PLAB Psychiatry & Mental Health 3

Question 1

A 62-year-old presents with a 2-year history of progressive memory loss, getting lost in familiar areas, and personality changes. MMSE score is 18/30. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Alzheimer's disease

Answer

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, presenting with insidious progressive memory loss, disorientation, and behavioral changes.

Question 2

Which mood stabilizer requires regular monitoring of serum levels, renal function, and thyroid function due to its narrow therapeutic index?

Accepted Answer

Lithium

Answer

Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index and long-term use can cause hypothyroidism and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, necessitating regular monitoring.

Question 3

A 30-year-old experiences recurrent unexpected episodes of intense fear with palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, and a feeling of impending doom, each lasting about 10 minutes. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Panic disorder

Answer

Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks with persistent concern about future attacks or their consequences.

Question 4

A 16-year-old girl with a BMI of 15.5 presents with severe caloric restriction, intense fear of weight gain, and distorted body image. What is the most appropriate initial management priority?

Accepted Answer

Medical stabilization and inpatient nutritional rehabilitation

Answer

Severe anorexia nervosa with a very low BMI requires urgent medical stabilization and nutritional rehabilitation, often necessitating inpatient admission before psychological treatment.

Question 5

Which extrapyramidal side effect of antipsychotics typically appears within hours to days of starting treatment and presents with involuntary muscle spasms?

Accepted Answer

Acute dystonia

Answer

Acute dystonia involves sudden involuntary muscle contractions and is the earliest appearing extrapyramidal side effect, occurring hours to days after antipsychotic initiation.

PLAB - Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board Practice Test

PLAB - Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board Practice Test

PLAB Psychiatry & Mental Health 3