physical health, personality diagnosis, or dosing.
2
Guide 2025/2026
Psychopathology and Diagnostic Reasoning | Walden
| Verified Questions & Answers, 100% Correct
Prepared for Walden University
Multiple-Choice Questions
Which criterion is essential for diagnosing Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) according
to DSM-5?
a) Elevated mood for at least one week
b) Depressed mood or loss of interest for at least two weeks
c) Psychotic symptoms persisting for one month
d) Recurrent panic attacks
Correct Answer: b
Rationale: DSM-5 requires depressed mood or anhedonia for at least two weeks, plus
additional symptoms, for MDD diagnosis. Psychopathological concepts emphasize dura-
tion and core symptoms, distinguishing MDD from mania (elevated mood), psychosis, or
anxiety disorders.
A patient reports excessive worry about multiple events for six months. Which disorder
is most likely?
a) Panic Disorder
b) Generalized Anxiety Disorder
c) Social Anxiety Disorder
d) Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Correct Answer: b
Rationale: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) involves excessive worry about multiple
events for at least six months. Diagnostic reasoning differentiates GADs pervasive worry
from Panic Disorder (sudden attacks), Social Anxiety (social-specific fear), and OCD
(obsessions/compulsions).
1
, What is the hallmark feature of Schizophrenia in the DSM-5?
a) Mood swings
b) Delusions or hallucinations
c) Recurrent panic attacks
d) Compulsive behaviors
Correct Answer: b
Rationale: Schizophrenia is characterized by delusions or hallucinations, among other
psychotic symptoms, persisting for at least one month. Psychopathological concepts
distinguish psychosis from mood disorders, anxiety, or OCD.
Which neurotransmitter is most implicated in the pathophysiology of depression?
a) Dopamine
b) Serotonin
c) GABA
d) Acetylcholine
Correct Answer: b
Rationale: Serotonin dysregulation is central to depressions pathophysiology, influencing
mood regulation. Diagnostic reasoning uses neurobiological evidence to guide treatment,
unlike dopamine (reward), GABA (inhibition), or acetylcholine (cognition).
A patient exhibits inflated self-esteem and decreased need for sleep. Which disorder is
suggested?
a) Major Depressive Disorder
b) Bipolar I Disorder
c) Generalized Anxiety Disorder
d) Schizophrenia
Correct Answer: b
Rationale: Bipolar I Disorder involves manic episodes with inflated self-esteem and re-
duced sleep. Diagnostic reasoning distinguishes mania from depression, anxiety, or psy-
chosis based on symptom presentation.
What is the primary purpose of a mental status examination (MSE)?
a) Assess physical health
b) Evaluate cognitive and emotional functioning
c) Diagnose personality disorders
d) Determine medication dosage
Correct Answer: b
Rationale: The MSE evaluates cognitive and emotional functioning, including mood,
thought processes, and perception. Diagnostic reasoning uses MSE to inform psy-
chopathology assessment, not physical health, personality diagnosis, or dosing.
2
