NR547 Exam 2 V2 Questions with Correct Answers
1. A 24-year-old patient presents with a persistent low mood, loss of interest in
activities, and fatigue for the past 3 weeks. To meet the DSM-5 criteria for Major
Depressive Disorder, how many total symptoms must be present?
A. Three
B. Seven
C. Five
D. Nine
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: According to the DSM-5, a diagnosis of Major Depressive
Disorder requires five or more symptoms to be present during the same 2-week
period. At least one of the symptoms must be either depressed mood or loss of
interest or pleasure. This threshold ensures that the clinical presentation is severe
enough to be distinguished from normal sadness or bereavement.
2. When differentiating between Bipolar I and Bipolar II Disorder, which of the
following is the defining feature of Bipolar I?
A. Presence of at least one hypomanic episode
B. History of cyclothymia for two years
,C. Presence of major depressive episodes only
D. Presence of at least one manic episode
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Bipolar I Disorder is characterized by the occurrence of at
least one full manic episode, which may be preceded or followed by hypomanic or
major depressive episodes. Bipolar II requires at least one hypomanic episode and
one major depressive episode, but never a full manic episode. Identification of
mania is critical because it often requires different pharmacological management
than hypomania.
3. A 30-year-old woman reports excessive worry about her job, health, and finances
that she finds difficult to control. For a diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
(GAD), these symptoms must persist for at least:
A. Six months
B. Three months
C. One month
D. Twelve months
Correct Answer: A
,Expert Explanation: Generalized Anxiety Disorder is diagnosed when a patient
experiences excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at least 6
months. The worry must be associated with three or more physical or cognitive
symptoms such as restlessness or muscle tension. This duration helps clinicians rule
out transient stress-related anxiety that might resolve more quickly.
4. A patient describes sudden episodes of intense fear accompanied by palpitations,
sweating, and a feeling of impending doom. These episodes peak within minutes.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Social Anxiety Disorder
B. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
C. Specific Phobia
D. Panic Disorder
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Panic Disorder is characterized by recurrent unexpected panic
attacks which are abrupt surges of intense fear or discomfort. Patients must also
experience at least one month of persistent concern about additional attacks or a
significant maladaptive change in behavior. This clinical picture differs from GAD,
which involves constant, low-level worry rather than discrete peaks of terror.
, 5. A 45-year-old male was involved in a serious motor vehicle accident 2 weeks ago
and now experiences intrusive memories, nightmares, and avoids driving. What is the
most appropriate diagnosis?
A. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
B. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
C. Adjustment Disorder
D. Acute Stress Disorder
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Acute Stress Disorder is the correct diagnosis when symptoms
occur between 3 days and 1 month following exposure to a traumatic event. If the
symptoms persist beyond one month, the diagnosis is transitioned to Post-
Traumatic Stress Disorder. Early identification allows for trauma-focused
interventions that may prevent the progression to chronic PTSD.
6. In Schizophrenia, ‘negative symptoms’ refer to which of the following?
A. Hallucinations and delusions
B. Diminished emotional expression and avolition
C. Disorganized speech
D. Catatonic behavior
1. A 24-year-old patient presents with a persistent low mood, loss of interest in
activities, and fatigue for the past 3 weeks. To meet the DSM-5 criteria for Major
Depressive Disorder, how many total symptoms must be present?
A. Three
B. Seven
C. Five
D. Nine
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: According to the DSM-5, a diagnosis of Major Depressive
Disorder requires five or more symptoms to be present during the same 2-week
period. At least one of the symptoms must be either depressed mood or loss of
interest or pleasure. This threshold ensures that the clinical presentation is severe
enough to be distinguished from normal sadness or bereavement.
2. When differentiating between Bipolar I and Bipolar II Disorder, which of the
following is the defining feature of Bipolar I?
A. Presence of at least one hypomanic episode
B. History of cyclothymia for two years
,C. Presence of major depressive episodes only
D. Presence of at least one manic episode
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Bipolar I Disorder is characterized by the occurrence of at
least one full manic episode, which may be preceded or followed by hypomanic or
major depressive episodes. Bipolar II requires at least one hypomanic episode and
one major depressive episode, but never a full manic episode. Identification of
mania is critical because it often requires different pharmacological management
than hypomania.
3. A 30-year-old woman reports excessive worry about her job, health, and finances
that she finds difficult to control. For a diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
(GAD), these symptoms must persist for at least:
A. Six months
B. Three months
C. One month
D. Twelve months
Correct Answer: A
,Expert Explanation: Generalized Anxiety Disorder is diagnosed when a patient
experiences excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at least 6
months. The worry must be associated with three or more physical or cognitive
symptoms such as restlessness or muscle tension. This duration helps clinicians rule
out transient stress-related anxiety that might resolve more quickly.
4. A patient describes sudden episodes of intense fear accompanied by palpitations,
sweating, and a feeling of impending doom. These episodes peak within minutes.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Social Anxiety Disorder
B. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
C. Specific Phobia
D. Panic Disorder
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Panic Disorder is characterized by recurrent unexpected panic
attacks which are abrupt surges of intense fear or discomfort. Patients must also
experience at least one month of persistent concern about additional attacks or a
significant maladaptive change in behavior. This clinical picture differs from GAD,
which involves constant, low-level worry rather than discrete peaks of terror.
, 5. A 45-year-old male was involved in a serious motor vehicle accident 2 weeks ago
and now experiences intrusive memories, nightmares, and avoids driving. What is the
most appropriate diagnosis?
A. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
B. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
C. Adjustment Disorder
D. Acute Stress Disorder
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Acute Stress Disorder is the correct diagnosis when symptoms
occur between 3 days and 1 month following exposure to a traumatic event. If the
symptoms persist beyond one month, the diagnosis is transitioned to Post-
Traumatic Stress Disorder. Early identification allows for trauma-focused
interventions that may prevent the progression to chronic PTSD.
6. In Schizophrenia, ‘negative symptoms’ refer to which of the following?
A. Hallucinations and delusions
B. Diminished emotional expression and avolition
C. Disorganized speech
D. Catatonic behavior
