Psychiatry Core Practice Exam

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• Which anticonvulsant medication is commonly used as a mood stabilizer?
• What are three common risk factors for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures?
• Which screening tool is most commonly used to identify bipolar disorder?
• What sign is commonly observed in patients with anorexia nervosa?
• How is bereavement best defined?
• What is a primary sign of autism?
• What are the two types of narcolepsy?
• Which of the following personality disorders belongs to cluster B?
• What is the primary treatment approach for ADHD?
• What defines panic disorder?
• Which personality disorder is associated with conduct disorder?
• A patient with symptoms of unresponsiveness, rigidity, and sweating is being treated for bipolar disorder. What is the next best step?
• Which stimulant medication for ADHD is available as a patch?
• What is the relationship between antipsychotic medication and quality of life in schizophrenia patients?
• What type of delusion involves a belief of being watched or followed?
• Which of the following is a significant risk factor for developing PTSD?
• What is the best initial step in evaluating a patient with depersonalization/derealization disorder?
• What is a known effect of reuptake inhibitors on dopamine and norepinephrine in ADHD treatment?
• What is the most common sign of child abuse in the head region?
• Which of the following is NOT a category of specific phobias?
• What is considered the first-line treatment for persistent depressive disorder?
• Which medication for alcohol use disorder does NOT reduce cravings?
• What characterizes depersonalization/derealization disorder?
• For a diagnosis of schizophrenia, how long must symptoms be present?
• What is the primary neurochemical imbalance associated with schizophrenia disorder?
• For a diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder, how long must symptoms persist?
• Which disorder has a significant comorbidity rate, approximately 50%, with ADHD?
• Which questionnaire is commonly used to diagnose alcohol use disorder?
• How can psychogenic nonepileptic seizures be described?
• What term describes a psychological disorder where symptoms are intentionally produced for attention?
• A woman has a history of self-mutilation and multiple suicide attempts. What is her most likely diagnosis?
• What is a potential treatment option for tardive dyskinesia in patients who must remain on antipsychotic medications?
• What is the mainstay of treatment for histrionic personality disorder?
• What is the definition of generalized anxiety disorder?
• Which antipsychotic is indicated for reducing anxiety and aiding in weight gain for patients with anorexia nervosa?
• What is a common cause of metabolic syndrome in patients taking antipsychotics?
• Which of the following medications is most likely to cause agranulocytosis?
• What additional treatment may be added if first-line treatment for major depressive disorder does not work?
• What is an effective patient education strategy for individuals with narcolepsy?
• What is considered the first-line treatment for a patient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa?
• Negative symptoms in schizophrenia are primarily attributed to which level of dopamine?
• Which personality disorder is defined by grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy?
• What medication can be used for PTSD to decrease nightmares and improve sleep?
• What disorder is characterized by PMS symptoms persisting for at least one year and interfering with daily life?
• According to DSM 5, how long must depressive symptoms last to diagnose major depressive disorder?
• Which of the following is a negative symptom of schizophrenia?
• What is recognized as the first-line treatment for bulimia nervosa?
• What is the most common type of narcolepsy?
• What is considered the first-line treatment for schizophrenia?
• In which demographic do specific phobias typically begin?
• A 15-year-old caught spray-painting graffiti is likely to meet criteria for which disorder?
• What typically causes dissociative amnesia (fugue state)?
• Positive symptoms in schizophrenia are primarily attributed to which level of dopamine?
• What is considered the mainstay treatment for narcissistic personality disorder?
• What is the primary treatment approach for schizotypal personality disorder?
• What common characteristic helps diagnose patients with major depressive disorder?
• What is a characteristic feature of paranoid personality disorder?
• What is the BLACK BOX WARNING associated with naltrexone for alcohol use disorder?
• What describes the syndrome characterized by anterograde/retrograde amnesia and confabulation due to alcohol use?
• If left untreated, what disorder can oppositional defiant disorder potentially develop into?
• Which non-stimulant ADHD medication is also used for its sedative properties?
• What is the relationship between trauma and dissociative disorders?
• What sign is characteristic of somatic symptom disorder?
• What immediate action should be taken when treating a patient presenting with symptoms of alcohol withdrawal?
• What is a common emotional response experienced by individuals in bereavement?
• Who is most at risk for developing schizophrenia disorder?
• Which of the following signs is commonly associated with premenstrual syndrome?
• What is the main difference between factitious disorder and malingering?
• Which behavior is a common sign of histrionic personality disorder?
• What is a common fear experienced by individuals with anorexia nervosa?
• Which endocrine complication is associated with anorexia nervosa?
• Which complication of alcohol use disorder presents with a triad of ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and confusion?
• What is a common characteristic of a specific phobia?
• What is the mainstay of treatment for antisocial personality disorder?
• What variation of schizophrenia is characterized by having symptoms lasting from 1 to 6 months?
• What type of therapy is most effective for treating dissociative identity disorder?
• What is a dangerous complication associated with the rapid reintroduction of food in patients with anorexia nervosa?
• Which condition is characterized by the presence of delusions without other symptoms of schizophrenia?
• In alcohol use disorder, which neurotransmitter is inhibited leading to reduced excitation?
• Which is the first-line treatment for somatic symptom disorder?
• Which of the following is a radiological sign that is considered almost pathognomonic for child abuse?
• Which gender is more commonly associated with antisocial personality disorder?
• Which specific phobia category includes fear of thunderstorms?
• In which disorder are bullying and property destruction key symptoms?
• Which demographic is considered a risk factor for developing dissociative identity disorder?
• What is the primary treatment approach for dependent personality disorder?
• Which demographic is most at risk for developing generalized anxiety disorder?
• Which of the following is NOT typically a feature of antisocial personality disorder?
• Which of the following medications is a non-stimulant used for ADHD?
• Which of the following is NOT a symptom of a manic episode?
• What are the three personality disorders categorized in cluster C?
• Which of the following is NOT an example of an SSRI?
• How long must PTSD symptoms be present to make a diagnosis?
• Which of the following medications is NOT commonly associated with opioid use disorder?
• Which neurotransmitters are typically decreased with the use of antipsychotics?
• What is the primary physical finding associated with cortical changes in schizophrenia?
• What is the first-line treatment for conversion disorder?
• What is the most likely diagnosis for a patient found wandering, yelling incoherently at imaginary people, after 8 months of similar behavior?
• In the context of opioid withdrawal, which of the following is a common sign?
• Which positive symptom involves false beliefs that one is exceptionally powerful or important?
• Which type of fracture is commonly associated with child abuse?
• A man in the ED exhibits drug-seeking behavior and becomes upset when medication is not prescribed. Which personality disorder might he have?
• Which of the following is a symptom of conduct disorder that is not found in oppositional defiant disorder?
• What is the mainstay of treatment for a specific phobia?
• Which score is used to help determine major depressive disorder?
• In the context of alcohol use, which of the following is considered a potential withdrawal symptom?
• What is the typical age by which symptoms of ADHD must be observed for a diagnosis?
• According to the USPSTF, who should be screened for intimate partner violence?
• What is the mainstay treatment for opioid use withdrawal?
• How does the DSM-5 define antisocial personality disorder?
• Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of PTSD?
• What is a major imbalance associated with the pathophysiology of generalized anxiety disorder?
• What behavior often characterizes a patient with conduct disorder?
• What diagnostic tool can be used to confirm psychogenic nonepileptic seizures?
• What is one risk factor for intimate partner violence?
• In which age group does narcissistic personality disorder typically begin?
• Which symptom is commonly reported by individuals taking stimulant medications for ADHD?
• What treatment is mostly used for managing opioid use disorder?
• Which other condition besides bulimia nervosa can result in a Mallory Weiss tear?
• What is the mainstay of treatment for panic disorder?
• Which of the following is a potential complication of bulimia nervosa?
• What is the mainstay treatment for dissociative identity disorder?
• What impact can premenstrual syndrome have on daily functioning?
• What is an additional consequence of repeated vomiting in bulimia nervosa?
• Who is most at risk for developing anorexia nervosa?
• What behavioral pattern is most characteristic of individuals with antisocial personality disorder?
• What type of delusion occurs when a person believes that media is communicating directly to them?
• A 15-year-old girl reporting cyclic symptoms related to her menstrual cycle is likely diagnosed with which condition?
• Which of the following is a common treatment for specific phobias?
• Which of the following is NOT one of the three personality disorders in cluster A?
• What is required to diagnose hypomanic episodes?
• What often precedes the development of PTSD in individuals?
• What deficiency is typically found in patients with narcolepsy?
• Which antidepressant should be avoided in patients with bulimia nervosa due to the risk of seizures?
• What is the first line medication for narcolepsy with cataplexy (Type 1)?
• What is typically monitored in addition to lithium levels for patients taking lithium?
• Which of the following is not considered a stimulant medication for ADHD?
• What is a common feature of narcissistic personality disorder?
• What is the most common type of abuse found in the elderly population?
• What is a key concept in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder?
• What is the primary treatment approach for autism?
• Which of the following is not a direct consequence of bulimia nervosa?
• Which vitamin deficiency is primarily associated with Wernicke's encephalopathy?
• What medication for alcohol use disorder reduces cravings and is a U opioid antagonist?
• What is the most reported symptom for patients with conversion disorder?
• What two characteristics are indicative of schizotypal personality disorder?
• In which phase of the menstrual cycle does premenstrual syndrome typically occur?
• What is a significant behavioral characteristic of individuals diagnosed with autism?
• How long must symptoms last for a hypomanic episode?
• Which of the following is a cardiac complication of anorexia nervosa?
• What are three common risk factors for ADHD?
• What personality disorder is characterized by attention-seeking behavior, often seen in women?
• Which symptoms define bipolar type 2?
• How frequently must symptoms be present to diagnose cyclothymic disorder?
• What common background history is often seen in patients with dissociative identity disorder?
• What is the mainstay of treatment for PTSD?
• Which of the following is an example of a positive symptom of schizophrenia?
• What is the mainstay of treatment for alcohol withdrawal disorder?
• What does bipolar disorder primarily involve?
• How do SSRIs function in the treatment of PTSD?
• What is a common first DSM 5 criterion for borderline personality disorder?
• What is the primary focus of adult protective services?
• Which medication is classified as a glutamate receptor modulator for the treatment of alcohol use disorder?
• Which of the following electrolyte abnormalities is commonly observed in patients with anorexia nervosa?
• Which two signs may suggest the presence of avoidant personality disorder?
• What is the DSM-5 criteria for oppositional defiant disorder?
• What are the three criteria for diagnosing narcolepsy?
• What is the main treatment for dissociative amnesia (fugue state)?
• What scale is typically used to assess ADHD symptoms?
• Which diagnostic studies are recommended to evaluate for narcolepsy?
• Which demographic primarily suffers from generalized anxiety disorder?
• Which disorder is commonly associated with oppositional defiant disorder in 50% of the cases?
• What is the mainstay of treatment for adjustment disorder?
• What is one characteristic of Cluster B personality disorders?
• Which two features are commonly seen in schizoid personality disorder?
• What is the mainstay treatment for oppositional defiant disorder?
• What is a common cause of conversion disorder?
• What are the classic signs associated with opioid use disorder?
• What is a common misconception about ADHD and its treatment?
• Which of the following can be a treatment option for premenstrual syndrome?
• What are the first-line treatment options for a patient with bipolar disorder?
• Before diagnosing bipolar disorder, which conditions must be ruled out?
• Which stimulant is known for its smooth delivery and is also used in binge eating disorder?
• Which type of hallucination is most commonly experienced by individuals with schizophrenia?
• How long must panic disorder be present to make a diagnosis?
• Which personality disorder is characterized by dramatic and erratic behavior?
• How long must a phobia be present for diagnosis?
• What serious condition can occur as a progression of oppositional defiant disorder?
• What is the first line treatment for a patient experiencing tardive dyskinesia while on antipsychotic medication?
• Which atypical antipsychotic is known to have the lowest risk of dyslipidemia?
• Which physical symptoms are associated with Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)?
• What questionnaire is used to diagnose generalized anxiety disorder?
• In what way can exercise impact premenstrual syndrome?
• Which of the following is NOT a form of dissociative disorder?
• What disorder is defined by experiencing symptoms similar to major depressive disorder for at least 2 years?
• Which symptom is typically NOT associated with premenstrual syndrome?
• Which condition in the elderly may indicate possible abuse or neglect?
• In PTSD, nightmares are often related to what?
• What is lanugo in the context of anorexia nervosa?
• Which personality disorder is characterized by persistent disregard for the rights of others?
• What is the primary focus of psychotherapy in treating anorexia nervosa?
• What assessment tool is often utilized in diagnosing personality disorders like narcissistic or borderline?
• Which psychological disorder is primarily characterized by binge eating followed by purging behaviors?
• How long do symptoms of adjustment disorder typically last?
• Which of the following is NOT a symptom typically associated with autism?
• What is the recommended mainstay treatment for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures?
• What is an indication of depressive episodes resolving on their own in cyclothymic disorder?
• Which symptoms indicate bipolar type 1?
• What is a concerning side effect of using typical antipsychotics that involves involuntary facial movements?
• For a patient on lithium, which of the following should be monitored to prevent toxicity?
• What variation of schizophrenia includes symptoms of schizophrenia plus a major depressive episode lasting more than two weeks?
• What common medication is used as an antidote for opioid overdose?
• What is dissociative identity disorder characterized by?
• What is the first line medication for narcolepsy without cataplexy (Type 2)?
• What is one treatment strategy that has been shown to be ineffective for individuals with antisocial personality disorder?
• Which atypical symptom might manifest as poverty of speech in schizophrenia?
• What best describes the severity of symptoms in premenstrual dysmorphic disorder compared to premenstrual syndrome?
• Which disorder is characterized by a persistent pattern of unstable self-image and relationships?
• Which type of specific phobia involves fear of needles or medical procedures?
• What is the characteristic pattern of a patient suffering from bulimia nervosa?
• What is a hallmark neurological feature linked to respiratory depression in opioid use disorder?
• What is the mainstay of treatment for generalized anxiety disorder?
• What is a common behavioral symptom exhibited by individuals under the influence of PCP (phencyclidine)?
• What does the presence of calluses on the knuckles indicate in a patient with bulimia nervosa?
• What is the mainstay of treatment for borderline personality disorder?
• What is the most appropriate medication for a 12-year-old with conduct disorder and ADHD?
• Which of the following symptoms may be indicative of anorexia nervosa?
• What is dissociative amnesia (fugue state)?
• During the treatment of anorexia nervosa, a risk of experiencing refeeding syndrome is associated with what aspect of treatment?
• What is the name for reduced social interaction often seen in schizophrenia?
• Which of the following medications works by inhibiting aldehyde dehydrogenase in alcohol use disorder?
• What is the primary symptom of narcolepsy?
• In a case where a patient has a WBC count of 1.0 x 10^9/L after starting a new medication, what medication is the patient likely taking?
• What is the typical onset age for specific phobias in children?
• What is the timeline for symptoms to onset for adjustment disorder?
• What defense mechanism is least likely to be used by patients with narcissistic personality disorder?
• What is the mechanism of action for modafinil?
• What is the pathophysiology of panic disorder?
• What is the strongest risk factor for developing antisocial personality disorder?
• What is the impact of avoidance of stimuli in PTSD?
• How do stimulants work to alleviate symptoms of ADHD?
• What characterizes a manic episode?
• What type of ADHD medication is considered potentially addictive?
• What characterizes PTSD?
• How is hypocretin deficiency tested in patients suspected of narcolepsy?
• Which of the following is an example of a mood stabilizer used in bipolar disorder?
• What defines cyclothymic disorder?
• What medical diagnosis is often assigned to patients convinced of having a serious illness despite medical evidence to the contrary?
• What is a main distinguishing factor of personality disorders compared to other mental health disorders?
• Which of the following signs may be seen in factitious disorder?
• In cases of suspected alcohol withdrawal syndrome, what is the best initial plan for a patient?
• Which group is most at risk for developing specific phobias?
• Which defense mechanism is commonly used by patients with borderline personality disorder?
• Which neurotransmitters are commonly found to be low in individuals with ADHD?
• How is a phobia defined?
• Which of the following is related to the pathophysiology of antisocial personality disorder?
• In schizophrenia treatment, what is the primary goal of using atypical antipsychotics?
• Which of the following groups is more likely to experience intimate partner violence?
• What will a PET scan most likely show for a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia?
• In a patient with anorexia nervosa, which electrolyte finding is most indicative of refeeding syndrome?
• Which therapy is crucial in the treatment of PTSD?
• Which symptom is often associated with PTSD during reliving of the traumatic event?
• Which condition is characterized by confabulation and memory issues, usually associated with prolonged alcohol abuse?
• Which two signs are often associated with dependent personality disorder?
• If a patient is taking olanzapine, which lab panel should be monitored to assess for potential metabolic side effects?
• Which screening tool is commonly used to detect autism?
• What is considered the first-line treatment for major depressive disorder?
• What is another name for dissociative identity disorder?
• What signs differentiate conduct disorder from oppositional defiant disorder?
• Who is generally at the highest risk of developing premenstrual syndrome?
• What response mechanism do GABA neurotransmitters provide in the context of alcohol use disorder?
• In which category would fear of heights fall under in specific phobias?
• What is a critical symptom that may indicate a diagnosis of bipolar 1 disorder?
• What is a notable side effect associated with stimulant medications used for ADHD?
• A child presents with poor social interaction and specific interests. What is the most likely diagnosis?
• What should you do if you suspect child abuse?
• What is a significant risk factor for developing narcissistic personality disorder?
• Who should be contacted if elder abuse or neglect is suspected?
• According to the DSM V, which of the following is a criterion for diagnosing ADHD?
• Which of the following is typically observed in an MRI of a patient with schizophrenia?