1. A 40-year-old woman with a history of bipolar disorder presents
with decreased need for sleep, rapid speech, and impulsive
behavior. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Manic episode
B. Hypomanic episode
C. Major depressive episode
D. Mixed episode
Answer: a) Manic episode
Rationale: A manic episode involves elevated mood, decreased
need for sleep, racing thoughts, and impulsivity, often causing
significant impairment in functioning.
2. A 30-year-old man with a history of schizophrenia presents
with a flat affect, poor grooming, and social withdrawal. These
symptoms are most consistent with which type of schizophrenia
symptom?
A. Positive symptoms
B. Negative symptoms
C. Cognitive symptoms
D. Affective symptoms
Answer: b) Negative symptoms
Rationale: Negative symptoms of schizophrenia include flat affect,
poor grooming, and social withdrawal, which reflect a decrease in
normal functioning.
3. A 22-year-old woman has a history of feeling excessively
energetic and impulsive during certain periods, followed by
depressive episodes. She has never experienced full-blown manic
episodes. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Bipolar II disorder
B. Cyclothymic disorder
C. Borderline personality disorder
D. Major depressive disorder
Answer: a) Bipolar II disorder
Rationale: Bipolar II disorder is characterized by episodes of
hypomania and major depressive episodes, without full-blown
mania.
4. A 60-year-old man with a history of alcohol use disorder
presents with confusion, agitation, and tremors. His symptoms
developed after drinking heavily over the weekend and then
suddenly stopping. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Alcohol intoxication
B. Alcohol withdrawal
C. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
D. Delirium tremens
Answer: d) Delirium tremens
Rationale: Delirium tremens is a severe form of alcohol
,withdrawal, characterized by confusion, agitation, and tremors,
often occurring within 48-72 hours of cessation.
5. A 35-year-old man with a history of depression presents with
racing thoughts, inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep,
and increased goal-directed activity. Which diagnosis is most
likely?
A. Bipolar I disorder
B. Bipolar II disorder
C. Generalized anxiety disorder
D. Major depressive disorder
Answer: a) Bipolar I disorder
Rationale: Bipolar I disorder is characterized by manic episodes,
which can include racing thoughts, elevated mood, and decreased
need for sleep.
6. A 60-year-old woman presents with forgetfulness, difficulty
concentrating, and decreased interest in activities. Her symptoms
have been present for several months. What is the most likely
diagnosis?
A. Mild cognitive impairment
B. Major depressive disorder
C. Alzheimer's disease
D. Normal age-related changes
Answer: a) Mild cognitive impairment
Rationale: Mild cognitive impairment is characterized by memory
or cognitive changes that are noticeable but not severe enough to
interfere with daily functioning.
7. A 55-year-old woman presents with memory loss,
disorientation, and difficulty performing activities of daily living.
Her symptoms have progressively worsened over the last year.
Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Major depressive disorder
B. Alzheimer’s disease
C. Parkinson’s disease
D. Delirium
Answer: b) Alzheimer’s disease
Rationale: Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of
progressive memory loss and cognitive decline in older adults.
8. Which of the following is the most common risk factor for
suicide in individuals with major depressive disorder?
A. Male gender
B. Substance use disorder
C. Family history of suicide
D. Previous suicide attempts
Answer: d) Previous suicide attempts
Rationale: Previous suicide attempts are the strongest predictor of
future suicide attempts in individuals with major depressive
,disorder.
9. A 40-year-old woman reports intrusive thoughts of harming
her baby, although she has never acted on these thoughts. She
finds them disturbing and tries to avoid situations that trigger
them. Which diagnosis is most likely?
A. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
B. Postpartum depression
C. Generalized anxiety disorder
D. Postpartum psychosis
Answer: a) Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Rationale: Intrusive, distressing thoughts of harming others are
characteristic of OCD. These thoughts are often not acted upon,
and the person engages in compulsive avoidance.
10. A 21-year-old woman presents with intense fear of being
judged in social situations. She avoids attending gatherings, and
when she must attend, she feels extremely self-conscious. What is
the most likely diagnosis?
A. Social anxiety disorder
B. Generalized anxiety disorder
C. Panic disorder
D. Schizophrenia
Answer: a) Social anxiety disorder
Rationale: Social anxiety disorder is characterized by an intense
fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations, often
leading to avoidance.
11. A 40-year-old man reports hearing voices that tell him to harm
others. He denies any history of mood disorders or substance use.
Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Schizophrenia
B. Bipolar disorder
C. Major depressive disorder with psychotic features
D. Substance-induced psychosis
Answer: a) Schizophrenia
Rationale: Hearing voices (auditory hallucinations) and the lack of
mood disturbance point toward schizophrenia, which is marked by
positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.
12. A 40-year-old woman with a history of recurrent major
depressive disorder and episodes of hypomania presents with
elevated mood, talkativeness, and decreased need for sleep. Which
diagnosis should be considered?
A. Bipolar II disorder
B. Generalized anxiety disorder
C. Persistent depressive disorder
D. Cyclothymic disorder
Answer: a) Bipolar II disorder
Rationale: Bipolar II disorder is characterized by recurrent
, depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes. The patient’s
symptoms are consistent with a hypomanic episode.
13. Which of the following is the first-line treatment for
generalized anxiety disorder?
A. Benzodiazepines
B. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
C. Antipsychotics
D. Antidepressants (SSRIs or SNRIs)
Answer: d) Antidepressants (SSRIs or SNRIs)
Rationale: SSRIs and SNRIs are first-line medications for
generalized anxiety disorder. CBT is also an effective first-line
therapy.
14. A 28-year-old man with schizophrenia experiences auditory
hallucinations telling him to harm himself. Which of the following
should be the first intervention?
A. Increase the dose of antipsychotic medication
B. Hospitalize the patient for safety
C. Refer for cognitive-behavioral therapy
D. Add a benzodiazepine for relaxation
Answer: b) Hospitalize the patient for safety
Rationale: In cases of suicidal or homicidal thoughts associated
with schizophrenia, hospitalization is necessary to ensure the
patient's safety while managing symptoms.
15. A 50-year-old man presents with a loss of interest in activities
he once enjoyed, low energy, feelings of worthlessness, and
thoughts of death. These symptoms have persisted for over two
weeks. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Major depressive disorder
B. Dysthymia
C. Bipolar disorder
D. Adjustment disorder
Answer: a) Major depressive disorder
Rationale: The patient’s symptoms—low mood, anhedonia, low
energy, feelings of worthlessness, and thoughts of death—are
consistent with major depressive disorder.
16. A 40-year-old woman is brought to the clinic after
experiencing repeated episodes of severe anxiety accompanied by
A. sense of choking, dizziness, and chest pain. These episodes have
no identifiable triggers. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Generalized anxiety disorder
B. Panic disorder
C. Social anxiety disorder
D. Phobias
Answer: b) Panic disorder
Rationale: Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent and
unexpected panic attacks, often without clear triggers, and
with decreased need for sleep, rapid speech, and impulsive
behavior. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Manic episode
B. Hypomanic episode
C. Major depressive episode
D. Mixed episode
Answer: a) Manic episode
Rationale: A manic episode involves elevated mood, decreased
need for sleep, racing thoughts, and impulsivity, often causing
significant impairment in functioning.
2. A 30-year-old man with a history of schizophrenia presents
with a flat affect, poor grooming, and social withdrawal. These
symptoms are most consistent with which type of schizophrenia
symptom?
A. Positive symptoms
B. Negative symptoms
C. Cognitive symptoms
D. Affective symptoms
Answer: b) Negative symptoms
Rationale: Negative symptoms of schizophrenia include flat affect,
poor grooming, and social withdrawal, which reflect a decrease in
normal functioning.
3. A 22-year-old woman has a history of feeling excessively
energetic and impulsive during certain periods, followed by
depressive episodes. She has never experienced full-blown manic
episodes. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Bipolar II disorder
B. Cyclothymic disorder
C. Borderline personality disorder
D. Major depressive disorder
Answer: a) Bipolar II disorder
Rationale: Bipolar II disorder is characterized by episodes of
hypomania and major depressive episodes, without full-blown
mania.
4. A 60-year-old man with a history of alcohol use disorder
presents with confusion, agitation, and tremors. His symptoms
developed after drinking heavily over the weekend and then
suddenly stopping. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Alcohol intoxication
B. Alcohol withdrawal
C. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
D. Delirium tremens
Answer: d) Delirium tremens
Rationale: Delirium tremens is a severe form of alcohol
,withdrawal, characterized by confusion, agitation, and tremors,
often occurring within 48-72 hours of cessation.
5. A 35-year-old man with a history of depression presents with
racing thoughts, inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep,
and increased goal-directed activity. Which diagnosis is most
likely?
A. Bipolar I disorder
B. Bipolar II disorder
C. Generalized anxiety disorder
D. Major depressive disorder
Answer: a) Bipolar I disorder
Rationale: Bipolar I disorder is characterized by manic episodes,
which can include racing thoughts, elevated mood, and decreased
need for sleep.
6. A 60-year-old woman presents with forgetfulness, difficulty
concentrating, and decreased interest in activities. Her symptoms
have been present for several months. What is the most likely
diagnosis?
A. Mild cognitive impairment
B. Major depressive disorder
C. Alzheimer's disease
D. Normal age-related changes
Answer: a) Mild cognitive impairment
Rationale: Mild cognitive impairment is characterized by memory
or cognitive changes that are noticeable but not severe enough to
interfere with daily functioning.
7. A 55-year-old woman presents with memory loss,
disorientation, and difficulty performing activities of daily living.
Her symptoms have progressively worsened over the last year.
Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Major depressive disorder
B. Alzheimer’s disease
C. Parkinson’s disease
D. Delirium
Answer: b) Alzheimer’s disease
Rationale: Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of
progressive memory loss and cognitive decline in older adults.
8. Which of the following is the most common risk factor for
suicide in individuals with major depressive disorder?
A. Male gender
B. Substance use disorder
C. Family history of suicide
D. Previous suicide attempts
Answer: d) Previous suicide attempts
Rationale: Previous suicide attempts are the strongest predictor of
future suicide attempts in individuals with major depressive
,disorder.
9. A 40-year-old woman reports intrusive thoughts of harming
her baby, although she has never acted on these thoughts. She
finds them disturbing and tries to avoid situations that trigger
them. Which diagnosis is most likely?
A. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
B. Postpartum depression
C. Generalized anxiety disorder
D. Postpartum psychosis
Answer: a) Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Rationale: Intrusive, distressing thoughts of harming others are
characteristic of OCD. These thoughts are often not acted upon,
and the person engages in compulsive avoidance.
10. A 21-year-old woman presents with intense fear of being
judged in social situations. She avoids attending gatherings, and
when she must attend, she feels extremely self-conscious. What is
the most likely diagnosis?
A. Social anxiety disorder
B. Generalized anxiety disorder
C. Panic disorder
D. Schizophrenia
Answer: a) Social anxiety disorder
Rationale: Social anxiety disorder is characterized by an intense
fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations, often
leading to avoidance.
11. A 40-year-old man reports hearing voices that tell him to harm
others. He denies any history of mood disorders or substance use.
Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Schizophrenia
B. Bipolar disorder
C. Major depressive disorder with psychotic features
D. Substance-induced psychosis
Answer: a) Schizophrenia
Rationale: Hearing voices (auditory hallucinations) and the lack of
mood disturbance point toward schizophrenia, which is marked by
positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.
12. A 40-year-old woman with a history of recurrent major
depressive disorder and episodes of hypomania presents with
elevated mood, talkativeness, and decreased need for sleep. Which
diagnosis should be considered?
A. Bipolar II disorder
B. Generalized anxiety disorder
C. Persistent depressive disorder
D. Cyclothymic disorder
Answer: a) Bipolar II disorder
Rationale: Bipolar II disorder is characterized by recurrent
, depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes. The patient’s
symptoms are consistent with a hypomanic episode.
13. Which of the following is the first-line treatment for
generalized anxiety disorder?
A. Benzodiazepines
B. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
C. Antipsychotics
D. Antidepressants (SSRIs or SNRIs)
Answer: d) Antidepressants (SSRIs or SNRIs)
Rationale: SSRIs and SNRIs are first-line medications for
generalized anxiety disorder. CBT is also an effective first-line
therapy.
14. A 28-year-old man with schizophrenia experiences auditory
hallucinations telling him to harm himself. Which of the following
should be the first intervention?
A. Increase the dose of antipsychotic medication
B. Hospitalize the patient for safety
C. Refer for cognitive-behavioral therapy
D. Add a benzodiazepine for relaxation
Answer: b) Hospitalize the patient for safety
Rationale: In cases of suicidal or homicidal thoughts associated
with schizophrenia, hospitalization is necessary to ensure the
patient's safety while managing symptoms.
15. A 50-year-old man presents with a loss of interest in activities
he once enjoyed, low energy, feelings of worthlessness, and
thoughts of death. These symptoms have persisted for over two
weeks. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Major depressive disorder
B. Dysthymia
C. Bipolar disorder
D. Adjustment disorder
Answer: a) Major depressive disorder
Rationale: The patient’s symptoms—low mood, anhedonia, low
energy, feelings of worthlessness, and thoughts of death—are
consistent with major depressive disorder.
16. A 40-year-old woman is brought to the clinic after
experiencing repeated episodes of severe anxiety accompanied by
A. sense of choking, dizziness, and chest pain. These episodes have
no identifiable triggers. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Generalized anxiety disorder
B. Panic disorder
C. Social anxiety disorder
D. Phobias
Answer: b) Panic disorder
Rationale: Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent and
unexpected panic attacks, often without clear triggers, and
