ABPN Psychiatric Assessment and Diagnosis 3

Question 1

A 25-year-old presents with 8 months of hallucinations, disorganized speech, and social withdrawal without a mood episode. Which diagnosis best fits?

Accepted Answer

Schizophrenia

Answer

Symptoms persisting 6 months or longer with functional decline and no dominant mood episode meet criteria for schizophrenia.

Question 2

Which feature distinguishes delirium from dementia on assessment?

Accepted Answer

Acute onset with fluctuating attention

Answer

Delirium is characterized by acute onset, waxing-and-waning course, and impaired attention/consciousness.

Question 3

A patient reports at least two distinct identity states that recurrently take control of behavior, with gaps in memory. This suggests:

Accepted Answer

Dissociative identity disorder

Answer

Dissociative identity disorder involves two or more distinct personality states plus recurrent amnesia.

Question 4

Per DSM-5, a manic episode must last at least how long (if not requiring hospitalization)?

Accepted Answer

1 week

Answer

A manic episode requires elevated or irritable mood and increased energy lasting at least 1 week (or any duration if hospitalization is needed).

Question 5

Which of the following is a negative symptom of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Avolition

Answer

Avolition (lack of motivation) is a negative symptom reflecting a reduction in normal function.

American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology Practice Test