A 26-year-old woman is brought to the emergency department by her husband due to her disturbing behavior over the past 24 hours. Her husband says that he has noticed his wife talking to herself and staying in a corner of a room throughout the day without eating or drinking anything. She gave birth to their son 2 weeks ago but has not seen or even acknowledged her baby’s presence ever since he was born. He says that he didn’t think much of it because she seemed overwhelmed during her pregnancy and he considered that she was probably unable to cope with being a new mother; however, last night, he says, his wife told him that their child was the son of the devil and they ought to get rid of him as soon as possible. Which of the following describes this patient’s abnormal reaction to her child?
ABrief psychotic disorder
BSchizoaffective disorder
CPostpartum psychosis
DMajor depressive disorder
EPostpartum blues
An 18-year-old man is brought to the emergency department after his mother found him locked in his room stammering about a government conspiracy to brainwash him in subterranean tunnels. His mother says that he has never done this before, but 6 months ago he stopped going to classes and was subsequently suspended from college. She reports that he has become increasingly taciturn over the course of the past month. He drinks one to two beers daily and has smoked one pack of cigarettes daily for 3 years. He occasionally smokes marijuana. His father was diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 25 years. The patient has had no friends or social contacts other than his mother since he was suspended. He appears unkempt and aloof. On mental status examination, he is disorganized and shows poverty of speech. He says his mood is "good." He does not hear voices and has no visual or tactile hallucinations. Toxicology screening is negative. Which of the following is an unfavorable prognostic factor for this patient's condition?
APoor premorbid functioning
BLate onset of illness
CPresence of mood symptoms
DGood insight into illness
EStrong family support
A mental health volunteer is interviewing locals as part of a community outreach program. A 46-year-old man discloses that he has felt sad for as long as he can remember. He feels as though his life is cursed and if something terrible can happen to him, it usually will. He has difficulty making decisions and feels hopeless. He also feels that he has had worsening suicidal ideations, guilt from past problems, decreased energy, and poor concentration over the past 2 weeks. He is otherwise getting enough sleep and able to hold a job. Which of the following statement best describes this patient's condition?
AThe patient may have symptoms of mania or psychosis.
BThe patient is likely to show anhedonia.
CThe patient likely has paranoid personality disorder.
DThe patient has double depression.
EThe patient should be started on an SSRI.
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