PDF EXAM
NRNP 6635 Psychopathology and
Diagnostic Reasoning Midterm Exam
(Walden University, 2025/2026
Edition) – complete exam material
with answers
Midterm Exam Questions
Question 1
Which diagnostic criterion is essential for major depressive disorder (MDD)
according to DSM-5-TR?
A. Psychotic symptoms
B. Depressed mood or anhedonia for at least 2 weeks
C. Manic episodes
D. Substance-induced symptoms
Correct Answer: B. Depressed mood or anhedonia for at least 2 weeks
Explanation: According to DSM-5-TR, a diagnosis of MDD requires at least five
symptoms present during the same 2-week period, with at least one being either
depressed mood or anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure). Psychotic symptoms
are not required and may indicate a more severe presentation, such as MDD with
psychotic features. Manic episodes are specific to bipolar disorders, and substance-
induced symptoms would classify the condition as a substance/medication-induced
depressive disorder.
Question 2
Which neurotransmitter is most commonly associated with obsessive-compulsive
disorder (OCD)?
A. Norepinephrine
B. GABA
C. Dopamine
D. Serotonin
GRADED A+
, PDF EXAM
Correct Answer: D. Serotonin
Explanation: OCD is primarily linked to dysregulation in the serotonin system,
particularly within the cortico-striatal-thalamic-cortical (CSTC) circuitry.
Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) are the first-line pharmacological treatment,
supporting the role of serotonin. While dopamine may play a secondary role in
some cases, it is not the primary neurotransmitter implicated. Norepinephrine and
GABA are less directly associated with OCD pathophysiology.
Question 3
Select the serum assessment required when prescribing drugs to treat psychiatric
disorders in psychosomatic patients.
A. Potassium
B. Thyroid function
C. Blood glucose
D. Lipid panel
Correct Answer: B. Thyroid function
Explanation: Thyroid function tests are critical in psychosomatic patients as
thyroid dysfunction (e.g., hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism) can mimic or
exacerbate psychiatric symptoms, such as depression or anxiety. Medications like
lithium or antipsychotics can also affect thyroid function, necessitating baseline
and ongoing monitoring. Potassium, blood glucose, and lipid panels are important
for general health but are not specifically required for psychosomatic psychiatric
assessments unless indicated by comorbidities.
Question 4
Select the theorist who developed the eight stages of psychosocial development.
A. Sigmund Freud
B. Jean Piaget
C. Erik Erikson
D. Abraham Maslow
Correct Answer: C. Erik Erikson
Explanation: Erik Erikson developed the theory of psychosocial development,
which outlines eight stages across the lifespan, each characterized by a specific
conflict (e.g., trust vs. mistrust, identity vs. role confusion). Freud focused on
psychosexual stages, Piaget on cognitive development, and Maslow on the
hierarchy of needs.
GRADED A+
, PDF EXAM
Question 5
Select two causes of dissociative amnesia. (Choose two.)
A. Sexual abuse
B. Substance use
C. Neurodegenerative disease
D. Partner betrayal
Correct Answer: A. Sexual abuse, D. Partner betrayal
Explanation: Dissociative amnesia is often triggered by severe psychological
trauma, such as sexual abuse or significant interpersonal betrayals (e.g., partner
infidelity). These events can overwhelm coping mechanisms, leading to memory
dissociation. Substance use may cause organic amnesia but is not typically linked
to dissociative amnesia. Neurodegenerative diseases are associated with cognitive
decline rather than dissociative disorders.
Question 6
Select the patient evaluation scale to be used before and during prescribing
antipsychotic drugs.
A. MMSE
B. AIMS
C. PHQ-9
D. GAD-7
Correct Answer: B. AIMS
Explanation: The Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) is used to
assess for tardive dyskinesia and other extrapyramidal symptoms in patients taking
antipsychotics. It is critical for baseline and ongoing monitoring due to the risk of
movement disorders. MMSE assesses cognitive function, PHQ-9 screens for
depression, and GAD-7 evaluates anxiety, none of which are specific to
antipsychotic monitoring.
Question 7
Select the two comorbid disorders with which Pica occurs most commonly.
(Choose two.)
A. Schizophrenia
B. Bipolar disorder
C. Autism spectrum disorder
D. Intellectual disability
GRADED A+
NRNP 6635 Psychopathology and
Diagnostic Reasoning Midterm Exam
(Walden University, 2025/2026
Edition) – complete exam material
with answers
Midterm Exam Questions
Question 1
Which diagnostic criterion is essential for major depressive disorder (MDD)
according to DSM-5-TR?
A. Psychotic symptoms
B. Depressed mood or anhedonia for at least 2 weeks
C. Manic episodes
D. Substance-induced symptoms
Correct Answer: B. Depressed mood or anhedonia for at least 2 weeks
Explanation: According to DSM-5-TR, a diagnosis of MDD requires at least five
symptoms present during the same 2-week period, with at least one being either
depressed mood or anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure). Psychotic symptoms
are not required and may indicate a more severe presentation, such as MDD with
psychotic features. Manic episodes are specific to bipolar disorders, and substance-
induced symptoms would classify the condition as a substance/medication-induced
depressive disorder.
Question 2
Which neurotransmitter is most commonly associated with obsessive-compulsive
disorder (OCD)?
A. Norepinephrine
B. GABA
C. Dopamine
D. Serotonin
GRADED A+
, PDF EXAM
Correct Answer: D. Serotonin
Explanation: OCD is primarily linked to dysregulation in the serotonin system,
particularly within the cortico-striatal-thalamic-cortical (CSTC) circuitry.
Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) are the first-line pharmacological treatment,
supporting the role of serotonin. While dopamine may play a secondary role in
some cases, it is not the primary neurotransmitter implicated. Norepinephrine and
GABA are less directly associated with OCD pathophysiology.
Question 3
Select the serum assessment required when prescribing drugs to treat psychiatric
disorders in psychosomatic patients.
A. Potassium
B. Thyroid function
C. Blood glucose
D. Lipid panel
Correct Answer: B. Thyroid function
Explanation: Thyroid function tests are critical in psychosomatic patients as
thyroid dysfunction (e.g., hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism) can mimic or
exacerbate psychiatric symptoms, such as depression or anxiety. Medications like
lithium or antipsychotics can also affect thyroid function, necessitating baseline
and ongoing monitoring. Potassium, blood glucose, and lipid panels are important
for general health but are not specifically required for psychosomatic psychiatric
assessments unless indicated by comorbidities.
Question 4
Select the theorist who developed the eight stages of psychosocial development.
A. Sigmund Freud
B. Jean Piaget
C. Erik Erikson
D. Abraham Maslow
Correct Answer: C. Erik Erikson
Explanation: Erik Erikson developed the theory of psychosocial development,
which outlines eight stages across the lifespan, each characterized by a specific
conflict (e.g., trust vs. mistrust, identity vs. role confusion). Freud focused on
psychosexual stages, Piaget on cognitive development, and Maslow on the
hierarchy of needs.
GRADED A+
, PDF EXAM
Question 5
Select two causes of dissociative amnesia. (Choose two.)
A. Sexual abuse
B. Substance use
C. Neurodegenerative disease
D. Partner betrayal
Correct Answer: A. Sexual abuse, D. Partner betrayal
Explanation: Dissociative amnesia is often triggered by severe psychological
trauma, such as sexual abuse or significant interpersonal betrayals (e.g., partner
infidelity). These events can overwhelm coping mechanisms, leading to memory
dissociation. Substance use may cause organic amnesia but is not typically linked
to dissociative amnesia. Neurodegenerative diseases are associated with cognitive
decline rather than dissociative disorders.
Question 6
Select the patient evaluation scale to be used before and during prescribing
antipsychotic drugs.
A. MMSE
B. AIMS
C. PHQ-9
D. GAD-7
Correct Answer: B. AIMS
Explanation: The Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) is used to
assess for tardive dyskinesia and other extrapyramidal symptoms in patients taking
antipsychotics. It is critical for baseline and ongoing monitoring due to the risk of
movement disorders. MMSE assesses cognitive function, PHQ-9 screens for
depression, and GAD-7 evaluates anxiety, none of which are specific to
antipsychotic monitoring.
Question 7
Select the two comorbid disorders with which Pica occurs most commonly.
(Choose two.)
A. Schizophrenia
B. Bipolar disorder
C. Autism spectrum disorder
D. Intellectual disability
GRADED A+
