Psychopharmacology — MCQs

A 34-year-old woman with bipolar I disorder has been maintained on lithium carbonate 900 mg/day for the past 18 months with good mood stabilisation. She presents to the outpatient clinic complaining of a worsening skin condition that began approximately 3 months after starting lithium. Her serum lithium level is 0.8 mEq/L (therapeutic range). She has no prior personal or family history of skin disease. Over the past 6 weeks, she has been using a moderate-potency topical corticosteroid prescribed by her dermatologist with no meaningful improvement; the eruption has continued to spread and now involves the face, scalp, and upper back, causing significant distress and social impairment. A dermatology referral photograph is shown (Image 1). Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

A 35-year-old woman started on haloperidol for acute psychosis develops fever (102°F/38.9°C), severe muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic instability 3 days after medication initiation. Laboratory studies show creatine kinase of 15,000 U/L and white blood cell count of 16,000/mm³. Apply the most appropriate management approach.

Which antipsychotic has anti-suicidal properties?

A 30-year-old male presents with a history of abnormal, excessive blinking and grunting sounds. He has no control over these symptoms, which have increased in frequency. Which of the following medications can be used for the treatment of this condition?

Which of the following antipsychotic medications carries the least risk of metabolic side effects?