ABPN American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology 4

Question 1

Which demyelinating disease shows oligoclonal bands in the CSF and periventricular white-matter lesions?

Accepted Answer

Multiple sclerosis

Answer

MS produces CNS demyelination with CSF oligoclonal bands and MRI white-matter plaques.

Question 2

Fluctuating muscle weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest suggests:

Accepted Answer

Myasthenia gravis

Answer

Myasthenia gravis causes fatigable weakness from acetylcholine receptor antibodies.

Question 3

Which is a first-line treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Accepted Answer

SSRIs with exposure and response prevention

Answer

OCD is treated with SSRIs (often high-dose) combined with ERP therapy.

Question 4

Broca aphasia is best characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Nonfluent speech with preserved comprehension

Answer

Broca (expressive) aphasia features effortful, nonfluent speech with intact comprehension.

Question 5

Which side effect is most specifically associated with valproate use in pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Neural tube defects

Answer

Valproate carries a high risk of neural tube defects and should be avoided in pregnancy.

American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology Practice Test