Pharmacotherapy for Substance Use Disorders — MCQs
Which drug is used for long-term maintenance in opioid addiction?
Which of the following drugs is given for detoxification of alcohol in chronic alcoholics?
Which of these is the best for management of methanol poisoning?
Chronic disorder characterized by compulsive use of drugs, resulting in physical, psychological, and social harm, and continued use despite evidence that it is harmful is called.
CAGE questionnaire is used in:
The term 'cocaine bugs' refers to:
ADHD in childhood can lead to which of the following in the future?
Which of the following develop first during dependence of a substance ?
An alcoholic is brought to the casualty, 3 days after quitting alcohol, with complaints of irrelevant talking. On examination, he is found to be disoriented to time, place, and person, and also exhibits visual illusions and hallucinations. There is no history of head injury. What is the most probable diagnosis?
A patient with bronchial asthma develops osteoporosis. Most likely mechanism?
Pharmacotherapy for Substance Use Disorders Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 1: Which drug is used for long-term maintenance in opioid addiction?
- A. Naloxone
- B. Nalorphine
- C. Methadone (Correct Answer)
- D. Butorphanol
Explanation: ***Methadone*** - **Methadone** is a long-acting opioid agonist used daily for **maintenance therapy** in opioid addiction, preventing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings. - Its long half-life allows for once-daily dosing, which helps in stabilizing patients and reducing illicit opioid use. - Along with **buprenorphine** (a partial agonist), methadone is one of the two primary medications used for opioid maintenance therapy. *Naloxone* - **Naloxone** is an **opioid antagonist** used to rapidly reverse opioid overdose by competitively binding to opioid receptors. - It is not used for long-term maintenance but rather as an emergency intervention to counteract life-threatening respiratory depression. *Nalorphine* - **Nalorphine** is an older, mixed opioid agonist-antagonist that was once used for opioid overdose but has largely been replaced by naloxone due to its own opioid agonistic effects. - It does not have a role in current long-term maintenance treatment for opioid addiction. *Butorphanol* - **Butorphanol** is a mixed opioid agonist-antagonist primarily used as an analgesic, particularly for pain management. - It can precipitate withdrawal in opioid-dependent individuals and is not indicated for the treatment or maintenance of opioid addiction.
Question 2: Which of the following drugs is given for detoxification of alcohol in chronic alcoholics?
- A. Haloperidol
- B. Naltrexone
- C. Chlordiazepoxide (Correct Answer)
- D. Buprenorphine
Explanation: ***Correct Option: Chlordiazepoxide*** - **Chlordiazepoxide** is a **benzodiazepine** commonly used for acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome due to its long half-life and efficacy in reducing withdrawal symptoms. - It helps prevent **seizures** and **delirium tremens** by acting on GABA receptors, reducing neuronal hyperexcitability. *Incorrect Option: Haloperidol* - **Haloperidol** is an **antipsychotic** medication primarily used to manage acute psychosis, agitation, or delirium. - It does not directly address alcohol withdrawal symptoms and can potentially lower the **seizure threshold**, which is risky in alcohol withdrawal. *Incorrect Option: Naltrexone* - **Naltrexone** is an **opioid antagonist** used to reduce alcohol cravings and prevent relapse in individuals who have achieved abstinence. - It is not used for acute detoxification or withdrawal management, as it does not alleviate acute symptoms. *Incorrect Option: Buprenorphine* - **Buprenorphine** is a **partial opioid agonist** used primarily in the treatment of opioid use disorder. - It has no role in the detoxification or management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
Question 3: Which of these is the best for management of methanol poisoning?
- A. Fomepizole (Correct Answer)
- B. Naltrexone
- C. Disulfiram
- D. Acamprosate
Explanation: ***Fomepizole*** - **Fomepizole** is a competitive inhibitor of **alcohol dehydrogenase**, the enzyme responsible for metabolizing methanol into toxic metabolites like formic acid. - By inhibiting this enzyme, it prevents the formation of these toxic metabolites, thereby reducing organ damage and metabolic acidosis in methanol poisoning. *Naltrexone* - **Naltrexone** is an **opioid receptor antagonist** used in the treatment of alcohol and opioid dependence. - It does not have any direct action on the metabolism of methanol or its toxic byproducts. *Disulfiram* - **Disulfiram** inhibits **aldehyde dehydrogenase**, leading to an unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed (flushing, nausea, vomiting). - It is used for alcohol cessation and has no role in the management of methanol poisoning. *Acamprosate* - **Acamprosate** is a medication used to reduce alcohol cravings in individuals recovering from alcohol dependence, possibly by modulating **glutamate neurotransmission**. - It does not directly affect the metabolism of methanol or mitigate its toxic effects.
Question 4: Chronic disorder characterized by compulsive use of drugs, resulting in physical, psychological, and social harm, and continued use despite evidence that it is harmful is called.
- A. Substance intoxication
- B. Drug addiction (Correct Answer)
- C. Drug abuse
- D. Drug dependence
Explanation: ***Drug addiction*** - This definition accurately describes **drug addiction** as a chronic disorder involving compulsive drug use despite harmful consequences across physical, psychological, and social domains. - Key components include the **compulsive nature** of use, the **harmful outcomes**, and the persistence of use even with awareness of these harms. *Substance intoxication* - **Substance intoxication** refers to the acute, reversible effects of a substance on the central nervous system, leading to clinical changes in perception, mood, and behavior. - It does not encompass the chronic, compulsive use or the long-term physical, psychological, and social harms characteristic of addiction. *Drug abuse* - **Drug abuse** is a pattern of harmful use of a psychoactive substance, but it doesn't necessarily include the compulsive, chronic nature and the concept of continued use despite acknowledging harm that defines addiction. - The term "abuse" is often considered outdated in favor of "substance use disorder" in clinical contexts to better reflect the chronic disease model. *Drug dependence* - **Drug dependence** refers to a physiological state where the body adapts to a substance, leading to **withdrawal symptoms** if the substance is stopped and **tolerance** to its effects. - While it is a component of addiction, it does not fully capture the compulsive drug-seeking behavior or the broader psychological and social harms that define addiction itself.
Question 5: CAGE questionnaire is used in:
- A. Opiate poisoning
- B. Alcohol dependence (Correct Answer)
- C. Dhatura poisoning
- D. Barbiturate poisoning
Explanation: ***Alcohol dependence*** - The **CAGE questionnaire** is a widely used screening tool for identifying potential **alcohol problems** and dependence. - The acronym CAGE stands for Cutting down, Annoyance by criticism, Guilty feelings, and Eye-openers, all related to drinking habits. *Opiate poisoning* - Screening for opiate use or poisoning typically involves asking about **drug use history**, conducting **urine drug screens**, and observing specific clinical signs like **pinpoint pupils** and **respiratory depression**. - The CAGE questionnaire is not designed to screen for opiate use. *Dhatura poisoning* - **Dhatura poisoning** is characterized by anticholinergic symptoms like **dilated pupils**, **dry mouth**, **tachycardia**, and **delirium**. - Diagnosis relies on clinical presentation and a history of exposure, not a specific questionnaire like CAGE. *Barbiturate poisoning* - **Barbiturate poisoning** presents with central nervous system depression, including **sedation**, **respiratory depression**, and **hypotension**. - Diagnosis involves a clinical assessment, history of barbiturate use, and toxicology screens, not the CAGE questionnaire.
Question 6: The term 'cocaine bugs' refers to:
- A. Othello syndrome
- B. Ekbom's syndrome (Correct Answer)
- C. Cotard's syndrome
- D. De Clérambault syndrome
Explanation: ***Ekbom's syndrome*** - The term **"cocaine bugs"** refers to **formication** - tactile hallucinations of insects crawling on or under the skin, commonly experienced during cocaine intoxication or withdrawal. - While formication itself is a **hallucination** (false sensory perception), chronic cocaine users may develop **Ekbom's syndrome (delusional parasitosis)** - a fixed false belief of being infested by parasites. - Among the given options, Ekbom's syndrome is the most closely associated with the phenomenon of "cocaine bugs," though technically the term specifically describes the tactile hallucinations rather than the delusional disorder itself. *Othello syndrome* - This is a form of **delusional jealousy**, where an individual falsely believes their partner is unfaithful without any real evidence. - It is not associated with tactile hallucinations or the sensation of insects crawling on the skin. *Cotard's syndrome* - This is a rare mental disorder in which a person holds the **nihilistic delusion** that they are dead, do not exist, are putrefying, or have lost their blood or internal organs. - It is distinct from the tactile hallucinations or parasitosis delusions described as "cocaine bugs." *De Clérambault syndrome* - Also known as **erotomania**, this is a delusion in which an individual believes that another person, usually of higher social status, is in love with them. - This condition does not involve tactile hallucinations or the sensation of parasitic infestation.
Question 7: ADHD in childhood can lead to which of the following in the future?
- A. Intellectual changes
- B. Alcoholism
- C. Antisocial behaviour
- D. All of the options (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***All of the options*** - Childhood ADHD is associated with an increased risk of developing various long-term negative outcomes, including **substance use disorders** (like alcoholism), **antisocial behaviors**, and impacts on **academic and occupational functioning** which can be broadly termed intellectual or cognitive impacts. - The inattentiveness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity characteristic of ADHD can disrupt normal development, leading to difficulties in social interactions, educational attainment, and emotional regulation, all contributing to these wider issues. *Intellectual changes* - While ADHD does not directly cause an intellectual disability, it can significantly impact **academic performance**, executive function, and the ability to apply learned knowledge, leading to what might be perceived as intellectual challenges or underachievement. - Difficulties with sustained attention, organization, and impulse control can hinder learning processes and the acquisition of new skills, influencing cognitive development and application. *Alcoholism* - Individuals with ADHD, particularly those with untreated or poorly managed symptoms, have a significantly **higher risk of developing substance use disorders**, including alcoholism. - The impulsive nature and difficulty with self-regulation often seen in ADHD can contribute to engaging in risky behaviors, including substance experimentation and dependence, as a form of self-medication or coping mechanism. *Antisocial behaviour* - ADHD, especially when comorbid with **oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)** or **conduct disorder (CD)**, is a significant risk factor for the development of antisocial behaviors and later antisocial personality disorder. - Impulsivity, poor emotional regulation, and difficulties understanding consequences can predispose individuals with ADHD to violate social norms and engage in aggressive or non-compliant actions.
Question 8: Which of the following develop first during dependence of a substance ?
- A. Tolerance
- B. Physical dependence
- C. Psychological dependence (Correct Answer)
- D. Withdrawal symptoms
Explanation: ***Psychological dependence*** - **Psychological dependence** often develops first, characterized by an emotional need for the substance to experience pleasure or avoid discomfort. - This involves a strong **craving** and compulsive drug-seeking behavior despite negative consequences, driven by the substance's effect on brain reward pathways. *Tolerance* - **Tolerance** means that increasing doses of the substance are required to achieve the same effect previously achieved with lower doses. - While it often develops early in substance use, the initial "need" to use the substance is often psychological before physiological adaptations occur. *Physical dependence* - **Physical dependence** describes the body's physiological adaptation to the substance, leading to withdrawal symptoms if use is stopped or reduced. - It typically develops after consistent, prolonged use and is usually preceded by psychological dependence and often tolerance. *Withdrawal symptoms* - **Withdrawal symptoms** are the physiological and psychological signs that occur when a dependent person stops or drastically reduces their substance intake. - These are a direct manifestation of physical dependence and thus develop once physical dependence has been established.
Question 9: An alcoholic is brought to the casualty, 3 days after quitting alcohol, with complaints of irrelevant talking. On examination, he is found to be disoriented to time, place, and person, and also exhibits visual illusions and hallucinations. There is no history of head injury. What is the most probable diagnosis?
- A. Schizophrenia
- B. Delirium tremens (Correct Answer)
- C. Dementia praecox
- D. Korsakoff psychosis
Explanation: ***Delirium tremens*** - This patient's symptoms, including **disorientation, irrelevant talking, visual illusions, and hallucinations**, occurring 3 days after quitting alcohol, are classic features of **delirium tremens (DTs)**. - DTs represent the most severe form of alcohol withdrawal, typically manifesting 48-96 hours after the last drink, and are a medical emergency. *Schizophrenia* - Schizophrenia is a **chronic psychiatric disorder** characterized by a breakdown in thought processes and poor emotional responsiveness. - While it can involve hallucinations and delusions, its onset is typically more gradual, not acutely precipitated by alcohol cessation, and patients are often younger or with a long history of mental illness. *Dementia praecox* - **Dementia praecox** is an older term for what is now known as **schizophrenia**. - As with schizophrenia, it does not typically present as an acute withdrawal syndrome with rapid onset after substance cessation. *Korsakoff psychosis* - **Korsakoff psychosis** (also known as Korsakoff syndrome) is a chronic neurological disorder caused by severe **thiamine deficiency**, often associated with alcoholism. - Its primary symptoms include **severe memory impairment (anterograde and retrograde amnesia)**, confabulation, and apathy, rather than acute disorientation, illusions, and hallucinations seen in the acute withdrawal phase.
Question 10: A patient with bronchial asthma develops osteoporosis. Most likely mechanism?
- A. Calcium malabsorption
- B. Inflammatory mediators
- C. Physical inactivity
- D. Chronic steroid use (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Chronic steroid use*** - **Glucocorticoids**, commonly used in the treatment of bronchial asthma, can directly inhibit **osteoblast activity** and promote **osteoclast activity**, leading to bone loss [1]. - They also reduce intestinal **calcium absorption** and increase **renal calcium excretion**, further disrupting calcium homeostasis and contributing to osteoporosis [1]. *Calcium malabsorption* - While **malabsorption syndromes** can cause osteoporosis, asthma itself does not directly lead to primary calcium malabsorption. - Steroids used in asthma treatment can *contribute* to reduced calcium absorption, but the primary mechanism of steroid-induced osteoporosis involves broader effects on bone metabolism, not solely malabsorption [1]. *Inflammatory mediators* - **Inflammatory mediators** associated with asthma may play a role in bone density loss, but their direct impact is less significant and less common than the effects of chronic steroid use [2]. - While chronic inflammation can indirectly affect bone remodeling, it is not the most likely or direct mechanism for osteoporosis in this clinical scenario compared to steroid exposure [1]. *Physical inactivity* - **Physical inactivity** can contribute to osteoporosis due to reduced mechanical loading on bones, but it is not a direct or primary cause specific to bronchial asthma [3]. - While severe asthma may lead to some activity limitation, the primary mechanism linking asthma treatment to osteoporosis is typically medication-related, rather than lifestyle factors alone.
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