Psychiatry Behavioral Science Practice Questions

1) A 30-year-old male has intrusive thoughts about contamination and feels compelled to wash his hands repeatedly and excessively, sometimes for an hour at a time. He recognizes these behaviors as excessive, but is unable to stop them without experiencing significant anxiety. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

2) A 61-year-old Caucasian who is being treated for schizophrenia with thorazine presents with her caretaker, who complains that she is grimacing, sticking out her tongue, smacking her lips, and blinking frequently. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

3) A 21-year-old female presents to her PCP with her mother. … She frequently misses class, because it takes her an hour to leave the house. She reports that she has to check the locks and the stove no less than 10 times. … She spends 2 hours in the bathroom in the morning and the wallpaper is peeling off due to her excessive showering. What is the most likely diagnosis?

4) Each of the following medications could be prescribed to effectively treat generalized anxiety disorder, EXCEPT

5) Which of the following refers to a psychiatric disorder in which individuals intentionally inflict or create the symptoms of an illness?

6) A 27-year-old combat veteran returns home and has recurrent intrusive memories of a life-threatening event during deployment. He experiences nightmares, avoids situations that remind him of the trauma, and has an exaggerated startle response. These symptoms have been ongoing for 4 months. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

7) Which of the following side effects is a risk associated with taking Risperidone?

8) A patient suffering from conversion disorder can be most effectively treated with which of the following medications?

9) A 45-year-old female presents with a 7-week history of depressed mood, loss of interest in her usual activities, feelings of guilt, difficulty sleeping, low energy, and poor concentration. She denies any recent major life stressors. She has no history of manic or hypomanic episodes. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

10) Which of the following medications administered for the treatment of depression has an effect on the action of both serotonin and norepinephrine?

11) A 26-year-old female presents with excessive worry for the past 8 months about multiple everyday issues—finances, school performance, health of her family. She finds it difficult to control the worry and has associated muscle tension, feeling “on edge,” and difficulty sleeping. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

12) A 28-year-old Iraq War veteran presents to his PCP complaining of insomnia. Further questioning reveals that he has disturbing dreams and memories of specific events during the war. He has been drinking heavily in order to relieve these symptoms and to help him sleep. He will often have outbursts of anger toward his wife and children over very minor events. Prior to his deployment, he enjoyed training for marathons, but he has little interest in running now. He states that when he is out for a run, he will become overwhelmed with the fear that there are roadside bombs planted in his suburban neighborhood. What is the most likely diagnosis?

13) Which of the following medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a non-stimulant drug?

14) A 26-year-old female with a three-year history of depression presents … She has had multiple D.U.I. arrests. She has been treated with multiple SSRI medications in the past, which were not effective. Further questioning reveals that she often has periods where she is “on top of the world.” … She frequently steals her mother’s credit cards and disappears for days. What is the most likely diagnosis?

15) Body dysmorphic disorder can be effectively treated by which of the following?

16) A 21-year-old male presents to his PCP with his mother because of recent odd behavior. … What is the most likely diagnosis?

17) A 15-year-old boy with ADHD presents to his PCP with a two-week history of nodding, clapping hands, throat clearing, and inappropriate vocal outbursts. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

18) A 35-year-old female experiences sudden episodes of palpitations, sweating, trembling, and a fear that she is “going to die,” which last about 15 minutes. She worries excessively about having more of these episodes and avoids leaving her house alone for fear of them occurring in public. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

19) Risperidone is commonly used to treat which of the following disorders?

20) Which of the following medications may be prescribed for smoking cessation?

21) A 22-year-old male arrives at the emergency department brought in by campus security after running naked through the dorm hallways. His speech is rapid and pressured, and he is nearly incoherent with excitement. He reports that he has not slept for 3 days. He also claims he is destined to be “the greatest musician who ever lived.” Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

22) A 35-year-old sales executive presents with his wife because she is concerned that he has given her an STD. … After a minor disappointment, she fears an affair. The patient alone states that his wife “clearly does not love him” and that is why he has been involved with his secretary, who is “perfect.” He has had five jobs in the past seven years. … What is the most likely diagnosis?

23) Lithium is commonly used to treat which of the following?

24) A 28-year-old female presents to the clinic at the urging of her family. She describes chronic feelings of emptiness, intense interpersonal relationships that “blow up” quickly, and recurrent suicidal gestures during conflict. She reports “hating being alone” yet often pushing people away with sudden anger outbursts. Which of the following personality disorders best fits her presentation?

25) A 75-year-old woman with multi-infarct dementia presents to the emergency room with her daughter. … She has been more confused for the past three days and has become increasingly disoriented. She also suffers from frequent UTIs. … The patient is uncooperative and combative on examination. What is the most likely diagnosis?