Mood Disorders — MCQs

A 25-year-old woman is brought to the emergency department by her boyfriend after she cut her forearms with a knife. She has had multiple visits to the emergency department in the past few months for self-inflicted wounds. She claims that her boyfriend is the worst person in the world. She and her boyfriend have broken up 20 times in the past 6 months. She says she cut herself not because she wants to kill herself; she feels alone and empty and wants her boyfriend to take care of her. Her boyfriend claims that she is prone to outbursts of physical aggression as well as mood swings. He says that these mood swings last a few hours and vary from states of exuberance and self-confidence to states of self-doubt and melancholy. On examination, the patient appears well-dressed and calm. She has normal speech, thought processes, and thought content. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A 23-year-old woman presents to the emergency room for a self-inflicted laceration of her distal volar forearm. The patient states that she knew her husband was having sexual thoughts about the woman from the grocery store, prompting her decision to cut her own wrist. In the emergency department the bleeding is stopped and the patient is currently medically stable. When interviewing the patient, she is teary and apologizes for her behavior. She is grateful to you for her care and regrets her actions. Of note, the patient has presented to the emergency department before for a similar reason when she was struggling with online dating. The patient states that she struggles with her romantic relationship though she deeply desires them. On physical exam you note a frightened young woman who is wearing a revealing dress that prominently displays her breasts. You tell the patient that she will have to stay in the psychiatric emergency department for the night which makes her furious. Which of the following personality disorders is the most likely diagnosis?

An 11-year-old boy’s parents brought him to a psychologist upon referral from the boy’s school teacher. The boy frequently bullies his younger classmates despite having been punished several times for this. His mother also reported that a year prior, she received complaints that the boy shoplifted from local shops in his neighborhood. The boy frequently stays out at night despite strict instructions by his parents to return home by 10 PM. Detailed history reveals that apart from such behavior, he is usually not angry or irritable. Although his abnormal behavior continues despite warnings and punishments, he neither argues with his parents nor teachers and does not display verbal or physical aggression. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A 21-year-old woman has frequent sexual fantasies about female coworkers. When she is with her friends in public, she never misses an opportunity to make derogatory comments about same-sex couples she sees. Which of the following psychological defense mechanisms is she demonstrating?

An 11-year-old boy is brought to the clinic by his parents for poor academic performance. The patient’s parents say that his teacher told them that he may have to repeat a grade because of his lack of progress, as he does not pay attention to the lessons, tends to fidget about in his seat, and often blurts out comments when it is someone else’s turn to speak. Furthermore, his after-school karate coach says the patient no longer listens to instructions and has a hard time focusing on the activity at hand. The patient has no significant past medical history and is currently not on any medications. The patient has no known learning disabilities and has been meeting all developmental milestones. The parents are vehemently opposed to using any medication with a potential for addiction. Which of the following medications is the best course of treatment for this patient?

A 5-year-old boy is brought to the physician by his mother because he claims to have spoken to his recently-deceased grandfather. The grandfather, who lived with the family and frequently watched the boy for his parents, died 2 months ago. The boy was taken out of preschool for 3 days after his grandfather's death but has since returned. His teachers report that the boy is currently doing well, completing his assignments, and engaging in play with other children. When asked about how he feels, the boy becomes tearful and says, “I miss my grandpa. I sometimes talk to him when my mom is not around.” Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A 14-year-old boy is brought to the clinic by his mother for temper tantrums for the past year. She is concerned as he gets abnormally irritated and angry towards the smallest things. After asking the mother to leave the room, the patient reports that he is simply annoyed by his mother's constant nagging. He denies any violent tendencies, suicidal ideations, depressive symptoms, or intention to hurt others. The patient states he finds the physician irritating and that he reminds him of his mother in his mannerisms and demeanor. Without provocation, the patient shouts at the physician saying that he does not understand or really care about him and he never would. What is the likely explanation for this patient's behavior toward the physician?

A 43-year-old female presents to the ED with a severe case of left leg cellulitis. She is admitted for IV antibiotics. After 24 hours, the area of erythema has receded approximately 30%. The following day she is being prepared for discharge when she suddenly begins to complain of nausea and abdominal pain. On physical exam, she is febrile and has mydriasis and piloerection. What is the most likely cause of these new findings?

A 33-year-old man is brought to a psychiatric emergency room in St. Louis by policemen who report that they found him loitering at the main bus station. The patient is unable to recall why he was at the bus station, but he does have a bus ticket in his pocket from Chicago to St. Louis. When asked what his name is, he replies “I don’t know.” He has no source of identification and cannot recall his own past medical history or medications. His temperature is 98.8°F (37.1°C), blood pressure is 130/75 mmHg, pulse is 85/min, and respirations are 20/min. On examination, the patient is alert but is not oriented to person, place, or time. He appears anxious and upset but is appropriately conversant and cooperative with the examination. His pupils are equally round and reactive to light. The rest of the examination is normal. A urine toxicology screen is negative. A family member of the patient contacts the hospital the next morning and reports that the patient is a soldier who recently returned from a deployment in Afghanistan. He was last seen at his home in Chicago. Which of the following is most consistent with this patient’s condition?

A mother brings her 3-year-old son to the doctor because she is worried that he might be harming himself by constantly banging his head on the wall. He has been exhibiting this behavior for a few months. She is also worried because he has started to speak less than he used to and does not respond when his name is called. He seems aloof during playtime with other children and seems to have lost interest in most of his toys. What is the most likely diagnosis?