1. Which of the following neurotransmitters is most associated with mood
regulation?
A) Dopamine
B) Serotonin
C) Norepinephrine
D) Acetylcholine
Answer: B) Serotonin
Rationale: Serotonin plays a key role in regulating mood, anxiety, and happiness,
making it a primary target in treating depression.
2. Which medication class is most commonly prescribed for generalized anxiety
disorder (GAD)?
,A) SSRIs
B) Antipsychotics
C) Benzodiazepines
D) Tricyclic Antidepressants
Answer: A) SSRIs
Rationale: SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are the first-line treatment
for GAD due to their efficacy and safety profile.
3. A patient with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. Which laboratory test is
essential before starting this medication?
A) Thyroid function test
B) Liver enzymes
C) Complete blood count
D) Fasting glucose level
Answer: A) Thyroid function test
Rationale: Lithium can affect thyroid function, so it’s important to monitor thyroid
levels before and during treatment.
4. Which of the following symptoms is most indicative of a major depressive
disorder?
A) Increased energy
B) Excessive sleep
C) Grandiosity
D) Anhedonia
Answer: D) Anhedonia
Rationale: Anhedonia, or the loss of pleasure in activities, is a hallmark symptom of
major depressive disorder.
5. Clozapine is indicated for which condition?
A) Treatment-resistant schizophrenia
B) Generalized anxiety disorder
C) Obsessive-compulsive disorder
D) Bipolar depression
Answer: A) Treatment-resistant schizophrenia
,Rationale: Clozapine is reserved for patients with schizophrenia who have not
responded to other antipsychotic medications.6. Which of the following is a primary
side effect of second-generation antipsychotics?
A) Hypertension
B) Extrapyramidal symptoms
C) Weight gain
D) Bradycardia
Answer: C) Weight gain
Rationale: Second-generation antipsychotics, such as olanzapine and clozapine, are
associated with significant weight gain and metabolic syndrome.
7. When treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which therapeutic approach
has the strongest evidence base?
A) Psychoanalysis
B) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
C) Family Therapy
D) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Answer: B) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Rationale: CBT, particularly trauma-focused CBT, is widely considered the most
effective psychotherapy for PTSD.
8. A 45-year-old male presents with symptoms of fatigue, weight gain, and
depression. Which of the following conditions should be ruled out before diagnosing
a primary psychiatric disorder?
A) Cushing’s syndrome
B) Hypothyroidism
C) Diabetes mellitus
D) Hypertension
Answer: B) Hypothyroidism
Rationale: Hypothyroidism can cause depressive symptoms, and it’s important to
rule out this medical condition before diagnosing a psychiatric disorder.
9. A patient taking valproate for bipolar disorder should have routine monitoring of:
A) Renal function
B) Blood pressure
, C) Liver function
D) Thyroid function
Answer: C) Liver function
Rationale: Valproate (Depakote) can cause hepatotoxicity, making liver function tests
an essential part of ongoing monitoring.
10. In the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults,
which of the following medications is commonly prescribed?
A) Bupropion
B) Alprazolam
C) Methylphenidate
D) Sertraline
Answer: C) Methylphenidate
Rationale: Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a central nervous system stimulant commonly
used to treat ADHD in both children and adults.
11. Which of the following personality disorders is characterized by instability in
interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, along with marked impulsivity?
A) Narcissistic Personality Disorder
B) Borderline Personality Disorder
C) Antisocial Personality Disorder
D) Avoidant Personality Disorder
Answer: B) Borderline Personality Disorder
Rationale: Borderline Personality Disorder is marked by intense emotional instability,
impulsive behavior, and difficulty maintaining relationships.
12. What is the mechanism of action of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
(SSRIs)?
A) Inhibiting dopamine receptors
B) Blocking reuptake of serotonin
C) Increasing norepinephrine production
D) Stimulating acetylcholine release
Answer: B) Blocking reuptake of serotonin
Rationale: SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, thereby
increasing its availability in the synaptic cleft.
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