Psychotic Disorders — MCQs

A 23-year-old woman is brought to the emergency department by her boyfriend because of a 4-month history of feeling sad. Her boyfriend says that, during this period, she has slept and eaten very little and has been unable to focus at work. She says that she feels “empty inside” and has been hearing voices telling her that she is worthless. She first heard these voices 7 months ago when they started to make fun of her. She does not drink alcohol or use illicit drugs. Physical and neurological examinations show no abnormalities. On mental status examination, her speech is slow and monotonous; she abruptly stops talking in the middle of sentences and does not finish them. She occasionally directs her attention to the ceiling as if she were listening to someone. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A 12-year-old boy is brought to a psychiatrist by his mother upon referral from his pediatrician. The mother describes that for the past 2 years her son has experienced episodes of repetitive blinking and sudden jerking of the arms. Additionally, she notes that he often clears his throat and occasionally makes grunting noises. These symptoms have waxed and waned in frequency, but they have persisted for the past 2 years since they first developed. The patient is otherwise healthy without any coexisting medical issues. Which of the following agents would be effective at reducing the severity and frequency of this patient's current symptoms?

A 25-year-old man presents to his primary care physician with a chief complaint of "failing health." He states that he typically can converse with animals via telepathy, but is having trouble right now due to the weather. He has begun taking an assortment of Peruvian herbs to little avail. Otherwise he is not currently taking any medications. The patient lives alone and works in a health food store. He states that his symptoms have persisted for the past eight months. On physical exam, you note a healthy young man who is dressed in an all burlap ensemble. When you are obtaining the patient's medical history there are several times he is attempting to telepathically connect with the animals in the vicinity. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A 60-year-old man is brought to the emergency department by police officers because he was acting strangely in public. The patient was found talking nonsensically to characters on cereal boxes in the store. Past medical history is significant for multiple hospitalizations for alcohol-related injuries and seizures. The patient’s vital signs are within normal limits. Physical examination shows a disheveled male who is oriented to person, but not time or place. Neurologic examination shows nystagmus and severe gait ataxia. A T1/T2 MRI is performed and demonstrates evidence of damage to the mammillary bodies. The patient is given the appropriate treatment for recovering most of his cognitive functions. However, significant short-term memory deficits persist. The patient remembers events from his past such as the school and college he attended, his current job, and the names of family members quite well. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis in this patient?

A 19-year-old man is brought to the emergency department by the resident assistant of his dormitory for strange behavior. He was found locked out of his room, where the patient admitted to attending a fraternity party before becoming paranoid that the resident assistant would report him to the police. The patient appears anxious. His pulse is 105/min, and blood pressure is 142/85 mm Hg. Examination shows dry mucous membranes and bilateral conjunctival injection. Further evaluation is most likely to show which of the following?

A 75-year-old woman presents to her primary care physician with her son because she is convinced that people are stealing from her. Her son claims she has been misplacing her medications and money throughout the house. She recently lost her husband to old age and has become reclusive and no longer wants people to visit. Physical examination is unremarkable and the patient is oriented to person, time, and place. A mini-mental status examination (MMSE) is performed and she has difficulty recalling words after 5 minutes and also has problems with serial subtraction. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis in this patient?

A 77-year-old woman is brought to her primary care provider by her daughter with behavioral changes and an abnormally bad memory for the past few months. The patient’s daughter says she sometimes gets angry and aggressive while at other times she seems lost and stares at her surroundings. Her daughter also reports that she has seen her mother talking to empty chairs. The patient says she sleeps well during the night but still feels sleepy throughout the day. She has no problems getting dressed and maintaining her one bedroom apartment. Past medical history is significant for mild depression and mild osteoporosis. Current medications include escitalopram, alendronic acid, and a multivitamin. The patient is afebrile, and her vital signs are within normal limits. On physical examination, the patient is alert and oriented and sitting comfortably in her chair. A mild left-hand tremor is noted. Muscle strength is 5 out of 5 in the upper and lower extremities bilaterally, but muscle tone is slightly increased. She can perform repetitive alternating movements albeit slowly. She walks with a narrow gait and has mild difficulty turning. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis in this patient?

A 42-year-old woman is in the hospital recovering from a cholecystectomy performed 3 days ago that was complicated by cholangitis. She is being treated with IV piperacillin-tazobactam. She calls the nurse to her room because she says that her heart is racing. She also demands that someone come in to clean the pile of garbage off of the floor because it is attracting flies. Her pulse is 112/min, respiratory rate is 20/min, temperature is 38.0°C (100.4°F), and blood pressure is 150/90 mm Hg. On physical examination, the patient appears sweaty, distressed, and unable to remain still. She is oriented to person, but not place or time. Palpation of the abdomen shows no tenderness, rebound, or guarding. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis in this patient?