Deck 6: Minding Your Mental Health

Question 1

A 22-year-old female first-year college student reports waking in the middle of the night with a pounding heart, hot flashes, a smothering sensation, and intense nausea. The attack came suddenly and unexpectedly, was not in reaction to a nightmare, and the symptoms subsided within a few minutes. Over the last few months, she is feeling more anxious and has experienced similar episodes each week at varying levels of intensity. She is worried that she might be on the verge of a "nervous breakdown" and admits to being overly aware of her "fast breathing and heart rate." Which of the following would be the most likely diagnosis?

A) Panic disorder
B) Generalized anxiety disorder
C) Posttraumatic stress disorder
D) Borderline personality disorder

Answer 1

A

Question 2

A 35-year-old male combat veteran presents with symptoms of poor sleep, crying episodes, flashbacks, and nightmares. He also reports his marriage and friendships have been suffering, in addition to poor work performance. When in a bad mood, he tends to smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol. He has tried to overcome these symptoms on his own, but has been largely unsuccessful and now recognizes the need for professional help. He speaks openly about his experiences and recognizes a direct connection between his combat exposure and current symptoms. Which of the following would be the most likely diagnosis?

A) Panic disorder
B) Obsessive compulsive disorder
C) Autism spectrum disorder
D) Posttraumatic stress disorder

Answer 2

D

Question 3

A 30-year-old married male feels hopeless and worthless most of the time. He experiences frequent, intrusive thoughts that he is not good enough, despite personal and professional successes. He tries to overcompensate for his thoughts by taking on more than he can handle, which leads to failure and furthers his feelings of inadequacy. He is exhausted all the time, has trouble sleeping and concentrating, and has lost weight over the past few months; food just doesn't taste as good as it used to. His wife suggests that he seek help after finding him crying. Which of the following would be the most likely diagnosis?

A) Obsessive compulsive disorder
B) Generalized anxiety disorder
C) Depression
D) Bipolar disorder

Answer 3

C

Question 4

A 32-year-old nurse presents to her primary care provider complaining of frequent headaches, irritable bowel, insomnia, and depressed mood. She currently takes no medication and has no history of substance abuse or major medical problems beyond treatment for a single depressive episode when she was a college freshman. Her physical exam, routine labs, and brain CT are all within normal limits. Her family history is notable for several ancestors who have been affected by psychiatric illness, including depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Her paternal grandfather and a maternal aunt committed suicide. She has had three prior episodes of several weeks' duration characterized by insubordinate behavior at work, irritability, high energy, and decreased need for sleep. She regrets impulsive sexual and financial decisions that she took during these episodes, and has recently filed for personal bankruptcy. For the past month her mood has been persistently low, and she has had reductions in sleep, appetite, energy, and concentration, with some passive thoughts of suicide. Which of the following would be the most likely diagnosis?

A) Bipolar disorder
B) Schizophrenia
C) Borderline personality disorder
D) Depression

Question 5

A 45-year-old woman presents describing obsessive concerns that she has harmed or will accidentally harm someone. Her most debilitating symptoms occur in the context of driving. She reports being troubled by obsessions and compulsions for approximately 4 hours each day. When she drives over a pothole or speed bump, she experiences overwhelming uncertainty about whether she may have accidentally run over a child. In an attempt to ease the anxiety she drives back and forth on her street in order to search for any indication that a child has been injured. When she completes these compulsions, she returns to her home and engages in checking compulsions for any evidence of blood or clothing under her car or on her tires. She then calls her husband repeatedly at work to ask for reassurance that she has not harmed anyone. Although she is aware that her concerns are irrational, she finds it very difficult to resist her impulses to engage in these rituals. Which of the following would be the most likely diagnosis?

A) Autism spectrum disorder
B) Obsessive compulsive disorder
C) Generalized anxiety disorder
D) Posttraumatic stress disorder

Question 6

A 15-year-old girl, accompanied by her mother, presents to her primary care physician complaining of fatigue and sleeplessness for 6 months' duration. The doctor notes that the patient is quite petite and is wearing an oversized, baggy dress. Few physical signs are found. During the exam the patient mentions how fat she has become. She is weighed and is found to be 88% of the minimum weight requirements for her age and height. Her mother is concerned as her daughter has been eating little and exercising daily, and seems disinterested in her friends. Which of the following would be the most likely diagnosis?

A) Body dysmorphic disorder
B) Depression
C) Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
D) Anorexia nervosa

Question 7

Psychologists are permitted to prescribe medication.

Question 8

Mental illness can be caused or exacerbated by a combination of genetic predisposition, social factors, and the environment.

Question 9

Some people may not require medication to manage their mental health symptoms.

Question 10

Treating ADHD with stimulants will cause the patient to become hyperactive.