DHA DHA Mental Health & Psychiatry 5

Question 1

A 45-year-old male with no psychiatric history develops sudden-onset confusion, agitation, and visual hallucinations 48 hours after his last drink following a 10-year history of heavy alcohol use. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol withdrawal delirium (delirium tremens)

Answer

Delirium tremens typically presents 48–72 hours after cessation with autonomic instability, confusion, and hallucinations, and carries significant mortality.

Question 2

Which of the following is the primary neurotransmitter implicated in the reward pathway dysregulation seen in substance use disorders?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Dopamine in the mesolimbic pathway (nucleus accumbens) is central to the reinforcement and craving mechanisms in substance use disorders.

Question 3

A patient undergoing clozapine therapy develops a fever, sore throat, and absolute neutrophil count of 400 cells/mm³. What is the immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Discontinue clozapine immediately and initiate G-CSF

Answer

An ANC below 500 cells/mm³ indicates severe neutropenia (agranulocytosis), requiring immediate clozapine discontinuation; G-CSF may be used to accelerate neutrophil recovery.

Question 4

According to DSM-5, persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) requires a depressed mood lasting at least:

Accepted Answer

2 years

Answer

DSM-5 requires at least 2 years of persistent depressed mood (1 year in children/adolescents) for a diagnosis of persistent depressive disorder.

Question 5

A psychiatrist learns that a patient with paranoid schizophrenia has made specific threats to kill a named coworker. According to the Tarasoff principle, the psychiatrist's duty includes:

Accepted Answer

Warning the identified potential victim and notifying authorities

Answer

The Tarasoff duty-to-protect doctrine obligates clinicians to warn identifiable potential victims and take reasonable protective steps when a credible, specific threat exists.

DHA - Dubai Health Authority Practice Test

DHA - Dubai Health Authority Practice Test

DHA DHA Mental Health & Psychiatry 5