Mental Health Flashcards
6 cards from real AANP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Mental Health flashcards as text
A patient with schizophrenia develops muscle rigidity, high fever, altered consciousness, and autonomic instability after starting haloperidol. What is this complication?
Answer: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
NMS is a rare, life-threatening reaction to dopamine-blocking antipsychotics, characterized by the tetrad of fever, rigidity, altered consciousness, and autonomic instability.
Which psychotherapy has the strongest evidence base for treating major depressive disorder?
Answer: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT has the most robust evidence base for treating major depressive disorder, with multiple randomized controlled trials demonstrating efficacy comparable to antidepressants.
A patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) asks about non-benzodiazepine pharmacotherapy. Which agent is FDA-approved for GAD?
Answer: Buspirone
Buspirone is FDA-approved for GAD, has no abuse potential, does not cause sedation acutely, and is effective for chronic anxiety but takes 2–4 weeks to work.
A patient diagnosed with bipolar I disorder should be educated that untreated manic episodes last approximately how long?
Answer: 1–3 months without treatment
Untreated manic episodes in bipolar I disorder typically last 3 months or longer; proper mood stabilizer therapy significantly shortens episode duration.
Which class of medication is first-line for panic disorder with or without agoraphobia?
Answer: SSRIs/SNRIs
SSRIs and SNRIs are first-line for panic disorder due to their efficacy, tolerability, and lack of dependence; benzodiazepines may be used short-term as adjuncts.
The AUDIT-C questionnaire is used to screen for which behavioral health condition?
Answer: Hazardous or harmful alcohol use
The AUDIT-C (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Concise) is a validated 3-question screen for hazardous or harmful alcohol consumption in primary care.