FMGE 2025 - Psychiatry Practice Questions

Q: A person has a false belief that he owns a lot of property and that someone he knows is trying to take it away from him. Which of the following best describes the type of delusions he is experiencing?

Delusion of grandeur and persecution. ***Delusion of grandeur and persecution***- The belief in owning a lot of property reflects **delusion of grandeur**, which is characterized by an exaggerated belief in one's wealth, importance, or abilities.- The belief that someone is trying to take their property away indicates a **delusion of persecution**, where the individual feels threatened or believes others are conspiring to harm them.*Delusion of grandeur and reference*- This option correctly identifies **delusion of grandeur** (owning vast property), but incorrectly identifies the second component.- **Delusion of reference** refers to the erroneous belief that common events, objects, or people have a specific, usually negative, meaning directed towards oneself (e.g., people on TV are talking about them). The patient is directly targeted, indicating persecution.*Delusion of nihilism*- Neither of the patient's described beliefs fit **delusion of nihilism** (Cotard syndrome), which is the false conviction that one's self, parts of the body, or the entire world do not exist.- This patient exhibits high self-importance (**grandeur**) and being targeted (**persecution**), not beliefs related to non-existence.*Delusion of grandeur and nihilism*- While **delusion of grandeur** is present, the patient's worry about someone stealing property is a persecutory type of delusion, not a **delusion of nihilism**.- The themes of persecution and grandeur found here are inconsistent with the theme of non-existence or loss of existence central to **nihilistic delusions**.

Q: A patient with schizophrenia, developed muscular dystonia and was treated for it. The patient now presents with complaints of dry mouth, dizziness, and hypotension. What is the most likely drug causing these side effects?

Benzotropine. ***Benzotropine***- This drug is an **anticholinergic agent** administered specifically to treat **extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)** like acute muscular dystonia caused by antipsychotics.- **Dry mouth** is a characteristic manifestation of its peripheral **anticholinergic side effects**, while **dizziness and hypotension** can occur due to central effects or potentiation of adrenergic blockade, particularly when co-administered with antipsychotics.*Risperidone*- Although Risperidone (an atypical antipsychotic) commonly causes EPS and strong **orthostatic hypotension** due to **alpha-1 adrenergic blockade** (dizziness/hypotension), it has moderate anticholinergic activity, making it less likely to be the sole cause of prominent dry mouth.- The patient's presentation suggests a new medication was introduced *after* the dystonia developed; Risperidone was likely the cause of the *initial* dystonia.*Haloperidol*- Haloperidol, a high-potency typical antipsychotic, is a common cause of **muscular dystonia** (EPS).- It has relatively **low anticholinergic activity** and is therefore an improbable cause of severe **dry mouth** compared to agents like Benzotropine.*Propranolol*- Propranolol is a **beta-blocker** typically used to treat antipsychotic-induced **akathisia** or tremor, not acute dystonia.- Its most prominent side effects are related to beta-blockade, such as **bradycardia** and fatigue; it is not routinely associated with significant **dry mouth**.

Q: According to DSM-5 classification, what is the diagnosis for a child who exhibits below-average mathematical skills despite having a normal IQ and age-appropriate learning abilities in other areas, and remains unaffected by a year-long private mathematics tutoring?

Specific learning disorder. ***Specific learning disorder***- The presentation meets the criteria for **Specific Learning Disorder (SLD)**, characterized by persistent difficulties in learning core academic skills (in this case, mathematics) that are significantly below expected levels, despite having **average intellectual functioning (normal IQ)**.- The failure to show improvement despite targeted intervention (private tutoring for a year) confirms the persistence and severity of the **neurodevelopmental basis** of the learning difficulty, which is central to the diagnosis of SLD.*ADHD*- **Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)** primarily involves persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development.- While ADHD can impair academic performance, the primary deficit described here is specific to **mathematical calculation and reasoning**, rather than generalized difficulties arising from attention regulation issues. *Mathematics learning disorder*- This term refers to the specific impairment outlined (often called **Dyscalculia**), but in the DSM-5, it is classified as a **specifier** under the broader diagnosis of Specific Learning Disorder (SLD), specifically "Specific Learning Disorder, With Impairment in Mathematics."- Since **Specific learning disorder** is provided as an option, it is the formal and overarching diagnostic category that applies in this clinical setting.*Aspergers syndrome*- **Asperger's Syndrome** is an outdated term now grouped under **Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)**, which is fundamentally characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior.- While individuals with ASD may have uneven skill profiles, the history focuses exclusively on a **specific, isolated academic impairment** in mathematics, without mentioning the core criteria of social deficits.

Q: An alcoholic patient is admitted to the hospital 48 hours after his last drink. He presents with altered consciousness, disorientation, and severe agitation. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Delirium tremens. ***Correct: Delirium tremens*** - **Classic presentation** with altered consciousness, disorientation, and severe agitation occurring **48 hours after last drink** (typical onset 48-72 hours) - Represents the **most severe form of alcohol withdrawal syndrome** - Clinical features include autonomic hyperactivity, confusion, visual/tactile hallucinations, and psychomotor agitation - **Medical emergency** requiring immediate treatment with benzodiazepines and supportive care - Mortality rate 5-15% if untreated *Incorrect: Korsakoff psychosis* - **Chronic condition** resulting from thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency in chronic alcoholism - Characterized by **anterograde amnesia** and **confabulation**, not acute delirium - Does not present with acute altered consciousness or severe agitation - Timeline does not fit acute withdrawal scenario *Incorrect: Alcohol withdrawal symptoms* - While DT is technically a form of alcohol withdrawal, this option refers to **minor/uncomplicated withdrawal** - Minor withdrawal symptoms (tremors, anxiety, sweating, nausea) typically occur **6-24 hours** after last drink, not at 48 hours - The **severity** (altered consciousness, disorientation) indicates progression to DT, not simple withdrawal - Uncomplicated withdrawal does not present with delirium or significant confusion *Incorrect: Cocaine intoxication* - Patient is described as **alcoholic with 48 hours since last drink** - no history of cocaine use mentioned - Cocaine intoxication would present with **euphoria, hyperactivity, paranoia**, and cardiovascular symptoms (tachycardia, hypertension) - Timeline doesn't fit - intoxication occurs during use, not days after last alcohol consumption

Question 1

A person has a false belief that he owns a lot of property and that someone he knows is trying to take it away from him. Which of the following best describes the type of delusions he is experiencing?

Accepted Answer

Delusion of grandeur and persecution

Answer

Delusion of grandeur and nihilism

Answer

Delusion of grandeur and reference

Answer

Delusion of nihilism

Question 2

A patient with schizophrenia, developed muscular dystonia and was treated for it. The patient now presents with complaints of dry mouth, dizziness, and hypotension. What is the most likely drug causing these side effects?

Accepted Answer

Benzotropine

Answer

Propranolol

Answer

Risperidone

Answer

Haloperidol

Question 3

According to DSM-5 classification, what is the diagnosis for a child who exhibits below-average mathematical skills despite having a normal IQ and age-appropriate learning abilities in other areas, and remains unaffected by a year-long private mathematics tutoring?

Accepted Answer

Specific learning disorder

Answer

Mathematics learning disorder

Answer

Aspergers syndrome

Answer

ADHD

Question 4

An alcoholic patient is admitted to the hospital 48 hours after his last drink. He presents with altered consciousness, disorientation, and severe agitation. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Delirium tremens

Answer

Korsakoff psychosis

Answer

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms

Answer

Cocaine intoxication

FMGE 2025 — Psychiatry