“Top 5 Psychiatry Questions Every USMLE Student Must Master”

 

USMLE Psychiatry High-Yield Exam

Time Left: 600 seconds

1. A 25-year-old man presents with auditory hallucinations and persecutory delusions for 8 months. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Schizophreniform disorder
B. Schizophrenia
C. Brief psychotic disorder
D. Delusional disorder

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Symptoms >6 months indicate schizophrenia. Schizophreniform is 1–6 months.

2. A patient has decreased need for sleep, grandiosity, and pressured speech for 10 days. Diagnosis?

A. Hypomania
B. Mania
C. Cyclothymia
D. Major depression

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Mania lasts ≥1 week or requires hospitalization.

3. First-line treatment for OCD?

A. Benzodiazepines
B. SSRIs
C. Antipsychotics
D. Lithium

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: SSRIs are first-line, along with CBT.

4. A trauma survivor has nightmares, flashbacks, and hypervigilance for 2 months. Diagnosis?

A. Acute stress disorder
B. PTSD
C. Adjustment disorder
D. GAD

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: PTSD is diagnosed when symptoms last >1 month.

5. Lithium toxicity presents with:

A. Constipation
B. Tremor and confusion
C. Hypertension
D. Bradycardia

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Lithium toxicity causes tremor, ataxia, confusion, and GI upset.