Psychotic Disorders Practice Questions

Q: A 60-year-old male presents with auditory hallucinations and paranoid delusions, believing that people living above him are talking about him and conspiring against him. He filed a police complaint that was later proved unfounded. These symptoms have persisted for four months. The most likely diagnosis is:

Schizophreniform Disorder. ***Schizophreniform Disorder*** - This patient presents with **auditory hallucinations** and **paranoid delusions** for four months, which meets the criteria for schizophrenia-spectrum symptoms. - The duration of symptoms (four months) is consistent with **schizophreniform disorder**, which is diagnosed when psychotic symptoms last **at least one month but less than six months**. - If symptoms persist beyond six months, the diagnosis would convert to schizophrenia. *Major depressive disorder* - While depression can involve psychotic features, the primary presentation here is of **persistent hallucinations and delusions**, rather than a prominent depressive episode. - The **paranoid ideation** and **auditory hallucinations** enduring for months are more characteristic of a primary psychotic disorder. - No depressive symptoms (low mood, anhedonia, neurovegetative symptoms) are described. *Alzheimer's disease* - **Alzheimer's disease** is primarily characterized by **progressive cognitive decline**, particularly memory impairment. - While psychotic symptoms can occur in later stages, they are usually accompanied by significant memory loss and other cognitive deficits not described here. - Psychotic symptoms rarely present as the initial, isolated symptoms for several months without cognitive decline. *Paranoid personality disorder* - Characterized by a **pervasive distrust and suspicion of others**, but does not involve frank **psychotic symptoms** like hallucinations or fixed delusions. - Individuals with this disorder are often suspicious but remain in touch with reality, unlike this patient who has true hallucinations and delusional beliefs. - This is a personality pattern, not an acute psychotic illness with discrete onset.

Q: Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Type II schizophrenia?

Disorganized behavior. ***Disorganized behavior*** - **Disorganized behavior** is a hallmark symptom of **Type I schizophrenia**, which is characterized by the predominance of **positive symptoms**. - Type I schizophrenia typically responds well to **antipsychotic medication** that targets **dopamine hyperactivity**. *Negative symptoms* - **Negative symptoms**, such as anhedonia, alogia, and avolition, are characteristic of **Type II schizophrenia**. - These symptoms represent a **deficit in normal functions** and are often more resistant to typical antipsychotic treatments. *Poor response to TT* - **Type II schizophrenia** is typically characterized by a **poor response to traditional antipsychotic treatment** (TT), which primarily targets positive symptoms. - This is because the underlying pathology of Type II involves **structural brain changes** and neurodevelopmental deficits, making it less responsive to dopamine receptor blockade. *CT scan abnormal* - In **Type II schizophrenia**, neuroimaging studies, such as **CT scans**, often reveal **structural brain abnormalities** like **enlarged ventricles** and **cortical atrophy**. - These abnormalities are thought to correlate with the presence of **negative symptoms** and a poorer prognosis.

Q: Delusions are typically associated with various psychiatric conditions. Which of the following conditions is least likely to present with delusions?

Conversion disorder. ***Conversion disorder*** - This condition involves **neurological symptoms** (e.g., paralysis, blindness, seizures) that are **incompatible with neurological disease**, but **delusions are not a core feature**. - Symptoms are often preceded by **psychological stress or trauma** and are not intentionally produced, nor are they based on fixed, false beliefs. *Schizophrenia* - **Delusions** are a **hallmark symptom** of schizophrenia, often involving paranoid, grandiose, or bizarre beliefs. - They are a **positive symptom** reflecting a distortion of normal mental functions. *Dementia* - Patients with dementia, particularly in later stages, can frequently develop **delusions**, often paranoid (e.g., belief that caregivers are stealing their belongings) or misidentification delusions. - These delusions are usually **less systematized or bizarre** than those seen in schizophrenia and are often related to cognitive impairment. *Major depressive disorder* - In severe cases of major depressive disorder with **psychotic features**, individuals can experience **delusions** that are typically mood-congruent (e.g., delusions of guilt, worthlessness, nihilism). - These psychotic symptoms are directly related to the depressive mood.

Q: Which of the following negative symptoms of schizophrenia is characterized by poverty of speech and thought?

Alogia. ***Alogia*** - **Alogia** refers to the reduction in the quantity of speech and thought, often manifesting as **poverty of speech** or **poverty of content of speech**. - This negative symptom is characteristic of schizophrenia, where individuals may have difficulty producing spontaneous speech or providing detailed answers. *Anhedonia* - **Anhedonia** is the inability to experience pleasure from activities that are usually enjoyable. - While it is a negative symptom of schizophrenia, it does not directly relate to poverty of speech or thought. *Hallucination* - **Hallucinations** are perceptual experiences that occur in the absence of an external stimulus, such as hearing voices or seeing things that aren't there. - Hallucinations are considered **positive symptoms** of schizophrenia, not negative symptoms, and do not involve poverty of speech or thought. *Avolition* - **Avolition** is a decrease in the motivation to initiate and perform self-directed purposeful activities. - This negative symptom manifests as a lack of drive or interest in goal-directed behavior but is distinct from difficulties in speech or thought production.

Q: A 25-year-old patient presents with persistent delusions of persecution, auditory hallucinations, and social withdrawal for the past 8 months. There is no history of substance abuse or medical illness. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Schizophrenia. ***Schizophrenia*** - This patient presents with **psychotic symptoms** (delusions of persecution, auditory hallucinations) and **negative symptoms** (social withdrawal) lasting for **8 months**. - The duration of symptoms **exceeds 6 months**, which meets the diagnostic criteria for **schizophrenia** according to DSM-5. - The presence of **two or more characteristic symptoms** (delusions and hallucinations) along with **social/occupational dysfunction** (social withdrawal) and **no substance abuse or medical illness** confirms this diagnosis. *Major depressive disorder with psychotic features* - While psychotic features can occur in major depression, the primary symptoms would be **depressed mood** and/or **anhedonia**, which are not reported here. - The prominent **delusions of persecution** and **auditory hallucinations** without significant mood symptoms make this diagnosis unlikely. *Brief psychotic disorder* - This disorder is characterized by the sudden onset of **psychotic symptoms** lasting **less than 1 month**. - The patient's symptoms have persisted for **8 months**, far exceeding the criteria for brief psychotic disorder. *Bipolar disorder, manic episode* - A manic episode would involve a distinct period of **abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood**, increased goal-directed activity or energy, and other manic symptoms. - The primary symptoms described are **psychotic** and **negative symptoms** rather than mood elevation, making this diagnosis incorrect.

Q: In which of the following delusions is infidelity seen?

Othello syndrome. ***Othello syndrome*** - **Othello syndrome**, also known as delusional jealousy, is characterized by the **unshakable belief that one's partner is being unfaithful**, despite a lack of evidence. - The individual with this syndrome may engage in obsessive behaviors to find "proof" of the infidelity, leading to significant distress and relationship problems. *De Clerambault's syndrome* - **De Clerambault's syndrome**, or **erotomania**, is a delusional belief that another person, usually of higher social standing, is in love with the individual. - It does not involve delusions of infidelity but rather an idealized, unrequited love fantasy. *Couvade syndrome* - **Couvade syndrome** refers to a phenomenon where a man experiences **pregnancy-like symptoms** (e.g., weight gain, nausea, mood swings) when his partner is pregnant. - This is a psychosomatic condition and is not associated with delusions of infidelity. *Ekbom's syndrome* - **Ekbom's syndrome**, or **delusional parasitosis**, is a delusional disorder where an individual firmly believes their body is infested with parasites, insects, or other organisms despite medical assurances to the contrary. - This delusion is focused on infestation and has no connection to infidelity.

Q: Which of the following signs is least characteristic of catatonia?

Ambivalence. ***Ambivalence (Correct Answer - Least Characteristic)*** - **Ambivalence** refers to the coexistence of opposing emotions, attitudes, or desires towards a person, object, or idea - It is one of **Bleuler's 4 A's of schizophrenia** (Autism, Ambivalence, Affect, Association) - a thought disorder, not a motor symptom - While it can occur in various mental disorders, it is **not a defining feature of catatonia**, which primarily involves **motor and behavioral disturbances** - This makes it the **least characteristic** sign among the options *Akathisia (Incorrect)* - **Akathisia** is characterized by inner restlessness and an uncontrollable urge to move - While primarily an **extrapyramidal side effect** of antipsychotic medications, it can overlap with psychomotor agitation - Some agitation can occur in **excited catatonia**, but akathisia's specific pattern of restless movements differs from typical catatonic motor phenomena - More characteristic of catatonia than ambivalence, but less so than ambitendency or akinesia *Ambitendency (Incorrect)* - **Ambitendency** is a **classic catatonic symptom** where the patient shows alternating movements or inability to complete an action due to opposing motor impulses - Example: patient's hand approaches an object but repeatedly stops and withdraws - This reflects the **motor and volitional disturbance** central to catatonia - **Highly characteristic** of catatonic syndrome *Akinesia (Incorrect)* - **Akinesia** refers to loss or severe impairment of voluntary movement - This is a **hallmark symptom of catatonic stupor** - one of the most common presentations of catatonia - Patients may remain immobile for prolonged periods with mutism and diminished responsiveness - **Highly characteristic** of catatonia

Q: Which of the following is considered a good prognostic factor for schizophrenia?

Acute onset of symptoms. ***Acute onset of symptoms*** - An **acute onset of symptoms** is one of the most well-established **good prognostic factors** in schizophrenia. - It suggests a more sudden disturbance rather than a gradual deterioration process, indicating better potential for treatment response and remission. - This typically means the individual experienced a more defined break from baseline functioning, which is more amenable to intervention. *Childhood onset of symptoms* - **Childhood onset** (or very early onset) schizophrenia is associated with a **poor prognosis**, often due to more pervasive neurodevelopmental abnormalities and prolonged impact on development. - Individuals with childhood onset often have more severe symptoms, greater cognitive deficits, and poorer functional outcomes. *Poor premorbid functioning* - **Poor premorbid functioning** (e.g., social isolation, academic difficulties before symptom onset) is a well-established indicator of **poor prognosis** in schizophrenia. - This suggests pre-existing vulnerabilities and less developed coping mechanisms, making recovery more challenging. *Predominant negative symptoms* - **Predominant negative symptoms** (e.g., avolition, alogia, affective flattening, anhedonia) are associated with **poor prognosis** in schizophrenia. - Negative symptoms are less responsive to antipsychotic medications compared to positive symptoms and are strongly associated with worse functional outcomes and greater disability.

Question 1

A 60-year-old male presents with auditory hallucinations and paranoid delusions, believing that people living above him are talking about him and conspiring against him. He filed a police complaint that was later proved unfounded. These symptoms have persisted for four months. The most likely diagnosis is:

Accepted Answer

Schizophreniform Disorder

Answer

Major depressive disorder

Answer

Alzheimer's disease

Answer

Paranoid personality disorder

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Type II schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Disorganized behavior

Answer

Poor response to TT

Answer

CT scan abnormal

Answer

Negative symptoms

Question 3

Delusions are typically associated with various psychiatric conditions. Which of the following conditions is least likely to present with delusions?

Accepted Answer

Conversion disorder

Answer

Schizophrenia

Answer

Dementia

Answer

Major depressive disorder

Question 4

Which of the following negative symptoms of schizophrenia is characterized by poverty of speech and thought?

Accepted Answer

Alogia

Answer

Anhedonia

Answer

Hallucination

Answer

Avolition

Question 5

A 25-year-old patient presents with persistent delusions of persecution, auditory hallucinations, and social withdrawal for the past 8 months. There is no history of substance abuse or medical illness. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Schizophrenia

Answer

Major depressive disorder with psychotic features

Answer

Brief psychotic disorder

Answer

Bipolar disorder, manic episode

Question 6

In which of the following delusions is infidelity seen?

Accepted Answer

Othello syndrome

Answer

Couvade syndrome

Answer

Ekbom's syndrome

Answer

De Clerambault's syndrome

Question 7

Which of the following signs is least characteristic of catatonia?

Accepted Answer

Ambivalence

Answer

Akathisia

Answer

Ambitendency

Answer

Akinesia

Question 8

Which of the following is considered a good prognostic factor for schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Acute onset of symptoms

Answer

Childhood onset of symptoms

Answer

Poor premorbid functioning

Answer

Predominant negative symptoms

Psychotic Disorders — MCQs

Psychotic Disorders — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?