PLAB Psychiatry & Mental Health 2

Question 1

A 25-year-old describes intrusive thoughts about contamination, spends hours washing hands, and recognizes these thoughts as irrational. What is the diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

Specific phobia

Answer

Illness anxiety disorder

Question 2

Which psychological intervention has the strongest evidence base for the treatment of PTSD according to NICE guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Trauma-focused CBT or EMDR

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Supportive counseling

Answer

Mindfulness-based stress reduction

Question 3

A 70-year-old develops sudden-onset confusion and visual hallucinations fluctuating throughout the day, 2 days after hip replacement surgery. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Delirium

Answer

Alzheimer's dementia

Answer

Acute psychosis

Answer

Lewy body dementia

Question 4

A 55-year-old woman presents with low mood, early morning waking, anorexia, weight loss, and feelings of worthlessness. Which antidepressant class is the recommended first-line treatment?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Answer

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Question 5

A 22-year-old is brought in 2 hours after taking 30 paracetamol tablets. She is calm and denies current suicidal intent. What is the most important immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Administer N-acetylcysteine

Answer

Discharge with urgent outpatient psychiatry referral

Answer

Perform gastric lavage

Answer

Refer to psychiatry only and observe

Question 6

Under the Mental Health Act in England, which section specifically allows compulsory admission for treatment of a patient with schizophrenia who poses a risk to themselves or others?

Accepted Answer

Section 3

Answer

Section 2

Answer

Section 4

Answer

Section 5(2)

Question 7

According to DSM-5, which symptom is essential (i.e., must be present) for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Depressed mood or anhedonia

Answer

Significant weight change

Answer

Insomnia or hypersomnia

Answer

Suicidal ideation