NRNP 6635: PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND
DIAGNOSTIC REASONING FINAL EXAM
PREP 2026/2027
1. A 28-year-old female presents with a depressed mood, insomnia, and loss of interest in
activities for the past 3 weeks. To meet the DSM-5 criteria for Major Depressive Disorder
(MDD), how many symptoms must be present during the same 2-week period?
A. At least 3 symptoms
B. At least 9 symptoms
C. At least 7 symptoms
D. At least 5 symptoms
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: DSM-5 criteria for MDD require five or more symptoms to be
present during the same 2-week period, and at least one of the symptoms must be either
depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure.
,2. Which of the following brain structures is primarily responsible for the processing of fear
and the ‘fight or flight’ response, often implicated in Anxiety Disorders?
A. Hippocampus
B. Prefrontal Cortex
C. Basal Ganglia
D. Amygdala
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The amygdala is the key structure for emotional processing,
particularly fear. Overactivity in the amygdala is associated with anxiety and panic
disorders.
3. A patient exhibits a pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior. They
are uncomfortable in situations where they are not the center of attention and often use
physical appearance to draw focus. This best describes which Personality Disorder?
A. Histrionic Personality Disorder
B. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
C. Borderline Personality Disorder
D. Antisocial Personality Disorder
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: Histrionic Personality Disorder (Cluster B) is characterized by a
pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and attention seeking.
4. What is the primary difference between Bipolar I Disorder and Bipolar II Disorder according
to the DSM-5?
A. Bipolar I requires a major depressive episode; Bipolar II does not.
B. Bipolar I episodes last longer than Bipolar II episodes.
C. Bipolar I involves only hypomania, while Bipolar II involves full mania.
D. Bipolar I requires a manic episode; Bipolar II requires a hypomanic episode and a major
depressive episode.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Bipolar I requires the occurrence of at least one manic episode.
Bipolar II requires at least one hypomanic episode AND at least one major depressive
episode, without any manic episodes.
5. A 19-year-old male is brought to the clinic by his family because he hears voices that others
do not hear and believes the government is tracking him via his dental fillings. These
symptoms have lasted for 3 months. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Brief Psychotic Disorder
B. Schizophrenia
C. Schizophreniform Disorder
DIAGNOSTIC REASONING FINAL EXAM
PREP 2026/2027
1. A 28-year-old female presents with a depressed mood, insomnia, and loss of interest in
activities for the past 3 weeks. To meet the DSM-5 criteria for Major Depressive Disorder
(MDD), how many symptoms must be present during the same 2-week period?
A. At least 3 symptoms
B. At least 9 symptoms
C. At least 7 symptoms
D. At least 5 symptoms
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: DSM-5 criteria for MDD require five or more symptoms to be
present during the same 2-week period, and at least one of the symptoms must be either
depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure.
,2. Which of the following brain structures is primarily responsible for the processing of fear
and the ‘fight or flight’ response, often implicated in Anxiety Disorders?
A. Hippocampus
B. Prefrontal Cortex
C. Basal Ganglia
D. Amygdala
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The amygdala is the key structure for emotional processing,
particularly fear. Overactivity in the amygdala is associated with anxiety and panic
disorders.
3. A patient exhibits a pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior. They
are uncomfortable in situations where they are not the center of attention and often use
physical appearance to draw focus. This best describes which Personality Disorder?
A. Histrionic Personality Disorder
B. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
C. Borderline Personality Disorder
D. Antisocial Personality Disorder
Answer: A
, Conceptual Explanation: Histrionic Personality Disorder (Cluster B) is characterized by a
pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and attention seeking.
4. What is the primary difference between Bipolar I Disorder and Bipolar II Disorder according
to the DSM-5?
A. Bipolar I requires a major depressive episode; Bipolar II does not.
B. Bipolar I episodes last longer than Bipolar II episodes.
C. Bipolar I involves only hypomania, while Bipolar II involves full mania.
D. Bipolar I requires a manic episode; Bipolar II requires a hypomanic episode and a major
depressive episode.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Bipolar I requires the occurrence of at least one manic episode.
Bipolar II requires at least one hypomanic episode AND at least one major depressive
episode, without any manic episodes.
5. A 19-year-old male is brought to the clinic by his family because he hears voices that others
do not hear and believes the government is tracking him via his dental fillings. These
symptoms have lasted for 3 months. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Brief Psychotic Disorder
B. Schizophrenia
C. Schizophreniform Disorder
