Psychiatry MCQs for AMC Part 1 Exam

ByAMC Wise

Understanding psychiatry disorders is a crucial component of medical knowledge, and it’s indispensable for success in the AMC Part 1 CAT MCQ exam. Whether you’re a dedicated medical student or a healthcare professional gearing up to tackle the challenges of this comprehensive exam, we present to you a thoughtfully curated collection of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) centered around psychiatry disorders.

Our objective is to provide you with a comprehensive and efficient study resource, meticulously designed to evaluate and enhance your diagnostic skills across a spectrum of psychiatric conditions.

Question 5001

A 45-year-old man frequently visits his primary care physician, reporting various physical symptoms and expressing intense anxiety about his health. He has visited the clinic multiple times in the past six months, complaining of chest pain, headaches, abdominal discomfort, and numbness in his extremities. Extensive medical evaluations, including physical examinations and diagnostic tests, consistently reveal no underlying medical conditions. Despite reassurance from multiple healthcare providers that he is physically healthy, the patient remains preoccupied with the belief that he has a severe, undiagnosed illness. What is the most likely diagnosis for this patient’s condition?

  • A) Somatic symptom disorder
  • B) Generalized anxiety disorder
  • C) Panic disorder
  • D) Hypochondriasis
  • E) Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Correct Answer: D) Hypochondriasis

This patient’s presentation is consistent with hypochondriasis, which is now referred to as Illness Anxiety Disorder in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition). Individuals with Illness Anxiety Disorder are excessively preoccupied with the idea that they have a serious medical illness, despite having no or very mild physical symptoms. They often seek medical reassurance repeatedly and may undergo unnecessary medical tests and procedures. This preoccupation with health concerns causes significant distress and impairment in daily functioning.

Option A, Somatic symptom disorder, is characterized by multiple, distressing physical symptoms that may or may not have an underlying medical cause, but the focus is on the symptoms themselves rather than the belief of having a severe illness.

Options B, C, and E represent other anxiety disorders (Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) that may have somatic symptoms as part of their presentation, but they do not capture the specific preoccupation with having a severe illness seen in Illness Anxiety Disorder (Hypochondriasis).

Question 5002

A 34-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with a history of recurrent, dramatic, and seemingly life-threatening medical conditions. She has been hospitalized numerous times over the past year for various ailments, including gastrointestinal bleeding, seizures, and respiratory distress. However, her medical workup consistently fails to reveal any organic pathology. The patient appears calm and cooperative throughout her hospitalizations and often engages in conversations with healthcare providers about her medical history, which seems inconsistent and improbable. She frequently seeks out medical attention, even going to different hospitals, and has an extensive list of surgeries and procedures in her medical records. What is the most likely diagnosis for this patient’s behavior?

  • A) Munchausen syndrome by proxy
  • B) Hypochondriasis
  • C) Factitious disorder imposed on self (Munchausen syndrome)
  • D) Somatic symptom disorder
  • E) Conversion disorder

Correct Answer: C) Factitious disorder imposed on self (Munchausen syndrome)

This patient’s history and behavior are indicative of Factitious disorder imposed on self, commonly known as Munchausen syndrome. Individuals with Munchausen syndrome repeatedly seek medical attention by feigning or exaggerating physical or psychological symptoms. They often go to great lengths to fabricate illnesses or intentionally induce symptoms to elicit medical care.

In this case, the patient’s history of recurrent, dramatic, and seemingly life-threatening medical conditions without any organic pathology, along with her extensive hospitalizations and surgeries, is consistent with Munchausen syndrome.

It’s important to differentiate this from Munchausen syndrome by proxy (option A), where an individual fabricates symptoms or illness in another person, often a child, to gain attention or sympathy. Hypochondriasis (option B), somatic symptom disorder (option D), and conversion disorder (option E) are other psychiatric disorders, but they do not fully explain the pattern of behavior described in the case scenario.

Question 5003

A 45-year-old woman has been experiencing persistent low mood, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, and difficulty concentrating for the past six months. She has also had changes in appetite and sleep patterns, with significant weight loss. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

  • A) Major depressive disorder (MDD)
  • B) Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
  • C) Bipolar disorder
  • D) Schizophrenia
  • E) Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Answer: A) Major depressive disorder (MDD)

Explanation:
The patient’s presentation is consistent with major depressive disorder (MDD), which is characterized by persistent low mood, anhedonia (loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities), fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, impaired concentration, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, and significant weight changes.

These symptoms have been present for at least two weeks and represent a significant impairment in the patient’s daily functioning. While other mental health conditions may share some overlapping symptoms, MDD is the most likely diagnosis given the described clinical picture.

Question 5004

A 30-year-old individual has a history of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships. They frequently exhibit impulsive behaviors such as reckless driving and substance abuse. This individual has a chronic fear of abandonment and often engages in self-harming behaviors, such as cutting, when they feel overwhelmed. They frequently experience intense mood swings and have a poor sense of self-identity. What is the most likely diagnosis for this individual?

  • A) Histrionic Personality Disorder
  • B) Antisocial Personality Disorder
  • C) Narcissistic Personality Disorder
  • D) Borderline Personality Disorder
  • E) Avoidant Personality Disorder

Answer: D) Borderline Personality Disorder

Explanation:
The described behaviors, including unstable interpersonal relationships, impulsivity, fear of abandonment, self-harming behaviors, and intense mood swings, are characteristic features of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Individuals with BPD often struggle with emotional regulation and have a poor sense of self-identity, leading to the behaviors and symptoms described. While other personality disorders may share some overlapping traits, the most likely diagnosis in this case is Borderline Personality Disorder.”

Question 5005

A 25-year-old individual has been experiencing auditory hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and social withdrawal for the past several months. They believe that they have special powers and that they are being followed by government agents. The individual’s speech is often incoherent, and they have difficulty maintaining conversations. What is the most likely diagnosis for this individual?

  • A) Bipolar Disorder
  • B) Schizophrenia
  • C) Dissociative Identity Disorder
  • D) Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • E) Major Depressive Disorder

Answer: B) Schizophrenia

Explanation:
The described symptoms, including auditory hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and social withdrawal, are characteristic features of Schizophrenia. Individuals with schizophrenia often experience a significant impairment in their ability to think clearly, manage emotions, and relate to others. While other mental health conditions may have some overlapping symptoms, the most likely diagnosis in this case is Schizophrenia.

Question 5006

A 28-year-old male presents to a mental health clinic with a complaint of excessive fear and anxiety in social situations. He reports feeling intensely self-conscious, worrying about being embarrassed, and avoiding social events whenever possible. This has significantly impaired his ability to maintain relationships and participate in work-related activities. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

  • A) Major depressive disorder
  • B) Social phobia
  • C) Panic disorder
  • D) Generalized anxiety disorder
  • E) Bipolar disorder

Answer: B) Social phobia

Explanation:
This patient’s symptoms, including excessive fear and anxiety in social situations, intense self-consciousness, avoidance of social events, and the impairment of daily functioning, are characteristic of social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder.

Social phobia is characterized by a persistent fear of social or performance situations where embarrassment or scrutiny may occur. It can lead to significant distress and impairment in social and occupational functioning. Therefore, the most likely diagnosis in this case is social phobia (option B).

Question 5007

A 35-year-old combat veteran seeks psychiatric evaluation due to distressing symptoms following a traumatic event experienced during military service. He reports recurrent nightmares, flashbacks, and intense distress when exposed to reminders of the traumatic event. He also mentions hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, and avoidance of situations that trigger memories of the trauma. What is the most likely diagnosis?

  • A) Major depressive disorder
  • B) Generalized anxiety disorder
  • C) Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • D) Panic disorder
  • E) Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Answer: C) Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Explanation:
This patient’s symptoms, including nightmares, flashbacks, intense distress with reminders of the trauma, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, and avoidance of trauma-related stimuli, are indicative of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop following exposure to a traumatic event and is characterized by re-experiencing, avoidance, and increased arousal symptoms. In this case, the most likely diagnosis is PTSD (option C).

Question 5008

A 19-year-old female presents to her healthcare provider with a history of restricted food intake, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. She has experienced significant weight loss and amenorrhea. Physical examination reveals emaciation, lanugo hair, and brittle nails. She acknowledges that she is underweight but insists on continuing her restrictive eating behaviors. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

  • A) Bulimia nervosa
  • B) Binge-eating disorder
  • C) Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)
  • D) Orthorexia nervosa
  • E) Anorexia nervosa

Answer: E) Anorexia nervosa

Explanation:
This patient’s presentation, including restricted food intake, intense fear of weight gain, distorted body image, significant weight loss, amenorrhea, emaciation, lanugo hair, and brittle nails, is characteristic of anorexia nervosa.

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by a relentless pursuit of thinness, leading to severe weight loss and often accompanied by distorted body image and an intense fear of gaining weight. Despite being underweight and experiencing serious health consequences, individuals with anorexia nervosa typically maintain their restrictive eating behaviors. Therefore, the most likely diagnosis in this case is anorexia nervosa (option E).

Question 5009

A 28-year-old individual frequently seeks attention and is often described as dramatic and excessively emotional. They often wear provocative clothing and engage in seductive behavior to draw attention. This individual’s emotions seem shallow, and their relationships are often characterized by being fleeting and superficial. They tend to be easily influenced by others and are often perceived as insincere. What is the most likely diagnosis for this individual?

  • A) Histrionic Personality Disorder
  • B) Borderline Personality Disorder
  • C) Narcissistic Personality Disorder
  • D) Antisocial Personality Disorder
  • E) Dependent Personality Disorder

Answer: A) Histrionic Personality Disorder

Explanation:
The described behavior, characterized by seeking attention, dramatic emotions, provocative clothing, and superficial relationships, is indicative of Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD). Individuals with HPD often display a pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior. They are often uncomfortable when not the center of attention and are prone to impressionistic thinking and easily influenced by others. While other personality disorders may share some features, the described behavior aligns most closely with the diagnostic criteria for Histrionic Personality Disorder.

Question 5010

A 27-year-old individual presents with a sudden onset of elevated mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, and racing thoughts. During this period, they engage in risky behaviors such as excessive spending, reckless driving, and promiscuous sexual activity. They also report feeling extremely irritable and have difficulty concentrating. What is the most likely diagnosis?

  • A) Major depressive disorder
  • B) Generalized anxiety disorder
  • C) Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • D) Schizophrenia
  • E) Bipolar mania

Answer: E) Bipolar mania

Explanation:
This patient’s presentation, including elevated mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, impulsivity, and risky behaviors, is characteristic of a manic episode. When such episodes occur in the context of mood disturbances, the most likely diagnosis is bipolar disorder.

Bipolar mania is a key feature of this disorder, characterized by episodes of abnormally elevated mood and increased activity, often accompanied by poor judgment and impulsivity. Therefore, the most likely diagnosis in this case is bipolar mania (option E).

References

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