MCCQE - Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Common Psychiatric Disorders Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 45-year-old man with no other medical history is diagnosed with a first episode of moderate Major Depressive Disorder.
According to the Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) guidelines, which of the following is the most appropriate initial pharmacological treatment?

Accepted Answer

Sertraline

Answer

Quetiapine

Answer

Lithium

Answer

Lorazepam

Question 2

A 22-year-old is brought to the clinic by his family due to a 7-month history of progressive social withdrawal, disorganized speech, and a firm belief that his thoughts are being broadcasted by a local radio station. He also reports hearing a voice that provides a running commentary on his actions. His functioning at university has declined significantly. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Schizophrenia

Answer

Schizophreniform disorder

Answer

Brief psychotic disorder

Answer

Delusional disorder

Question 3

A 30-year-old woman presents with recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and has developed a significant fear of having another attack, leading her to avoid crowded public spaces. Which of the following represents a first-line, evidence-based treatment for her condition?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Answer

Propranolol as needed

Answer

Buspirone monotherapy

Answer

Psychoanalytic psychotherapy

Question 4

A 28-year-old male with Bipolar I Disorder is being maintained on lithium. He complains of increased thirst and frequent urination. Due to the known side-effect profile of his medication, long-term monitoring must include regular assessment of:

Accepted Answer

Thyroid function and renal function

Answer

Liver function tests and platelet count

Answer

Serum glucose and lipid profile

Answer

Complete blood count and vitamin B12

Question 5

According to DSM-5 criteria, for a diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), excessive anxiety and worry must be present more days than not for a minimum duration of:

Accepted Answer

6 months

Answer

1 month

Answer

3 months

Answer

2 weeks

Question 6

A 24-year-old female has a history of multiple tumultuous relationships that end abruptly, recurrent acts of self-harm during periods of stress, and chronic feelings of emptiness. She often makes frantic efforts to avoid perceived abandonment by her partners. This clinical picture is most characteristic of which core feature of Borderline Personality Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Instability in relationships, self-image, and affects

Answer

Pervasive distrust and suspiciousness

Answer

Grandiose sense of self-importance

Answer

Social inhibition and feelings of inadequacy