Mental Health & Psychiatry: NCK Exam Questions & Revision

Which is a positive symptom of schizophrenia?

• A. Low mood
• B. Auditory hallucinations
• C. Excessive worry
• D. Flashbacks

Why: Positive symptoms of schizophrenia include hallucinations (often auditory) and delusions.

The priority when caring for a patient expressing suicidal thoughts is to:

• A. Leave them alone to rest
• B. Ensure safety and provide close observation
• C. Discharge them quickly
• D. Avoid discussing the topic

Why: Patient safety is the immediate priority. Maintain close observation, remove means of harm, and never leave a high-risk patient alone.

Which therapeutic approach focuses on changing negative thought patterns to improve emotional well-being?

• A. Is a psychoanalytic approach of therapy
• B. Assumes behavior is secondary to one’s way of thinking
• C. It helps correct behaviors associated with childhood experiences
• D. Makes a person highly suggestible to the therapist’s commands

Why: The therapeutic approach that focuses on changing negative thought patterns to improve emotional well-being is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT assumes that behavior is secondary to one’s way of thinking, meaning that by changing negative thought patterns, one can alter their emotional responses and behaviors. Option a refers to psychoanalysis, which focuses on unconscious processes. Option c is more aligned with psychodynamic therapy, which explores childhood experiences. Option d describes hypnosis, which is not primarily about changing thought patterns.

What is the clinical definition of dysthymia as a mood disorder?

• A. Is a less severe form of chronic depression
• B. Is diagnosed when a client has had a depressed mood for more than 3 yrs
• C. Is best managed using ECT
• D. Is treated using psychoanalysis and group therapy

Why: Dysthymia, also known as Persistent Depressive Disorder, is characterized by a chronic form of depression that is less severe than major depressive disorder. It involves a depressed mood for most of the day, for more days than not, for at least two years. Option b is incorrect because the duration for diagnosis is two years, not three. ECT (option c) is typically reserved for more severe forms of depression, and while psychotherapy (option d) can be part of the treatment, psychoanalysis is not specifically indicated for dysthymia.

In narcissistic personality disorder, there is a consistent pattern of:

• A. Social discomfort fear of negative evaluation and timidity.
• B. Grandiosity lack of empathy and hypersensitivity to evaluation by others.
• C. Dependence and submissive behaviour beginning by early adulthood.
• D. Indifference to social relationships and restricted range of emotional experience and expression.

Why: Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by a pattern of grandiosity, a lack of empathy for others, and a need for admiration. Individuals with this disorder often have an inflated sense of their own importance and a deep need for excessive attention and admiration. They are also hypersensitive to criticism or evaluation by others. Option a describes social anxiety disorder, option c describes dependent personality disorder, and option d describes schizoid personality disorder.

What is the most effective treatment option for a preschool-aged child who has experienced physical and sexual abuse?

• A. Play therapy.
• B. Psychodrama.
• C. Group therapy.
• D. Family therapy.

Why: Play therapy is particularly effective for preschool-aged children as it allows them to express their feelings and experiences in a safe and non-threatening environment. It uses play as a medium for communication, which is more natural for young children than verbal expression. Psychodrama, group therapy, and family therapy may not be as suitable for this age group, as they require more cognitive and emotional maturity to engage effectively.