Hallucinogen-Related Disorders — MCQs
What is the drug that produces dissociative anesthesia?
Management of a violent patient in psychiatry includes all except:
A 30-year-old drug addict presents to the emergency department with signs of unknown drug poisoning. The patient exhibits dilated pupils, diaphoresis, tachycardia, and tremors. On examination, the blood pressure is 180/110 mmHg, and the heart rate is 120 beats per minute. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Delusion of persecution and formication occur together in
Angel dust is:
Which of the following drugs produces dissociative anesthesia?
An alcoholic patient presents with psychosis and memory loss. What is the probable diagnosis?
Methadone is used to treat withdrawal symptoms of which substance?
Jet black pigmentation of the tongue with tactile hallucinations is a feature of which substance use?
Dissociative Fugue is characterised by
Hallucinogen-Related Disorders Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 1: What is the drug that produces dissociative anesthesia?
- A. Propofol
- B. Enflurane
- C. Ketamine (Correct Answer)
- D. Sevoflurane
Explanation: ***Ketamine*** - Ketamine induces a state of **dissociative anesthesia**, characterized by a **cataleptic state** where the patient appears awake but unresponsive to sensory stimuli. - It achieves this by antagonizing the **NMDA receptor**, leading to a functional dissociation between the limbic and cortical systems. *Propofol* - Propofol is an intravenous anesthetic that acts primarily by potentiating **GABA-A receptor activity**, causing sedation and hypnosis. - It produces a state of **general anesthesia** with rapid onset and recovery, but it does not induce the dissociative state characteristic of ketamine. *Enflurane* - Enflurane is an **inhaled halogenated ether anesthetic** that works by enhancing GABA-A receptor function and inhibiting NMDA receptors. - While it produces general anesthesia, it is associated with a higher risk of **seizures** and myocardial depression compared to newer agents. *Sevoflurane* - Sevoflurane is a widely used **inhaled anesthetic** known for its rapid onset and recovery due to its low blood-gas partition coefficient. - It primarily acts on GABA-A receptors and causes **general anesthesia** but does not produce dissociative effects.
Question 2: Management of a violent patient in psychiatry includes all except:
- A. CBT (Correct Answer)
- B. Haloperidol
- C. ECT
- D. BZD
Explanation: ***CBT*** - **Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)** is a long-term psychological intervention aimed at changing maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors. It is **not suitable for immediate management** of an acutely violent patient. - While CBT can be beneficial for aggression management in a stable patient, it requires patient cooperation, cognitive engagement, and time, which are not available during a **violent psychiatric emergency**. *Haloperidol* - **Haloperidol** is a potent typical antipsychotic frequently used in acute settings for rapid tranquilization of violent or severely agitated patients. - It is effective in reducing **psychosis-related agitation** and can be administered **intramuscularly** for quick onset of action. - Often used in combination with benzodiazepines for optimal control of acute violence. *ECT* - **Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)** may be considered in **severe, treatment-resistant cases** of violence associated with conditions like uncontrolled mania, catatonic excitement, or psychotic depression when pharmacological interventions have failed. - While not used for immediate acute management due to logistical requirements (consent, anesthesia, specialized setup), it can be an effective option for severe psychiatric conditions with persistent violence. - It works by inducing a brief controlled seizure, which can rapidly alleviate severe symptoms. *BZD* - **Benzodiazepines (BZDs)** like lorazepam or diazepam are **first-line agents** in the acute management of violent or agitated patients due to their rapid anxiolytic, sedative, and muscle relaxant properties. - They are particularly useful for **calming acute agitation** and are often combined with antipsychotics for rapid tranquilization. - Can be administered intramuscularly or intravenously for quick action in psychiatric emergencies.
Question 3: A 30-year-old drug addict presents to the emergency department with signs of unknown drug poisoning. The patient exhibits dilated pupils, diaphoresis, tachycardia, and tremors. On examination, the blood pressure is 180/110 mmHg, and the heart rate is 120 beats per minute. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Cocaine intoxication (Correct Answer)
- B. Dhatura poisoning
- C. Cannabis poisoning
- D. Alcohol intoxication
- E. Amphetamine intoxication
Explanation: ***Cocaine intoxication*** - Cocaine is a potent **sympathomimetic** drug that leads to a hyperadrenergic state, causing symptoms like **dilated pupils**, diaphoresis, tachycardia, and hypertension. - The patient's presentation with significant **tachycardia (120 bpm)** and **hypertension (180/110 mmHg)**, along with a history of drug abuse, strongly points towards cocaine. - Cocaine has a **shorter duration of action** (30-90 minutes) compared to amphetamines, but the clinical presentation is nearly identical. *Amphetamine intoxication* - **Amphetamines** also cause a sympathomimetic toxidrome very similar to cocaine, with mydriasis, diaphoresis, tachycardia, and hypertension. - However, the acute presentation is clinically indistinguishable from cocaine, though amphetamines typically have a **longer duration of action** (4-8 hours). - Both diagnoses would be managed similarly in the acute setting. *Dhatura poisoning* - **Dhatura** causes an **anticholinergic toxidrome**, characterized by symptoms such as "hot, dry, blind, red, and mad." - Key features of dhatura poisoning include **dry mucous membranes**, dilated pupils (mydriasis), flushed skin, but typically a **normal or elevated temperature** rather than diaphoresis and less pronounced hypertension. *Cannabis poisoning* - **Cannabis intoxication** typically leads to symptoms like **conjunctival injection**, dry mouth, increased appetite, and impaired coordination. - While it can cause mild tachycardia, it generally does not result in the severe **hypertension**, profound diaphoresis, or significant tremors seen in this patient. *Alcohol intoxication* - **Alcohol intoxication** usually presents with central nervous system depression, such as **slurred speech**, ataxia, nystagmus, and drowsiness. - While alcohol can affect blood pressure and heart rate, it typically causes **hypotension** or mild hypertension, and it does not produce the marked sympathomimetic effects such as **mydriasis** and profound diaphoresis observed here.
Question 4: Delusion of persecution and formication occur together in
- A. LSD
- B. Cocaine (Correct Answer)
- C. Amphetamine
- D. Cannabis
Explanation: ***Cocaine*** - **Chronic cocaine abuse** can lead to **paranoid delusions** (delusions of persecution) and tactile hallucinations such as **formication** (sensation of insects crawling under the skin, called "**cocaine bugs**"). - These symptoms occur together in **cocaine-induced psychosis**, which can mimic **paranoid schizophrenia**. - The combination of **paranoid delusions with formication** is a classical presentation of **stimulant psychosis**, seen with cocaine. *Amphetamine* - **Amphetamine/methamphetamine abuse** can also cause **psychotic symptoms** including paranoia, delusions of persecution, and formication ("**meth mites**"). - While both cocaine and amphetamine can cause this combination, **cocaine** is the **traditional answer** in medical examinations for this specific combination of symptoms. - Clinically, amphetamine-induced formication is increasingly recognized. *LSD* - **Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)** primarily causes **visual hallucinations**, altered perceptions, and synesthesia. - While LSD can induce paranoia and anxiety, **delusions of persecution** and **formication** are not typical features. - LSD effects are more perceptual distortions than true psychotic symptoms. *Cannabis* - **Cannabis use** can sometimes induce **acute psychotic episodes** in vulnerable individuals, particularly with high-potency preparations. - Cannabis effects include **anxiety**, **paranoia**, and **depersonalization**. - **Formication** and prominent **delusions of persecution** are not characteristic of cannabis intoxication.
Question 5: Angel dust is:
- A. LSD
- B. Cannabis
- C. Phencyclidine (Correct Answer)
- D. Morphine
Explanation: ***Correct: Phencyclidine*** - **Phencyclidine (PCP)** is commonly known by the street name **"angel dust"** - It is a **dissociative anesthetic** with hallucinogenic and neurotoxic effects - Acts primarily as an **NMDA receptor antagonist** *Incorrect: LSD* - **LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide)** is a classic hallucinogen with the street name "acid," not angel dust - It primarily affects **serotonin receptors (5-HT2A)** and causes profound alterations in perception and thought - Chemically and pharmacologically distinct from PCP *Incorrect: Cannabis* - **Cannabis** is a psychoactive drug derived from the *Cannabis* plant, commonly known as marijuana or weed - Its active compound **THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)** produces euphoric and relaxing effects through cannabinoid receptors - Not related to the street name "angel dust" *Incorrect: Morphine* - **Morphine** is a potent **opioid analgesic** used for pain relief - Acts as a **CNS depressant** through mu-opioid receptors - Unlike PCP's dissociative and stimulant effects, morphine produces sedation and analgesia
Question 6: Which of the following drugs produces dissociative anesthesia?
- A. Ketamine (Correct Answer)
- B. Propofol
- C. Thiopentone
- D. Enflurane
Explanation: ***Ketamine*** - **Ketamine** is a **dissociative anesthetic** that causes a trance-like state characterized by profound analgesia, amnesia, and catatonia, with the patient appearing to be awake but unresponsive. - It works by antagonizing the **NMDA receptor**, leading to a functional dissociation between the limbic and cortical systems. *Propofol* - **Propofol** is a short-acting intravenous anesthetic that produces a rapid loss of consciousness and has sedative-hypnotic properties. - It functions primarily by enhancing the activity of the **GABA-A receptor**, leading to central nervous system depression, not dissociation. *Thiopentone* - **Thiopentone** (Thiopental) is a barbiturate that induces rapid anesthesia and is used for induction and short procedures. - Its mechanism involves potentiation of the **GABA-A receptor**, causing global central nervous system depression without dissociative effects. *Enflurane* - **Enflurane** is an inhaled halogenated ether anesthetic that provides excellent muscle relaxation and analgesia. - It primarily acts by enhancing **GABAergic inhibition** and inhibiting excitatory neurotransmission, producing general anesthesia rather than a dissociative state.
Question 7: An alcoholic patient presents with psychosis and memory loss. What is the probable diagnosis?
- A. Wernicke's encephalopathy
- B. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (Correct Answer)
- C. Acute psychosis
- D. None of the above
Explanation: **Explanation:** The patient presents with the classic clinical picture of **Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS)**, which is a spectrum of neurological disorders caused by **Thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency**, most commonly seen in chronic alcoholics. **1. Why Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome is correct:** WKS represents the progression from an acute phase (Wernicke’s Encephalopathy) to a chronic phase (Korsakoff Psychosis). The presence of **memory loss** (specifically anterograde and retrograde amnesia) and **psychosis** (often manifesting as **confabulation**—filling memory gaps with fabricated stories) are the hallmark features of the Korsakoff component. Pathologically, this is associated with lesions in the **mammillary bodies** and the dorsomedial nucleus of the thalamus. **2. Why other options are incorrect:** * **Wernicke's Encephalopathy:** This is the acute, reversible phase characterized by a classic triad: **Ophthalmoplegia** (ataxia), **Global Confusion**, and **Ataxia**. While it is part of the spectrum, it does not typically include the permanent memory deficits or confabulation seen in this patient. * **Acute Psychosis:** While the patient has psychotic symptoms, "Acute Psychosis" is a broad psychiatric descriptor. In the context of alcoholism and memory loss, a nutritional/organic cause (WKS) is the specific medical diagnosis. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **The Triad of Wernicke:** Confusion, Ataxia, Ophthalmoplegia (nystagmus). * **The Pentad of WKS:** The triad + Amnesia and Confabulation. * **Treatment Rule:** Always administer **Thiamine before Glucose** in an alcoholic patient. Giving glucose first can precipitate Wernicke’s by consuming the remaining B1 stores during glycolysis. * **MRI Finding:** High signal intensity in the mammillary bodies.
Question 8: Methadone is used to treat withdrawal symptoms of which substance?
- A. Cocaine
- B. Heroin (Correct Answer)
- C. Amphetamine
- D. Barbiturate
Explanation: **Explanation:** **Correct Answer: B. Heroin** Methadone is a **synthetic, long-acting mu-opioid receptor full agonist**. In the management of Opioid Use Disorder (Heroin), it works through "cross-tolerance." Because it has a much longer half-life (24–36 hours) than heroin, it prevents withdrawal symptoms and reduces "drug hunger" (craving) without producing the significant euphoria or "rush" associated with illicit opioids. It is used both for acute detoxification and long-term maintenance therapy. **Why other options are incorrect:** * **A & C (Cocaine & Amphetamines):** These are CNS stimulants. There is no specific FDA-approved pharmacological replacement therapy for stimulant withdrawal. Management is primarily supportive, focusing on psychological interventions and treating symptoms like depression or agitation. * **D (Barbiturates):** These are sedative-hypnotics. Withdrawal is life-threatening (similar to alcohol) and is managed by a slow taper of the drug itself or by substituting with a long-acting benzodiazepine (like Diazepam) or Phenobarbital. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Buprenorphine:** A partial mu-opioid agonist and kappa antagonist; it has a "ceiling effect" on respiratory depression, making it safer than methadone. * **Naltrexone:** An opioid antagonist used for relapse prevention *after* detoxification is complete (patient must be opioid-free for 7–10 days). * **Clonidine:** An alpha-2 agonist used to treat the autonomic symptoms of opioid withdrawal (tachycardia, hypertension, sweating) but does not reduce cravings. * **Lofexidine:** The first non-opioid drug specifically approved for managing opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Question 9: Jet black pigmentation of the tongue with tactile hallucinations is a feature of which substance use?
- A. Heroin
- B. Cannabis
- C. Cocaine (Correct Answer)
- D. LSD
Explanation: **Explanation:** The correct answer is **Cocaine**. This question tests the recognition of specific physical and psychological markers associated with stimulant abuse. **1. Why Cocaine is Correct:** * **Jet Black Tongue (Melanoglossia):** Chronic smoking of "crack" cocaine can lead to a characteristic black discoloration of the dorsal surface of the tongue. This is attributed to the deposition of carbonaceous combustion products or thermal injury to the filiform papillae. * **Tactile Hallucinations:** Cocaine intoxication frequently causes **Formication** (also known as "Cocaine bugs" or Magnan’s symptom). Patients experience a distressing sensation of insects crawling under or on their skin, often leading to skin picking and excoriations. **2. Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Heroin (Opioid):** Typically presents with miosis (pinpoint pupils), respiratory depression, and track marks. It does not cause tongue pigmentation or tactile hallucinations. * **Cannabis:** Characterized by conjunctival injection (red eyes), increased appetite (munchies), and dry mouth. While it can cause paranoia, it is not associated with black tongue. * **LSD (Hallucinogen):** Primarily causes **visual** hallucinations, synesthesia (seeing sounds/hearing colors), and mydriasis. It does not typically produce the specific tactile hallucinations or oral findings seen with cocaine. **3. Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Magnan’s Symptom:** A specific term for tactile hallucinations in cocaine users. * **Cocaine & Pupils:** Causes **Mydriasis** (dilated pupils), unlike Heroin (Miosis). * **Cocaine & CVS:** It is a potent vasoconstrictor; look for history of MI or perforated nasal septum in clinical stems. * **Withdrawal:** Cocaine withdrawal is characterized by "crashing" (dysphoria, hypersomnia, and intense craving) but is not life-threatening.
Question 10: Dissociative Fugue is characterised by
- A. Wandering away from home (Correct Answer)
- B. Irreversible amnesia
- C. Gradual recovery
- D. Normal recall
Explanation: **Explanation:** **Dissociative Fugue** (now classified under Dissociative Amnesia in DSM-5) is a dissociative disorder characterized by a sudden, unexpected travel away from one’s home or place of daily activities, accompanied by an inability to recall some or all of one's past. 1. **Why Option A is correct:** The hallmark of a fugue state is **purposeful wandering**. Patients often adopt a new identity and are unable to remember their previous life during the episode. The "wandering" is not aimless (like in delirium) but appears organized to an outside observer. 2. **Why Options B, C, and D are incorrect:** * **B & C:** Recovery from dissociative fugue is typically **sudden and rapid**, not gradual. Furthermore, the amnesia is **reversible**; once the fugue state ends, the individual usually recovers their original identity and memories of their past life (though they may then have amnesia for the events that occurred *during* the fugue). * **D:** **Normal recall** is absent during the episode. The patient suffers from selective or generalized amnesia regarding their identity and history. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Trigger:** Usually precipitated by severe psychosocial stressors (e.g., marital discord, financial ruin, or wartime trauma). * **Identity:** A patient in a fugue state may assume a completely new name, occupation, and personality. * **Differential Diagnosis:** Must be distinguished from **Complex Partial Seizures** (where wandering is semi-purposeful and brief) and **Transient Global Amnesia** (which lacks identity loss). * **Management:** The primary goal is to establish safety. Psychotherapy and "abreaction" (using hypnosis or barbiturates to recover memories) are traditional treatment modalities.
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