Schizophrenia & Psychotic Disorders

Which of the following best describes the nature of delusions?

A patient describes an unshakable belief that a famous celebrity is secretly communicating with them through coded messages in magazine articles. This is best described as which type of delusion?

Which of the following features differentiates a delusion from an idea of reference?

Which of the following is a key diagnostic criterion for delusional disorder?

Which of the following best describes a 'bizarre' delusion?

A patient presents with a persistent belief that they are infested with parasites, despite repeated negative medical tests. This is an example of what type of delusional disorder?

Which of the following is a first-line treatment for delusional disorder?

In the context of psychotic disorders, what is 'echopraxia'?

A patient abruptly stops mid-sentence during an interview, appearing unable to recall what they were saying. After a pause, they continue on a completely different topic. This is an example of:

A patient expresses the belief that their thoughts are being transmitted to others via radio waves. This is an example of:

Which of the following best describes 'concrete thinking'?

Which of the following sensory experiences is classified as a hallucination?

Which of the following is an example of a tactile hallucination?

Which of the following is characteristic of 'blunted affect'?

A patient with catatonia is placed in an unusual posture by the examiner. The patient maintains this position for an extended period. This is best described as:

Which of the following is a key feature of catatonia?

A patient with catatonia actively resists any attempts to be moved or spoken too. This is best described as:

What is the immediate priority when a patient presents with catatonia?

Which of the following medications is considered first-line for the treatment of catatonia?

If a patient's catatonia does not respond to benzodiazepines, what is the next recommended treatment?

In a patient presenting with psychosis, which of the following lab tests is most critical to rule out an underlying medical cause?

According to DSM-V criteria, what is the minimum duration of symptoms required for a diagnosis of brief psychotic disorder?

What is the most common outcome following an episode of brief psychotic disorder?

A 25-year-old presents with a one-week history of delusions and disorganized speech following a recent job loss. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Which of the following is an important component in the management of brief psychotic disorder?

Which of the following factors is associated with a more favorable prognosis in brief psychotic disorder?

Which of the following DSM-5 criteria distinguishes schizophreniform disorder from schizophrenia?

Which of the following is a strong predictor that schizophreniform disorder will progress to schizophrenia?

According to the DSM-5, what is the minimum duration of active-phase symptoms required for a diagnosis of schizophrenia?

A patient presents with a six-month history of social withdrawal, blunted affect, and odd beliefs, followed by one month of active psychosis. This is an example of:

Which of the following is a defining feature of schizoaffective disorder?

A patient meets the criteria for schizophrenia and also experiences major depressive episodes. At times, the patient has delusions and hallucinations even when they are not depressed. This combination of symptoms is most consistent with:

Compared to schizophrenia, what is a key diagnostic criteria of schizoaffective disorder?

Which factor is most closely associated with schizophrenia?

A patient's fMRI shows increased activity in the superior temporal lobe gyrus and limbic regions. What symptom is most commonly associated with this pathology?

When providing education to a patient recently diagnosed with schizophrenia, what should be included?

How is treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) defined?

A provider is counseling a patient's family about why they should take their medication. What should education include?

A patient with schizophrenia, is also a heavy smoker. What antipsychotic substrates are affected by smoking?

Which of the following is the most commonly prescribed medication for acute psychosis?

Second-generation antipsychotics are often favored over first-generation antipsychotics due to which of the following reasons?

A patient experienced the following symptoms: fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic instability. Which choice best manages Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome?

A 27 year old male is being worked up for suspected psychosis. During the history and physical, he has the sudden onset of contraction of the the muscles in his neck. What of the following would be considered the best treatment?

A first-generation antipsychotic, is primarily associated with primarily with extrapyramidal side effects extrapyramidal side effects. What is it?

Your patient suddenly passes away from prolonged QTC. What medication is likely to blame?

Which of the following is an example of a 'fixed' delusion?

A patient states, 'I'm going to be the best PA and fix healthcare,' and displays an inflated sense of self-importance. This most closely aligns with which type of delusion?

A patient being worked up for psychosis, states that a popular radio DJ is secretly in love with them. This is an example of which type of delusion?

A patient reports believing their neighbor is poisoning their water supply, but has no real evidence, and wants the medical staff to call the police. This is an example of what?

Which of the following is the most important to consider when trying to distinguish a delusion from an idea of reference?

Which thought process is characterized by an interpretation of outside events as having direct reference to oneself?

Which statement best describes the ability to change an 'idea of reference'?

Which symptom is considered a 'positive' symptom of psychosis?

Compared to positive symptoms of psychosis, what is likely about negative symptoms?

What is the term for disturbances in behavior or feelings?

Which of the following best describes 'echopraxia'?

A patient reports that their thoughts are being taken out of their head. What is this an example of?

Which statement describes a possible cause of thought withdrawal?

What is the term when an individual believes that their thoughts can be heard by others?

A patient is asked, 'What brought you to the hospital today?' and they respond, 'Well, the sky is blue, and I like blue, blue is the color of the ocean, I like fish, fish have gills, gills help them swim'. What is this an example of?

A patient is asked what 'people in glass houses shouldn't do'. Which response reflects 'concrete thinking'?

A patient reports hearing voices when no one is around. What is this experiencing?

A patient sits stiffly with a fixed gaze, largely unresponsive to their environment. This best describes:

What needs to be ruled out first in order to proceed with a diagnosis of catatonia?

What is the first-line treatment for catatonia?

A patient presents with one day of delusions and hallucinations then returns to normal. The patient is diagnosed with 'Brief Psychotic Disorder'. According to the DSM-5, what is the maximum duration of symptoms for this condition?

Which symptom needs to present to merit a diagnosis of Brief Psychotic Disorder?

What is a key component in the treatment of brief psychotic disorder?

A patient has a good job and strong support system when they experience a short psychotic break. What is this indicative of?

Schizophreniform disorder differs from schizophrenia based on what key factor?

A patient has been experiencing symptoms of psychosis for 4 months, but otherwise meets the criteria for schizophrenia. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Of patients diagnosed with schizophreniform disorder, what is a likely outcome?

At least how long must active-phase symptoms persist to diagnose a patient with Schizophrenia?

All of these phases exist in schizophrenia EXCEPT:

If a patient has improved to a point that they are similar to the prodromal phase, they have entered what stage?

To sufficiently meet major diagnostic criteria for Schizophrenia, periods of prodromal, active, and/or residual symptoms need to persist for at least how long?

A patient demonstrates symptoms of schizophrenia and a mood disorder. At what point MUST delusions or hallucinations occur to diagnose the patient with schizoaffective disorder?

To merit a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, symptoms of schizophrenia need to be present with:

Which of the following neurotransmitters would be directly affected by an antipsychotic?

Which structural brain abnormality is associated with schizophrenia?

If a patient has higher dopamine receptors, but grey matter loss, what might they be diagnosed with?

What is the estimated percentage of homeless people who have schizophrenia?

When does the first episode of psychosis usually present?

A patient with schizophrenia, is also a heavy smoker. This is most likely to affect which medication?

First-generation antipsychotics primarily block D2 receptors in the brain. What is a common side effect due to this action?

Which feature is highly associated with second-generation antipsychotics?

The official PANCE answer to treating the majority of the symptoms of psychosis is:

A patient with psychosis, is also a heavy smoker. What antipsychotic substrates is affected by smoking?

According to studies, approximately what percentage of patients are still living 10 years after being diagnosed with schizophrenia?

Which of the following is an example of a delusion with 'bizarre' content?

A patient receiving risperidone reports galactorrhea. Which action is most appropriate?

Which extrapyramidal side effect (EPS) typically presents within hours of antipsychotic administration?

A patient presents exhibiting restlessness and an inability to sit still after starting haloperidol. This is MOST likely:

Which of the following symptoms is MOST indicative of the prodromal phase of schizophrenia?

What is the MOST appropriate question to ask when initially evaluating the possibility of thought broadcasting?

Why is quetiapine often favored over first-generation antipsychotics?

To meet diagnostic criteria for schizoaffective disorder, what criteria must be met?

What is the MOST critical step when a patient presents with signs and symptoms of catatonia?

If a patient has not had any symptoms before, enters the active phase of schizophrenia and is treated. After they enter the residual phase, how will this patient experience this stage of the illness?

For a diagnosis of delusional disorder, how long must a patient have delusions to meet diagnostic criteria?

What is the name of an injectable antipsychotic that has a notable side effect of post-injection delirium/sedation syndrome?

A clinician is evaluating a patient with suspected body dysmorphic disorder. The patient spends hours each day examining their skin for imperfections, but they are insistent there are parasites eating them. What type of delusion might the patient be experiencing?

Why is it MOST important to determine substance use for individuals being worked up for psychosis?

According to the "25% rule", what percentage of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia are expected to recover (but not cured) after 10 years:

You are treating a patient on chlorpromazine. Which side effects would warrant discontinuing use?

A patient displays a long history with schizophrenia. Testing results show a lesion in the superior temporal lobe and the limbic regions of the brain. Which symptom BEST correlates this brain abnormality?

You are working in an ER and administer ziprasidone to a hallucinating patient. What should the care team expect?

What is the MOST important reason for health practitoners to educate their patients about antipsychotic medication?

What lab needs to be tested and followed carefully in patients taking clozapine?

A patient presents with a long-standing pattern of social detachment and a preference for solitary activities. They express no desire for close relationships and appear indifferent to both praise and criticism. Which personality disorder is most consistent with this presentation?

A 23-year-old patient exhibits eccentric behavior, including odd speech patterns and unusual beliefs, such as thinking their thoughts can influence the weather. They report discomfort in social situations and have few close friends. These symptoms are most indicative of which personality disorder?

A 30-year-old patient experienced a sudden onset of delusions and hallucinations following the unexpected death of a parent. These psychotic symptoms lasted for three weeks, after which the patient returned to their baseline functioning. According to DSM-5 criteria, which diagnosis is most appropriate?

A patient has been experiencing persistent delusions and auditory hallucinations along with negative symptoms such as flattened affect and social withdrawal for five months. These symptoms have caused significant functional impairment. Which of the following diagnoses is most likely?

What is the minimum duration of active-phase symptoms required for a diagnosis of schizophrenia according to DSM-5 criteria?

Which of the following is considered a 'positive symptom' of schizophrenia?

A patient presents with symptoms meeting criteria for schizophrenia, and also exhibits periods of major depression and mania. To diagnose schizoaffective disorder, a crucial criterion is that:

Which class of medications is typically considered first-line for the treatment of schizophrenia?

Which therapeutic approach is often used in conjunction with medication to manage schizophrenia and improve patient outcomes?

A patient with schizoaffective disorder is experiencing both psychotic and depressive symptoms. Which of the following medication classes is LEAST likely to be used as a primary treatment?

A patient presents with a long-standing pattern of social detachment and expresses little desire for close relationships, preferring solitary activities. They appear indifferent to both praise and criticism and report experiencing general anhedonia. Which personality disorder is most consistent with this presentation?

A young adult is described as having peculiar dress and speech, social awkwardness, and odd beliefs, including magical thinking. They express a desire for friendships but struggle with social skills and often make statements such as, 'It rained because I didn't have my umbrella.' Which personality disorder is most likely?

A patient experiences a sudden onset of psychotic symptoms, including delusions and hallucinations, following the unexpected loss of a loved one. These symptoms resolve completely within two weeks, and the patient returns to their previous level of functioning. According to DSM-5 criteria, which diagnosis is most appropriate?

A patient has been experiencing symptoms of psychosis, including hallucinations and disorganized thinking, for four months. These symptoms cause significant impairment in their social and occupational functioning. Which diagnosis is most consistent with these features?

According to DSM-5 criteria, what is the minimum duration of active-phase symptoms required for a diagnosis of schizophrenia?

Which of the following is a primary treatment modality for schizophrenia?

A patient is diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. Which of the following symptom combinations is essential for this diagnosis?

What is a key difference in the treatment approach between schizoid personality disorder and schizophrenia?

Which of the following is the MOST appropriate initial treatment for a patient experiencing a brief psychotic episode?

A patient is being treated for schizoaffective disorder with aripiprazole. Which of the following additional medication classes is MOST likely to be used in conjunction with aripiprazole for this condition?

A patient insists that a major TV network stole his lung without surgery. He has no scars or wounds. This belief is best described as:

A patient has symptoms including delusions and hallucinations lasting continuously for 2 months. Which diagnosis aligns best according to DSM-5-TR criteria?

Which treatment is considered first-line therapy for catatonia associated with psychosis?

A patient has schizophrenia and consistently mimics movements and gestures of others around him. This behavior is best described as:

Which antipsychotic medication requires careful monitoring due to a significant risk of agranulocytosis?

A patient experiencing involuntary, repetitive facial movements and tongue protrusions after long-term antipsychotic use is exhibiting symptoms of:

A psychotic patient believes his private thoughts can be heard by those around him. Which term best describes this symptom?

A patient presents with sudden onset psychosis following significant personal stress, lasting three weeks, and fully resolves afterward. The correct diagnosis is likely:

Which neurotransmitter is primarily implicated in the positive symptoms of schizophrenia?

A patient with schizophrenia exhibits flat affect, social withdrawal, and lack of motivation. These are categorized as:

A young adult with schizophrenia undergoes imaging revealing ventricular enlargement and loss of grey matter. This finding aligns with which aspect of schizophrenia pathophysiology?

Which side effect of antipsychotic medications presents with high fever, rigidity, confusion, and requires immediate medical attention?

Which condition is defined by schizophrenia symptoms co-occurring with mood episodes, yet psychosis persists for at least two weeks without mood symptoms?

Treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) is defined as inadequate symptom relief despite trials of at least how many antipsychotic medications?

When starting an antipsychotic medication, which laboratory test is particularly important to monitor due to the risk of metabolic syndrome?

A patient reports suddenly losing thoughts mid-sentence, later resuming without explanation. This psychotic speech pattern is called:

A patient experiencing a sensation of bugs crawling beneath their skin as part of their belief of infestation is demonstrating:

A man firmly believes random news broadcasts contain hidden messages specifically meant for him. This belief exemplifies:

For a diagnosis of schizophrenia, DSM-5-TR criteria specify symptom duration (prodromal, active, or residual phases combined) of at least:

A patient exhibits painful sustained muscle contractions shortly after receiving haloperidol (Haldol). Which extrapyramidal symptom is this?

A 23-year-old patient exhibits rapid pacing, constant shifting from one foot to the other, and reports severe internal restlessness after starting an antipsychotic. The most likely diagnosis is:

Which second-generation antipsychotic medication is noted for the lowest risk of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) but highest risk for agranulocytosis?

Which of the following statements best describes "negative symptoms" of schizophrenia?

A patient with schizophrenia presenting with waxy flexibility, mutism, and rigid posturing likely has:

A psychotic disorder with symptoms lasting exactly three weeks followed by complete remission aligns best with:

Which antipsychotic medication is associated with substantial sedation, often requiring periodic eye examinations due to increased risk of cataracts?

A patient with schizophrenia frequently experiences sudden changes in topics, providing irrelevant answers to questions. This symptom of disorganized speech is best described as:

A psychotic patient claims aliens control his thoughts by placing foreign ideas in his head. This delusion is specifically known as:

The primary neurotransmitter implicated in schizophrenia's positive symptoms is dopamine. Antipsychotic medications function primarily by:

A 25-year-old with schizophrenia attempts suicide, highlighting a key risk factor associated with schizophrenia. Approximately what percentage of individuals with schizophrenia eventually die by suicide?

A young adult displays a strong preference for solitary activities, minimal interest in intimacy or close relationships, and general indifference to praise or criticism. These personality traits are characteristic of which disorder?

A patient presents with odd dress, socially awkward behavior, and expresses peculiar beliefs such as "I caused it to rain because I forgot my umbrella." This clinical presentation aligns most closely with which personality disorder?

A patient experiences abrupt psychosis immediately following a significant social stressor and completely recovers within three weeks. According to DSM-5-TR, the best fitting diagnosis is:

Which of the following statements accurately distinguishes Schizophreniform Disorder from Schizophrenia based on symptom duration?

A patient with Schizoaffective Disorder experiences psychotic symptoms alongside which additional clinical features?

Treatment recommendations for Schizoaffective Disorder typically include antipsychotics such as:

What psychotherapy approach is recommended for Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorders, although patients rarely seek treatment voluntarily?

Negative symptoms in schizophrenia are described by the "5 A's," which include alogia, anhedonia, avolition, asociality, and:

For a diagnosis of schizophrenia, DSM-5-TR criteria specify that continuous symptoms must persist for at least how long?

A key distinguishing factor between Schizotypal Personality Disorder and Schizoid Personality Disorder is:

Following the sudden death of a family member, a previously healthy adult develops abrupt psychosis that resolves completely within 3 weeks. What is the most accurate diagnosis?

Schizophreniform Disorder is best differentiated from schizophrenia by which characteristic?

Which personality disorder from the schizophrenia spectrum is characterized specifically by magical thinking, strange beliefs, and peculiar speech patterns?

Which disorder includes mood disturbances such as depressive or manic episodes occurring concurrently with schizophrenia symptoms?

For patients with schizotypal and schizoid personality disorders, what therapeutic approaches are commonly recommended, despite these patients rarely seeking help?

What medication options are most appropriate for a patient diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, combining psychosis with mood disorder symptoms?

A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia experiences hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thoughts, and limited emotional expression for eight months. Which initial medication class is most appropriate?

Patients with brief psychotic episodes commonly receive antipsychotics and benzodiazepines during treatment. What additional intervention is crucial to prevent recurrence?