Physician Assistant Psychiatry and Behavioral Science 3

Question 1

A 24-year-old has had hallucinations and disorganized speech for 3 months with no mood episodes or substance use. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Schizophreniform disorder

Answer

Schizophrenia-like symptoms lasting 1 to 6 months meet criteria for schizophreniform disorder.

Question 2

Two weeks after an assault, a woman has nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance, and hypervigilance. What is the most appropriate diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Acute stress disorder

Answer

Trauma-related symptoms lasting 3 days to 1 month are classified as acute stress disorder.

Question 3

A patient has had recurrent major depressive episodes and one 5-day period of elevated mood and decreased need for sleep without impairment or hospitalization. What is the diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar II disorder

Answer

Hypomania plus at least one major depressive episode, without any full manic episode, defines bipolar II disorder.

Question 4

What is the minimum symptom duration required for a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

6 months

Answer

GAD requires excessive worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months.

Question 5

Which psychotherapy has the strongest evidence for reducing self-harm in borderline personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Dialectical behavior therapy

Answer

Dialectical behavior therapy is the best-studied first-line treatment for borderline personality disorder and reduces self-harm.

Physician Assistant Practice Test

Physician Assistant Practice Test

Physician Assistant Psychiatry and Behavioral Science 3