DHA DHA Mental Health & Psychiatry 2

Question 1

A patient with bipolar disorder type I is in an acute manic episode. The MOST appropriate initial pharmacological intervention is:

Accepted Answer

Administer a mood stabiliser such as lithium or valproate

Answer

Mood stabilisers (lithium, valproate, or atypical antipsychotics) are first-line treatment for acute mania in bipolar type I disorder.

Question 2

Lithium toxicity is MOST likely to develop when a patient:

Accepted Answer

Becomes dehydrated or sodium-depleted

Answer

Lithium and sodium compete for renal reabsorption; dehydration or low sodium intake causes increased lithium reabsorption and toxicity.

Question 3

Which feature is a hallmark characteristic of borderline personality disorder (BPD)?

Accepted Answer

Intense fear of abandonment and unstable interpersonal relationships

Answer

BPD is characterised by an intense fear of abandonment, unstable relationships, emotional dysregulation, and impulsivity.

Question 4

Which psychotherapy has the strongest evidence base as a treatment for borderline personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

Answer

DBT, developed specifically for BPD, is the gold-standard evidence-based treatment, focusing on distress tolerance and emotion regulation skills.

Question 5

Which antipsychotic medication is associated with the HIGHEST risk of metabolic syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Clozapine

Answer

Clozapine carries the highest risk of metabolic syndrome — including significant weight gain, hyperglycaemia, and dyslipidaemia — requiring regular metabolic monitoring.

DHA - Dubai Health Authority Practice Test

DHA - Dubai Health Authority Practice Test

DHA DHA Mental Health & Psychiatry 2