HY NBME Psych Review: Some MS4

HY NBME Psych Review
Some MS4
Introduction
-For the psych shelf, a key skill is the ability to parse out diagnoses that all have similar
characteristics but have one or more unique differences. Read Qs carefully.
-The big “skill” required is an ability to recognize a diagnosis by paying attention to a

particular “cluster” of sxs and “buzzwords”.
-Timelines are extremely important in psychiatry in addition to “counting symptoms”.
-Psych pharm is extremely HY for the shelf.
-Psych is best learnt in the context of clinical scenarios.
-This slide set has a 50-50 split of questions and aftermath slides detailing tons of HY
information. It should be relatively quick to go through.
Q1A
A 23 yo business major (Patient A) who was a previous straight A student has surprised his
friends over the last 7 months with consistent Ds in all his classes. He has stopped hanging out
with his friends and prefers to live alone in his dorm room free of distractions. He was taken to
the ED by some concerned friends. During the H&P, he informs the medical student that he has
been given secret messages through a daily podcast regarding plots by some spies to infiltrate the
Med19 Special Forces. He believes some aliens from Mars are driving to his apartment with a
scheduled arrival 3 days from now. A urine drug screen and brain imaging are negative. What is
the next best step in the management of this patient?
a. Begin Lorazepam.
b. Begin Clozapine.
c. Begin Risperidone.
d. Begin Escitalopram.
e. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Q1A Key
-The most likely diagnosis here is schizophrenia. The best answer is C.
-Time frames are extremely important in psychiatry. Sxs must have been present for > 6 mo to dx
schizophrenia.
-Schizophrenia is treated with neuroleptics.
-In general, atypical neuroleptics (which present with a reduced risk of EPS) are started first
before typical neuroleptics like Haloperidol. Clozapine is an atypical neuroleptic but the risk of
agranulocytosis is massive so this is not typically a first line drug.
-Schizophrenia is typically characterized by (at least 2 of these sxs) delusions (super irrational
beliefs), auditory hallucinations (hearing voices), disorganized speech (all +ve sxs) AND negative
sxs like social withdrawal and a flat affect.
Q1B
A 45 yo F is brought to the ED by concerned family members who recently noticed
repetitive stereotypical movements of the patient’s tongue. She has no other
symptoms. She has a long history of schizophrenia that has been well controlled with
Haloperidol. What is the next best step in the management of this patient?
a. Decrease the dose of haloperidol.

b. Change her medication to Clozapine.
c. Change her medication to fluphenazine.
d. Increase the dose of haloperidol.
e. Discontinue haloperidol and try electroconvulsive therapy.
f. Change her medication to Aripiprazole.
Q1B Key
-The best answer here is F. This patient is experiencing tardive dyskinesia. The next
best step in management (NBSIM) is to stop haloperidol (typical antipsychotic,
nigrostriatal EPS effects) and introduce an atypical agent (Aripiprazole).
-Clozapine is an atypical agent but it has some pretty nasty side effects
(agranulocytosis), so it is not the first line atypical agent. It is also HY to know that this
is the only antipsychotic shown to decrease the risk of suicide in schizophrenia.
-For the atypicals, their blockade of DA receptors helps with treating the +ve sxs of
SCZ (mesolimbic pathway blockade). Their antagonism of 5HT receptors increases
DA release in the mesocortical pathway which helps treat the -ve sxs of SCZ.
-It is HY to know certain key associations wrt to atypical antipsychotic side effects
(SEs) for the purpose of your test. They are detailed in a coming slide.
Q1C
What is the best diagnosis that matches the following info cluster?
-Fixed, false beliefs despite evidence to the contrary.
-Hearing voices.
-Disorganized speech.
-Symptoms like social withdrawal, anhedonia, “being speechless”, flat affect, avolition.
-Disorganized behavior.
-Symptoms lasting > 6 mo.

Q1C Key
What is the best diagnosis that matches the following info cluster?
-Fixed, false beliefs despite evidence to the contrary (delusions).
-Hearing voices (perception of something that is not there).
-Disorganized speech.
-Symptoms like social withdrawal, anhedonia, “being speechless”, flat affect, avolition
(-ve sxs).
-Disorganized behavior.
-Symptoms lasting > 6 mo.
Schizophrenia. You need 2 of the above 5 sxs for > 6 mo to make the dx.
Q1 Key contd.
-Schizophreniform disorder is “SCZ like” but the symptoms have to be around for < 6
mo.
-Brief Psychotic Disorder is also similar but the sxs have to be around for < 1 mo.
-Schizotypal personality disorder is another similar sounding one that should not trip
you up on a test. These are individuals that have weird beliefs (like thinking that a
crystal ball in their possession controls the rising and setting of the sun). They may
also dress in relatively weird ways.
-It is also HY to know what constitutes positive and negative sxs of SCZ. They may
give you a list of sxs and expect you to pick which is which.
-An example of a delusion is believing you are President Obama. An example of a

hallucination is hearing President Obama giving you instructions to save the world.
Q1 Key contd.
-Schizoaffective disorder revolves around having SCZ+. The + here describes the
presence of another “mood disorder” like bipolar disorder with concomitant mania,
depression, etc. The predominant sx here is SCZ. The “mood” disorder on exams often
happens at the exact same time or in very close proximity to the SCZ. As a
generalization, the mood disorder should not happen on its own “in isolation”.
Q1 Key contd.
-Clozapine is associated with agranulocytosis (decreased WBC).
-Quetiapine causes cataracts (regular slit lamp exams needed).
-Ziprasidone has the strongest association with QT interval prolongation.
-Risperidone has the strongest association with hyperprolactinemia

(tuberoinfundibular pathway blockade).
-Aripiprazole is classically regarded as an antagonist at DA receptors. However, it’s

true MOA is as a partial agonist at DA receptors.
-Olanzapine has a strong association with the metabolic syndrome (elevated HbA1C,
abnormal lipid studies, severe weight gain) in a patient recently placed on an
antipsychotic.
Q2
-Assuming Patient 1A had symptoms over the last 3 months, what would the diagnosis be?
-What is the diagnosis if Patient 1A had symptoms over the past 7 months and then presented 3
weeks later with sxs consistent with pressured speech, increased goal directed activity, feelings of
grandiosity, and a decreased need for sleep?
-What is the diagnosis if Patient 1A had symptoms that began over the past 3 weeks?
-A 25 yo art major gets straight As in all his classes. He has worked in the school cafeteria for the
past 8 months and has an excellent relationship with his peers. He believes that a crystal ball he
purchased at a farmer’s market guides the onset of sunrise and sunset. What is your diagnosis?
-A 23 yo computer science major loves to work in dark rooms w/o distractions. He lives in a
mobile home on a small plot he carved out in the forest. He enjoys working alone in his home and
hates having to participate in group projects with his classmates. What is the diagnosis?
Q2 Key
-Assuming Patient 1A had symptoms over the last 3 months, what would the diagnosis
be-Schizophreniform disorder (< 6 months of SCZ sxs but > 1 mo).
-What is the diagnosis if Patient 1A had symptoms over the past 7 months and then presented 3 weeks
later with sxs consistent with pressured speech, increased goal directed activity, feelings of grandiosity,
and a decreased need for sleep-Schizoaffective disorder (mood disorder + SCZ).
-What is the diagnosis if Patient 1A had symptoms that began over the past 3 weeks-Brief Psychotic
Disorder.
-A 25 yo art major gets straight As in all his classes. He has worked in the school cafeteria for the past 8
months and has an excellent relationship with his peers. He believes that a crystal ball he purchased at a
farmer’s market guides the onset of sunrise and sunset. What is your diagnosis-Schizotypal PD.
-A 23 yo computer science major loves to work in dark rooms w/o distractions. He lives in a mobile
home on a small plot he carved out in the forest. He enjoys working alone in his home and hates having
to participate in group projects with his classmates. What is the diagnosis-Schizoid PD.
Q3
Match the description to the most likely offending medication;
Promotes weight loss, no sexual dysfunction, smoking cessation
Long half life prevents withdrawal with discontinuation
Raises BP, inhibits NE and Serotonin reuptake
Hypertensive emergency with aged cheese consumption
Significant anticholinergic side effects
Triggers seizures in people with eating disorders
Man with SCZ develops gynecomastia
Woman with SCZ goes from a BMI of 18 to 33
Highest risk of extrapyramidal side effects
WBC plummets to 200 cells 2 weeks after beginning SCZ tx
2 weeks after starting Fluphenazine (a high potency antipsychotic), a 23 yo M presents
with tachycardia, T of 106 F, severe muscle rigidity, and a CBC demonstrating an
elevated WBC and a creatine kinase of 70, 000. What is your dx?
Q3 Key
Match the description to the most likely offending medication;
Promotes weight loss, no sexual dysfunction, smoking cessation-Bupropion.
Long half life prevents withdrawal with discontinuation-Fluoxetine.
Raises BP, inhibits NE and Serotonin reuptake-Venlafaxine.
Hypertensive emergency with aged cheese consumption-MAOIs.
Significant anticholinergic side effects-TCAs.
Triggers seizures in people with eating disorders-Bupropion.
Man with SCZ develops gynecomastia-Risperidone (hyperprolactinemia).
Woman with SCZ goes from a BMI of 18 to 33-Olanzapine (atypical antipsychotic).
Highest risk of extrapyramidal side effects-Haloperidol.
WBC plummets to 200 cells 2 weeks after beginning SCZ tx-Clozapine.
2 weeks after starting Fluphenazine (a high potency antipsychotic), a 23 yo M presents
with tachycardia, T of 106 F, severe muscle rigidity, and a CBC demonstrating an
elevated WBC and a creatine kinase of 70, 000. What is your dx?-Neuroleptic
Malignant Syndrome (consider Dantrolene, Bromocriptine, and cooling blankets).
Q4
Match the example given to the most likely personality disorder.
23 yo M is arrested for theft and vandalism. He shows no signs of remorse. He set his
neighbor’s home ablaze when he was 15 and was occasionally found striking their dog
with a stick.
A medical student pays meticulous attention to his notes. He handwrites everything

with a certain font and makes liberal use of “white-outs” to avoid errors in his work.
He spends at least 15 hrs handwriting his notes on a daily basis. He has done really well
in school but has no time for outside activities.
A 27 yo F is found in her dorm room crying hysterically about a recent breakup. She is
in distress over how her groceries and yearly taxes will be taken care of now her
boyfriend is gone. He always took the “big decisions” at home.
Q4 contd.
Patient X comes for a doc’s appointment. Patient X has been making suggestive
remarks to a few of the patients waiting for their own appointments. Patient X is
“dressed to kill”.
Mr. Y is waiting in line at Walmart. There are 15 people in front of him. He walks to
the front of the line and screams at the cashier for taking too much of his time.
A Med20 student believes his classmates are conspiring to bring him down. He set up
cameras around his apartment to “catch classmates in the act”. He has so far scored in
the 80th percentile on all his med school exams.
Q4 contd.
Mrs. Y decides to stay home from a 929 pregame. She would love to go but is afraid of
seeming awkward to her other colleagues.
Mrs. Z storms out of the exam room screaming that you are the worst doctor in the
world. She was recently treated in the ED for lacerations around her wrist after a
recent breakup.
Q4 Key
23 yo M is arrested for theft and vandalism. He shows no signs of remorse. He set his
neighbor’s home ablaze when he was 15 and was occasionally found striking their dog
with a stick-Antisocial PD.
A medical student pays meticulous attention to his notes. He handwrites everything

with a certain font and makes liberal use of “white-outs” to avoid errors in his work.
He spends at least 15 hrs handwriting his notes on a daily basis. He has done really well
in school but has no time for outside activities-Obsessive-Compulsive PD.
A 27 yo F is found in her dorm room crying hysterically about a recent breakup. She is
in distress over how her groceries and yearly taxes will be taken care of now her
boyfriend is gone. He always took the “big decisions” at home-Dependent PD.
Q4 Key contd.
Patient X comes for a doc’s appointment. Patient X has been making suggestive
remarks to a few of the patients waiting for their own appointments. Patient X is
“dressed to kill”-Histrionic PD.
Mr. Y is waiting in line at Walmart. There are 15 people in front of him. He walks to
the front of the line and screams at the cashier for taking too much of his
time-Narcissistic PD.
A Med19 student believes his classmates are conspiring to bring him down. He set up
cameras around his apartment to “catch classmates in the act”. He has so far scored in
the 80th percentile on all his med school exams-Paranoid PD.
Q4 Key contd.
Mrs. Y decides to stay home from a 929 pregame. She would love to go but is afraid of
seeming awkward to her other colleagues-Avoidant PD.
Mrs. Z storms out of the exam room screaming that you are the worst doctor in the
world. She was recently treated in the ED for lacerations around her wrist after a
recent breakup-Borderline PD.
Note that OCD is ego-dystonic (patient realizes that what they are doing is irrational).
Contrast with OCPD which is ego-syntonic (patient does not see anything wrong in
what they are doing).
Q5
A 34 yo business executive receives a recent diagnosis of schizophrenia. 2 days after
discharge from the hospital he is rushed to the ED by family members who are
concerned about a new onset of repetitive “circular” motions of his forearm. What is
the most likely diagnosis?
Assuming the patient presented with a constant urge to move with consistent pacing
around the room, what is the most likely diagnosis?
Many years after treatment, the same patient consistently has multiple, rapid, rhythmic
movements of his tongue. What is the most likely diagnosis?
What would your diagnosis be if the patient presented with ataxia, bradykinesia, and
“stiff extremities” on exam? His temp is 97.8 F.
Q5 Key
A 34 yo business executive receives a recent diagnosis of schizophrenia. 2 days after
discharge from the hospital he is rushed to the ED by family members who are
concerned about a new onset of repetitive “circular” motions of his forearm. What is
the most likely diagnosis-Acute Dystonia (benztropine, diphenhydramine).
Assuming the patient presented with a constant urge to move with consistent pacing
around the room, what is the most likely diagnosis-Akathisia (propranolol).
Many years after treatment, the same patient consistently has multiple, rapid, rhythmic
movements of his tongue. What is the most likely diagnosis-Tardive Dyskinesia
(discontinue the drug or start an atypical or start clozapine which is an atypical).
What would your diagnosis be if the patient presented with ataxia, bradykinesia, and
“stiff extremities” on exam? His temp is 97.8 F-Parkinsonism (benztropine, DA agonist,
amantadine).
Schizophrenia-other key takeaways
-Excessive DA in the mesolimbic pathway is responsible for the +ve sxs of SCZ. The typical
antipsychotics shut this down by blocking DA receptors.
-Reduced DA in the mesocortical pathway is responsible for the -ve sxs of SCZ. Blocking
DA receptors makes this worse. Atypical antipsychotics are great are shutting this down b/c
they increase DA activity in this pathway by blocking serotonin receptors.
-Blocking the nigrostriatal pathway is responsible for the parkinsonism and EPS side effects
associated with neuroleptics.
-DA is also known as Prolactin Inhibiting Factor. Blocking DA receptors

(tuberoinfundibular pathway) leads to hyperprolactinemia (very notable with Risperidone)
and gynecomastia.
-Low potency typical antipsychotics (Chlorpromazine) cause sedation (from H1 blockade),

orthostatic hypotension (from a1 blockade), and anticholinergic sxs (muscarinic blockade).
Schizophrenia-other key takeaways contd.
-A study was conducted 12 years ago that

led the FDA to put out a statement that
there is an increased risk of death with
atypical antipsychotics in elderly people
with dementia.
Q6
A 23 yo medical student gunning for plastic surgery reluctantly comes to the university health department in
response to constant cajoling by his roommates. During the interview, he states that he has gotten through a lot
of reading, vacuumed his home and the entire 10th floor of 929, burnt through 30, 000 anki flashcards which he
made individually and wrote 12 papers for upcoming TIME courses. He feels that time felt sleeping is wasted
time he could use to get through more “future work”. During the interview, he constantly interrupts the
physician and speaks at an accelerated rate. He feels on top of the world. He consistently goes off track and
regularly needs redirection. His roommates state that he has been irritable recently and has emailed all the
physicians in the SC project brochure to explore the possibility of starting new projects. 2 months ago, he felt
completely distraught with life and slept at home for more than 2 weeks w/o attending any of his classes. He
stopped playing soccer with his friends which he had enjoyed for many years. He had thoughts of taking his life
and felt “physically slow”. PE, labs, and UA are unremarkable. He has no history of drug use. He had a similar
“superman” episode 3 months ago (first occurrence). What is the next best step in management?
a. Escitalopram therapy.
b. Carbamazepine therapy.
c. Lithium therapy.
d. Electroconvulsive Therapy.
Q6 Key
-The best answer is C, Lithium therapy. This patient has Bipolar 1 disorder. Li is the
first line treatment for bipolar disorder. Be wary in the setting of renal failure.
-He has manic sxs (DIGFAST for > 1 week) and a hx of depressive sxs. Note that manic
sxs are the only requirement needed for the dx of BPD 1. Mood sxs are not necessary.
-BPD 2 is characterized by hypomanic sxs (DIGFAST lite for > 4 days) and mood sxs
(which are generally required for dx). Hypomanic episodes are generally not
associated with derangements in social or occupational functioning.
-Li is associated with a fine tremor, hypo/hyperthyroidism, and nephrogenic diabetes

insipidus that is treated with drugs like amiloride and triamterene.
-Valproate is another good option but has an association with liver toxicity and birth
defects in pregnant women taking the drug.
Q7
A 53 yo woman complains of poor appetite, insomnia, decreased interest in activities
that she used to enjoy, difficulty concentrating, and loss of energy for much of the past
year. She has lost 19 pounds in the last 6 months. She denies ETOH or illicit drug use
and does not take any prescribed medications. PE is unremarkable. Lab evaluation
reveals a normal TSH and T4. What is the next best step in the management of this
patient?
a. Tranylcypromine therapy.
b. Haloperidol therapy.
c. A trial of low dose cyclosporine.
d. Sertraline therapy.
e. Carbamazepine for 3 weeks followed by a Lorazepam taper.
Q7 Key
-The best answer here is D, Sertraline therapy.
-This patient has the classic sxs of MDD. The patient should have 5 out of 9
SIGECAPS sxs for the past 2 weeks on an almost daily basis which should significantly
impair function. Depressed mood or anhedonia must be one of the sxs (makes up the 9
sxs).
-SIGECAPS goes with Sleep, Interest, Guilt, Energy, Concentration, Appetite,

Psychomotor retardation, and Suicidal Ideation.
-The monoamine theory states that a deficiency of NE, Dopamine, and Serotonin lead
to sxs of depression.
-It is very HY to know for many exams and the wards that hypothyroidism has to be
r/o before a dx of MDD is made. Don’t get this wrong on a test!
Q7 Key contd.
-There are multiple drugs used to tx MDD.
-The first line class includes the SSRIs like Fluoxetine, Sertraline, and Paroxetine. Take
note of the sexual dysfunction and GI upset that accompany these agents. They take
about 4-6 weeks to kick in and should not be stopped if effects are not seen
immediately. Next steps could include dose increases OR switching to a different SSRI.
-There’s SNRIs like Duloxetine and Venlafaxine. Note that Venlafaxine raises BP and
Duloxetine is used for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
-There’s NDRIs like Bupropion which are notable for the absence of sexual side effects
and are particularly useful in depressed individuals with comorbid obesity and tobacco
use. Do not give this to people with seizures or a high risk of seizures secondary to
electrolyte imbalances (anorexics, bulimics, etc).
Q7 Key contd.
-There’s also MAOIs like Phenelzine/Tranylcypromine/Isocarboxazid that have an
association with a hypertensive crisis in the setting of tyramine food consumption.
These drugs are good for atypical depression. These drugs ARE NOT FIRST LINE.
-There’s TCAs that all end in “pramine” and “epin”. These drugs have SEs ranging
from orthostatic hypotension (from alpha-1 blockade) to dry mouth (from
antimuscarinic effects). These drugs are dangerous in overdose (they can stop your
heart, cause comas and convulsions) and Na bicarb is the rescue agent. They can be
used to treat nocturnal enuresis. Why???
-The TCAs are also used for chronic pain syndromes like the SNRIs.
-Finally, there’s Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) which has the HY SE of anterograde

amnesia. It is relatively safe and has a 90% response rate. It is employed in “dangerous”
MDD situations where rapid relief is required. It is also safe in pregnancy.
Q7 Key contd.
-There’s weird drugs like Mirtazapine used for depression that are alpha-2 antagonists
(how will this increase NE release???). Mirtazapine is good for depression and
comorbid anorexia b/c it causes weight gain and stimulates the appetite.
-Finally, there’s serotonin receptor modulators like Trazodone that are associated with
sedation and a HY SE of priapism.
Other HY takeaways include:
-SSRIs being especially good in men with premature ejaculation.

-Serotonin syndrome being a complication of mixing drugs with serotonergic effects (like SSRIs and a
mixture of SNRIs or MAOIs or TCAs or Linezolid or MDMA or Sumatriptan, etc). In general, you
should wait about 2 weeks for these drugs to washout out of the system before starting another.
-MAO-B inhibitors like Selegiline are used to treat Parkinson’s disease (kill DA breakdown).
-Consider Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder) with mild depressive sxs that occur over a long
time period (2 year timeframe).
Q8
A 7 yo boy is brought to the physician by his mother for behavioral problems. The mother
says that for as long as she can remember he has been much more difficult than his other
brothers and sisters. She is also concerned that he has been doing poorly in the second
grade and his teacher has complained several times about his disruptive behaviors in class
which include excessive talking and inappropriately leaving his classroom seat. He appears
distracted and fidgety in the physician’s office and answers only 1 of 5 questions posed by
the physician in a questionnaire. He does not appear to be listening to the physician. What
is the most likely diagnosis?
a. Normal behavior.
b. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
c. Conduct Disorder.
d. Oppositional Defiant Disorder.
Q8
-The best answer here is B, ADHD.
-ADHD = hyperactivity, impulsiveness, inattentiveness, and distractibility in 2 or more

settings.
-ODD is generally associated with kids being disobedient to authority. CD is associated

with kids exhibiting ODD characteristics with the added component of violence
(usually setting stuff on fire or being cruel to animals).
-Give methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine to these kids. They prevent the

reuptake of NE and DA at the adrenergic synapse. These drugs decrease sleep,
suppress appetite, and could stunt growth in kids. A non-stimulant drug like
Atomoxetine can also be used to treat ADHD.
Q9
A 56 yo business executive is 1 day out from an uncomplicated cholecystectomy for
symptomatic cholelithiasis. The nurse notices a significant variation in his VS
compared to what was measured in the PACU. HR is 153 bpm, BP is 170/105. He has
tremors and has been feeling nauseous. He is given a beta blocker for symptomatic
relief. 24 hrs later he begins to describe a feeling of bugs crawling under his skin,
appears delirious, and has a mild fever. He begins to have generalized tonic-clonic
movements of his hands and legs. What is the next best step in the management of this
patient?
a. IV Lorazepam therapy.
b. IV Phenobarbital therapy.
c. A 4-6 week course of Bupropion.
d. Referral for Alcoholics Anonymous counseling.
Q9 Key
-The best answer is A, Lorazepam therapy. This patient has gone into delirium
tremens. He deserves a benzodiazepine (increases frequency of chloride channel
opening which hyperpolarizes neurons, GABA receptor).
-You should watch out for this specific scenario on the shelf/Step 2.
-Benzos should not be given for long periods of time to prevent “dependence”. They
are used in the short term to calm down actively seizing individuals (or individuals
with acute episodes of anxiety). Essentially all Benzos end in “pam” with the exception
of Chlordiazepoxide. Lorazepam is one of the poster child benzos.
-Most benzos are eliminated by the liver and metabolized by 3A4 (except Lorazepam,
it is cleared by the liver and metabolized by glucuronidation, the same holds true for
Oxazepam and Temazepam, give these 3 in liver dysfunction). Give flumazenil (GABA
receptor antagonist) in the setting of BZD overdose.
Note
-Barbiturates also work like BZDs but have the mechanism of
increasing the duration of chloride channel opening. They cause
significant respiratory depression and are more lethal than BZDs
in overdose. There is no rescue agent.
-As an aside, the Z drugs for insomnia (Zolpidem, Zaleplon, and

Eszopiclone) can be reversed with flumazenil.
-ETOH also works as a GABA receptor agonist. This is why

benzos are first line in the tx of delirium tremens
Q10
What is the most likely offending agent?;
25 yo college senior is combative and disoriented. Complains that bugs are crawling
under his skin. BP is 210/140, HR is 180 bpm, RR is 40. He is sweating profusely, and
his pupils are dilated. He is brought to the ED by friends b/c he has been complaining
of chest pain.
Q10 Key
What is the most likely offending agent?
25 yo college senior is combative and disoriented. Complains that bugs are crawling
under his skin. BP is 210/140, HR is 180 bpm, RR is 40. His is sweating profusely, and
his pupils are dilated. He is brought to the ED by friends b/c he has been complaining
of chest pain.
A-This is cocaine intoxication. Cocaine blocks the reuptake of catecholamines at the

adrenergic synapse. Remember that the SNS causes mydriasis and a “sympathetic
response”. On the psych shelf, look for “eye findings” as the “kind giveaways” to the
OD scenarios. This patient deserves a BZD, not a beta-blocker. Cocaine withdrawal is
the opposite of all these sxs. If a BZD is not an answer choice, consider answer choices
like phenoxybenzamine/phentolamine (alpha blockers) or Carvedilol/Labetalol
(alpha/beta blockers).
HY Drugs of Abuse
HY Drugs of Abuse contd.
-If an individual has conjunctival injection and an insatiable appetite for food on the shelf,
consider Marijuana intoxication.
-If an individual has significant respiratory depression and pinpoint pupils (miosis), consider
opioid intoxication. With respiratory depression and a normal pupillary size, think of Benzo
intoxication.
-It is HY to know that individuals addicted to opioids never get “tolerant” to effects like miosis
(meperidine does not cause this->muscarinic antagonist) and constipation.
-If you see a question detailing a teen from a party with seizures from hyponatremia, or a
descriptor of an individual that has danced for hours on end, consider MDMA as the offending
agent (also causes Serotonin Syndrome).
-Remember the association b/w substandard heroine and MPTP (Parkinsonism).
-Associate LSD with flashbacks.

Q11
A 19 yo cheerleader comes in for an annual physical
with the medical director of the local sports team.
She has not had menses for the past 12 months.
Her BMI is 16.
What is the most likely diagnosis?
Q11 Key
A 19 yo cheerleader comes in for an annual physical with the medical director of the
local sports team. She has not had menses for the past 12 months. Her BMI is 16.
This lady most likely suffers from anorexia nervosa. Consider this in a young F on your
exam who has a super low BMI (usually < 18.5), belongs to a sport/activity associated
with having a super nice body image, has dental caries, calluses on the dorsal surface of
her hands (Russell’s sign), multiple electrolyte anomalies (low K/Cl and a metabolic
alkalosis), fine hair on the skin (lanugo), amenorrhea (the body shuts down the HPG
axis in the setting of starvation), and stress fractures (from low estrogen).
-Consider bulimia in the presence of a similar presentation and a relatively

normal/slightly overweight BMI.
Q11 Key contd.
-Anorexics have a marked, severe fear of weight gain and subject
themselves to severe starvation. They are often < 85% of ideal
body weight.
-Patient with anorexia often respond better to personal/family

counseling. You could try antidepressants, but they rarely work.
For the NBME, consider Mirtazapine as a good antidepressant
for this patient population.
Q12
BMI of 16, purging, runs 30 miles a day, consumes 400 calories a day
Binge eats, compensates by using Miralax, BMI is 25
A patient with a hx of migraines begins Sertraline and has clonus, hyperreflexia, tachycardia,
tachypnea, ocular clonus, muscle rigidity
> 6 mo with > 6 sxs of inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity in 2 settings, fidgety child, must be
present before the age of 12, doesn’t wait in line for his turn, does not complete assignments
Extremely combative individual with vertical/horizontal nystagmus
Consistent, intrusive thoughts about germs, hand washing to relieve the anxiety associated with
these thoughts
First line treatment for OCD
HTN, Tachycardia, AMS, fever, muscle rigidity, recent hx of hearing voices
UE tremors, cold intolerance, N/V/D, polyuria, polydipsia
First line treatment for an individual that worries about everything
Delusions, auditory hallucinations, disorganized speech, flat affect for 7 mo
Rescue agent for AMS, RR of 4, and pupillary miosis
25 yo M having smoked meats and red wine at the Inner Harbor becomes disoriented. BP enroute
to the ED is 240/150
Q12 Key
BMI of 16, purging, runs 30 miles a day, consumes 400 calories a day-anorexia nervosa.
Binge eats, compensates by using Miralax, BMI is 25-Bulimia Nervosa.
A patient with a hx of migraines begins Sertraline and has clonus, hyperreflexia, tachycardia, tachypnea,
ocular clonus, muscle rigidity-Serotonin Syndrome.
> 6 mo with > 6 sxs of inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity in 2 settings, fidgety child, must be present
before the age of 12, doesn’t wait in line for his turn, does not complete assignments-ADHD
Extremely combative individual with vertical/horizontal nystagmus-PCP intoxication.
Consistent, intrusive thoughts about germs, hand washing to relieve the anxiety associated with these
thoughts-OCD (not OCPD!).
First line treatment for OCD-SSRIs and CBT.
HTN, Tachycardia, AMS, fever, muscle rigidity, recent hx of hearing voices-Neuroleptic malignant
syndrome (give dantrolene).
UE tremors, cold intolerance, N/V/D, polyuria, polydipsia-Lithium side effects.
First line treatment for an individual that worries about everything-SSRIs or SNRIs (also Buspirone).
Delusions, auditory hallucinations, disorganized speech, flat affect for 7 mo-Schizophrenia.
Rescue agent for AMS, RR of 4, and pupillary miosis-Naloxone (not naltrexone!).
25 yo M having smoked meats and red wine at the Inner Harbor becomes disoriented. BP enroute to the
ED is 240/150-MAOI and hypertensive crisis.
Q13
A 2.5 yo healthy infant is brought to his pediatrician by his
concerned mom. He sits in the corner and keeps to himself
during the interview. He is called multiple times by the
pediatrician during the interview with no response. He mutters a
few noises when he is called by his mom and retains an
expressionless face despite multiple attempts to make him smile.
He spends the entire interview stacking bricks in the
pediatrician’s office.

Q13 Key
-This child has an autism spectrum disorder.
-This disorder is characterized by poor interpersonal

communication, lack of responsiveness to others, an absence of a
social smile, occasional intellectual disability, poor eye contact,
preoccupation with specific objects, regimented patterns of
behavior, and the repetitive use of certain phrases.
-Manifestation is usually before a child hits 36 mo.

Q14A
You are called to evaluate a 25 yo M prior to discharge after spending 3 days in central
booking for driving under the influence. He feels completely dissatisfied with life, is
restless, and has not slept for the past 2 days. You wonder how boring you must be as
he constantly yawns during the interview. He has a bad runny nose and there’s copious
amounts of saliva dripping from the lateral side of his mouth. His PE is notable for
marked pupil dilation. He runs to use the restroom 3x during the interview. What is
a. Dextroamphetamine therapy.
b. Supportive care.
c. Referral to alcoholics anonymous.
d. Naltrexone therapy.
e. Flumazenil therapy.
Q14A Key
You are called to evaluate a 25 yo M prior to discharge after spending 3 days in central
booking for driving under the influence. He feels completely dissatisfied with life, is
restless, and has not slept for the past 2 days. You wonder how boring you must be as
he constantly yawns during the interview. He has a bad runny nose and there’s copious
amounts of saliva dripping from the lateral side of his mouth. His PE is notable for
marked pupil dilation. He runs to use the restroom 3x during the interview. What is
a. Dextroamphetamine therapy.
b. Supportive care (opioid withdrawal, not life threatening!)
c. Referral to alcoholics anonymous.
d. Naltrexone therapy.
e. Flumazenil therapy.
Q14B
What is the overdose situation that best matches the following information cluster?
-pH 6.9, pCO2 is 80.
-Constipation.
-Pupillary constriction.
-Patient is unresponsive.
Q14B Key
What is the overdose situation that best matches the following information cluster?
-pH 6.9, pCO2 is 80.
-Constipation.
-Pupillary constriction.
-Patient is unresponsive.
Opioid overdose. This patient has a respiratory acidosis with miosis and constipation.
The reversal agent that will be the right answer on a test is Naloxone (an opioid
receptor antagonist). Do not be deceived by the NBME putting Naltrexone as an
answer choice in the same Q. It does the same thing but is longer acting. One weird use
of Naltrexone is as a means of treating ROH dependence.
Note The Following
-Opioid dependence can be treated with Buprenorphine (partial mu receptor agonist) in
combination with naloxone (combo is called Suboxone). Methadone can also be used for
this purpose (prolongs the QT interval though).
-A partial nicotine receptor agonist (Varenicline) can be used in the treatment of

dependence on tobacco.
-Alcoholism may be associated with;
The development of reversible confusion, ophthalmoplegia, and ataxia (Wernicke’s, give

thiamine) OR Making stuff up (confabulations)/amnesia + Wernicke sxs which are largely
not reversible (Korsakoff’s psychosis).
Differentiate the seizures and autonomic instability associated with Delirium Tremens from
the visual hallucinations and relative autonomic stability associated with alcoholic
hallucinosis.
Q15
What is the most likely diagnosis given the following clinical scenarios?
37 yo F comes to the ED complaining of left arm weakness for the past 6 hrs. PE and
complete neurological exam including brain imaging is negative.
46 yo M has a long history of multiple ED visits. During the interview he consistently

expresses worry about having colon, gastric, and renal cancer. His PE is normal and he
has no history of weight loss or other constitutional symptoms.
A 27 yo nursing student with no relevant PMH comes to the ED complaining of

lightheadedness. She has had this episode once every week for the past 6 mo. A
fingerstick glucose reading is 27 mg/dl. Plasma insulin levels are elevated but C-peptide
is undetectable.
Q15 contd.
A 27 yo resident comes to the ED complaining of lightheadedness within 10 minutes of

his 30 hr shift. He has never had this episode before. His BP on telemetry is 75/47. His
roommate has a history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy treated with extended release
metoprolol.
Q15 Key
37 yo F comes to the ED complaining of left arm weakness for the past 6 hrs. PE and complete
neurological exam including brain imaging is negative-Conversion Disorder.
46 yo M has a long history of multiple ED visits. During the interview he consistently expresses
worry about having colon, gastric, and renal cancer. His PE is normal and he has no history of
weight loss or other constitutional symptoms-Hypochondriasis (now Illness Anxiety Disorder, no
“real” somatic symptoms vs somatic symptom disorder where there are real somatic sxs that cause
the patient extensive worry, tx with regularly scheduled physician visits). Consider Conversion
Disorder in the setting of weird “neurological” signs with a recent stressor.
A 27 yo nursing student with no relevant PMH comes to the ED complaining of lightheadedness.

She has had this episode once every week for the past 6 mo. A fingerstick glucose reading is 27
mg/dl. Plasma insulin levels are elevated but C-peptide is undetectable-factitious disorder (when
would this be factitious disorder imposed on another???).
Q15 contd.
A 27 yo resident comes to the ED complaining of lightheadedness within 10 minutes of

his 30 hr shift. He has never had this episode before. His BP on telemetry is 75/47. His
roommate has a history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy treated with extended release
metoprolol-Malingering.
N/B-suspect malingering in the presence of factitious disorder with the opportunity for
some kind of secondary gain.
The “gain” in factitious disorder is a “primary gain”.

Q16
What is the diagnosis that best matches the following info cluster?
-Acute onset of AMS and fluctuations in levels of consciousness.
-Disorganized thoughts and lack of concentration.
-Sees a lion in the exam room.
-Presented to the ED yesterday with dysuria, urinary frequency, and urgency.
-Discharged home 3 days later in perfect health.

Q16 Key
-Acute onset of AMS and fluctuations in levels of consciousness.
-Disorganized thoughts and lack of concentration.
-Sees a lion in the exam room.
-Presented to the ED yesterday with dysuria, urinary frequency, and urgency.
-Discharged home 3 days later in perfect health.
This is delirium. Be able to recognize this cluster of sxs. Medications and infections
(especially UTIs) are common etiologies on exams.
Q17
-76 yo F who is alert during an interview.
-Presents with a 3 yr history of “forgetfulness”
-20/30 on a MMSE.
-May be treated with “central” acting acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.

Q17 Key
-76 yo F who is alert during an interview.
-Presents with a 3 yr history of “forgetfulness”
-20/30 on a MMSE.
-May be treated with “central” acting cholinesterase inhibitors.
This is dementia (gradual onset, no alteration in consciousness).

Q18
-Excessive anxiety and worry > 50% of the time over a preceding 7 mo period.
-Restlessness, fatigue, declining grades, insomnia.
-Agitated at the slightest provocation.
-Citalopram is one possible drug choice for this disorder.

Q18 Key
-Excessive anxiety and worry > 50% of the time over a preceding 7 mo period.
-Restlessness, fatigue, declining grades, insomnia.
-Agitated at the slightest provocation.
-Citalopram is one possible drug choice for this disorder.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Q19
30 yo F has the sudden onset of tachycardia, tachypnea, and intense sweating that goes
away after 10 mins. Her last menstrual period was 3 weeks ago. She has had similar
episodes a few times a month for the past year. She is worried about having these
episodes when she begins her new job next month.
55 yo comes to see a psychiatrist from a VA referral. He has been bordered by

flashbacks of gun duels with warlords from multiple stints as a peace keeping army
officer in a foreign country. He has a “flat affect” as he describes these episodes.
Q19 Key
30 yo F has the sudden onset of tachycardia, tachypnea, and intense sweating that goes
away after 10 mins. Her last menstrual period was 3 weeks ago. She has had similar
episodes a few times a month for the past year. She is worried about having these
episodes when she begins her new job next month-Panic Disorder.
55 yo comes to see a psychiatrist from a VA referral. He has been bordered by

flashbacks of gun duels with warlords from multiple stints as a peacekeeping army
officer in a foreign country. He has a “flat affect” as he describes these episodes-This is
PTSD. Common exam buzzwords are flashbacks and re-experiencing of prior
traumatic experiences. SSRIs are first line. Sxs must be present for > 1 mo. The dx is
acute stress disorder if < 1 mo. As an aside, note that prazosin can be used for the
nightmares in PTSD while clonidine can be used for Tourette’s syndrome.
Q20
-Visual hallucinations.
-Bradykinesia and cogwheel rigidity.
-Intracytoplasmic, eosinophilic inclusions in the cerebral cortex and substantia nigra.
-Forgetful, barely talks during an interview. Finds it difficult to “produce words”

Q20 Key
-Visual hallucinations.
-Bradykinesia and cogwheel rigidity.
-Intracytoplasmic, eosinophilic inclusions in the cerebral cortex and substantia nigra.
-Forgetful, barely talks during an interview. Finds it difficult to “produce words”.
-Lewy Body Dementia.

Q21
-Bradykinesia, cogwheel rigidity, small handwriting observed first.
-Becomes forgetful and talks at a slow speed 2 years later.
-Intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusions localized primarily to the substantia nigra.

Q21 Key
-Bradykinesia, cogwheel rigidity, small handwriting observed first.
-Becomes forgetful and talks at a slow speed 2 years later.
-Intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusions localized primarily to the substantia nigra.
-Parkinson’s Disease dementia.

Q22
-Atrophy of frontal and temporal lobes. Spares the posterior ⅔ of the superior
temporal gyrus.
-Intracytoplasmic and intranuclear inclusions made of hyperphosphorylated tau

protein.
-6 mo history of personality changes and inappropriate behavior.

Q22 Key
-Atrophy of frontal and temporal lobes. Spares the posterior ⅔ of the superior
temporal gyrus.
-Intracytoplasmic and intranuclear inclusions made of hyperphosphorylated tau

protein.
-6 mo history of personality changes and inappropriate behavior.
-Frontotemporal Dementia
Q23
-Intracytoplasmic bundles of neurofilaments.
-Earlier onset in an individual containing 3 copies of the APP gene (and PS1/PS2
mutations).
-ApoE4 mutation increases risk of late onset disease.
-Gradual, progressive, memory impairment.
-Treatment is with “central acting cholinesterase inhibitors” and Memantine (NMDA

receptor antagonist).
Q23 Key
-Intracytoplasmic bundles of neurofilaments.
-Earlier onset in an individual containing 3 copies of the APP gene (and PS1/PS2
mutations).
-ApoE4 variant mutation increases risk of late onset disease.
-Gradual, progressive, memory impairment.
-Treatment is with “central acting cholinesterase inhibitors” and Memantine (NMDA

receptor antagonist).
-Alzheimer’s Dementia (is the most common cause of dementia in the US).
Q24
-Stepwise decline in cognitive function.
-History of HTN.
-Brain MRI shows multiple foci of ischemia.
-Left arm weakness, right leg hemiplegia.

Q24 Key
-Stepwise decline in cognitive function.
-History of HTN.
-Brain MRI shows multiple foci of ischemia.
-Left arm weakness, right leg hemiplegia.
-Vascular Dementia. Common in individuals with a history of HTN and DM. Is the
2nd most common cause of dementia in the US.
Q25
Given the following clinical scenarios, what is the most likely diagnosis?
Mr. Y is a med student. He has a fear of heights. He avoids seeing any patients that are
not on the ground floor of the hospital.
Mrs. X is a med student. She constantly feels irritable and has trouble sleeping. Her
friends describe her as a “light fuse” that can pop at any time. She is always fearful and
worried about paying tuition, passing board exams, keeping her home safe, paying
taxes, keeping her home clean, etc. She has experienced these sxs more than 50% of the
time over the last 8 mo.
Mr. Z is a med student. He avoids going to school parties for fear of being disgraced by
members of his class.
Q25 contd.
Mrs. A is a med student. 6 weeks ago, she had a “scary episode” on the bus that was
characterized by sweating, palpitations, and feeling like “she lost control”. She has
since avoided the bus, walks 10 miles back and forth to school each day, and is worried
about having another episode like this.
Mr. B is a med student. He skips every class and stays home all the time. He is afraid of
being stuck alone in elevators, going to music concerts, riding the bus to school, and
being in a movie theater.
Q25 Key
Mr. Y is a med student. He has a fear of heights. He avoids seeing any patients that are
not on the ground floor of the hospital-Specific Phobia.
Mrs. X is a med student. She constantly feels irritable and has trouble sleeping. Her
friends describe her as a “light fuse” that can pop at any time. She is always fearful and
worried about paying tuition, passing board exams, keeping her home safe, paying
taxes, keeping her home clean, etc. She has experienced these sxs more than 50% of the
time over the last 8 mo-Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Give SSRIs, SNRIs, or
Buspirone.
Mr. Z is a med student. He avoids going to school parties for fear of being disgraced by
members of his class-Social Anxiety Disorder.
Q25 Key contd.
Mrs. A is a med student. 6 weeks ago, she had a “scary episode” on the bus that was
characterized by sweating, palpitations, and feeling like “she lost control”. She has
since avoided the bus, walks 10 miles back and forth to school each day, and is worried
about having another episode like this-Panic Disorder (remember that 1 isolated
episode < 1 mo w/o the “maladaptive responses” = panic attack). Give SSRIs to these
people for “chronic” management. If they are “actively” having autonomic
hyperactivity on the test, give a benzodiazepine.
Mr. B is a med student. He skips every class and stays home all the time. He is afraid of
being stuck alone in elevators, going to music concerts, riding the bus to school, and
being in a movie theater-Agoraphobia.
Q26
What is the diagnosis that best matches the following information cluster?
-7 yo M comes for his pediatric well child visit. He keeps jumping all over the room.
-His mom complains that he exhibits similar behavior at home.
-His teachers have told his mom that he never waits his turn to answer questions and
does not seem to concentrate in class.
Q26 Key
-7 yo M comes for his pediatric well child visit. He keeps jumping all over the room.
-His mom complains that he exhibits similar behavior at home.
-His teachers have told his mom that he never waits his turn to answer questions and
does not seem to concentrate in class.
This is ADHD. Dx must be made prior to age 12 with symptoms observed in at least 2
settings by multiple individuals. Treatment is with amphetamine derivatives,
methylphenidate, or atomoxetine (which is not a stimulant). Note the growth stunting,
appetite suppressing, and sleep depriving SEs of these medications.
Q27
-6 year old F clears her throat multiple times a day and blinks excessively.
-She repeats everything her older brother says.
-Haloperidol can be used as treatment.

Q27 Key
-6 year old F clears her throat multiple times a day and blinks excessively.
-She repeats everything her older brother says.
-Haloperidol can be used as treatment.
This is Tourette’s Syndrome. Dx is based on the presence of motor tics (point A) and
vocal tics (point B, in this case echolalia, if she repeated obscene words, it is described
as coprolalia). A drug like guanfacine OR clonidine (alpha 2 agonists) may also be
used as treatment. 2nd gen antipsychotics are also used due to their more favorable
side effect profile over first generation agents.
Q28A
Given the following descriptors, what is the most likely personality disorder?
A 44 yo businessman presents to the ED with a small bruise on his arm that may need
stitches. The ED is packed with other patients waiting to be seen by the triage nurse.
After 5 mins in the waiting room, he screams at the security guard wondering why he
is not the first person to be seen.
A 33 yo M believes his wife is cheating on him. He installs cameras all around his
house because he thinks the neighbor’s kids are stealing from his backyard garden. He
recently sued his business partner for paying himself a dollar more than he was paid
last month.
Q28A Key
A 44 yo businessman presents to the ED with a small bruise on his arm that may need
stitches. The ED is packed with other patients waiting to be seen by the triage nurse.
After 5 mins in the waiting room, he screams at the security guard wondering why he
is not the first person to be seen-Narcissistic personality disorder. Feel entitled and
have zero empathy.
A 33 yo M believes his wife is cheating on him. He installs cameras all around his
house because he thinks the neighbor’s kids are stealing from his backyard garden. He
recently sued his business partner for paying himself a dollar more than he was paid
last month-paranoid personality disorder. These people do not trust anyone. (Multiple
weird thoughts = PPD vs a single, prominent thought for delusional disorder).
Q29B
21 yo F presents to the ED with a wrist injury producing copious amounts of blood.

During the interview, she admits to recently breaking up with her boyfriend of 2
months after they had a huge quarrel. As the physician calmly listens to her presenting
complaints, she describes him as the best physician she has ever had. She feels lonely
and has a prior history of attempting suicide.
25 yo F is the center of attention in the waiting room of a community cardiologists

office. She has held conversations with 6 men in the 45 minutes she has spent waiting
for her appointment. She is dressed in a sexually suggestive fashion.
Q29B Key
21 yo F presents to the ED with a wrist injury producing copious amounts of blood.

During the interview, she admits to recently breaking up with her boyfriend of 2
months after they had a huge quarrel. As the physician calmly listens to her presenting
complaints, she describes him as the best physician she has ever had. She feels lonely
and has a prior history of attempting suicide-borderline personality disorder. Tenuous
relationships, suicidality, splitting (defense mechanism).
25 yo F is the center of attention in the waiting room of a community cardiologists

office. She has held conversations with 6 men in the 45 minutes she has spent waiting
for her appointment. She is dressed in a sexually suggestive fashion-Histrionic
personality disorder. These people are attention seeking. They tend to be overly
dramatic and emotional.
Q29B Key contd.
As an aside, remember the other HY personality disorders;
Antisocial personality disorder with crime/lack of remorse after doing really bad things.
Conduct disorder is the dx prior to 18. Oppositional defiant disorder is a similarly
presenting disorder that may be used to trip you up on the NBME. ODD is characterized
primarily by disobedience to parents, teachers, etc. They are not really violent.
Schizoid personality disorder involves individuals that work/live alone and do not want to
interact with people. Contrast with avoidant personality disorder where the individuals
want to live interact with people but are loners as a means of avoiding embarrassment.
The term “dependent personality disorder” is fairly descriptive. Obsessive Compulsive

Personality disorder presents typically in a perfectionist who finds nothing wrong in his
living mannerisms (ego syntonic). Don’t mix this up with Obsessive (intrusive thoughts)
Compulsive (tension relieving actions) disorder which is ego-dystonic.
Q30
What is the dx that best matches the following info cluster?
-Patient can’t concentrate, buys a boat and a new car, feels like he is the president of
the world, talks like a sportsman, feels rested with 90 mins of sleep each night.
-First line treatment is Li.
-These sxs have lasted for 2 days and required hospitalization.

Q30 Key
What is the dx that best matches the following info cluster?
-Patient can’t concentrate, buys a boat and a new car, feels like he is the president of
the world, talks like a sportsman, feels rested with 90 mins of sleep each night.
-First line treatment is Li.
-These sxs have lasted for 2 days and required hospitalization.
This is Bipolar 1 Disorder. You need an elevated mood + 3 of the DIGFAST sxs for > 1
week to make the diagnosis (aka mania). If the patient is hospitalized OR is psychotic,
the time frame DOES NOT MATTER. In addition, BPD 1 requires only mania (not
necessarily an episode of depression).
Q30 Key contd.
-Other HY associations to be aware of with BPD include the combination of
hypomania and an episode of depression for 4 or more days as the diagnostic criteria
for BPD 2 (the same # of DIGFAST criteria required for mania apply, however there is
no real “life” impairment).
-Treatment of BPD (daily treatment) is with Li (avoid with elevated Creatinine, can
cause hypo/hyperthyroidism, and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus which can be treated
with Amiloride/Triamterene). You should also remember the Ebstein’s anomaly
association.
-A possible substitute to Li is valproate but this drug could nuke the liver and cause
NTDs.
-It is very HY to know that an “acute” manic episode requires treatment with an
antipsychotic/benzodiazepine (usually atypical but can be first gen).
Q30 Key contd.
-The antipsychotics are also nice drugs for the treatment of
bipolar disorder in pregnancy. Choose this over Li if presented as
an answer choice.
-One other bizarre scenario that could pop up on a test is

knowing what to do if Li has been tried with poor control of
BPD sxs. Consider adding one of the atypical antipsychotics to
the patient’s medication regimen (like aripiprazole, quetiapine,
ziprasidone, olanzapine, etc).
Q31
-21 yo premed cheerleader in her senior year of college.
-BMI is 17. “House exam” reveals Dulcolax and Furosemide.
-Current GPA is a 4.0.
-Has not menstruated in 3 years. Recently had an ischiopubic stress fracture.

Q31 Key
-21 yo premed cheerleader in her senior year of college.
-BMI is 17. “House exam” reveals Dulcolax and Furosemide.
-Current GPA is a 4.0.
-Has not menstruated in 3 years. Recently had an ischipubic stress fracture.
Anorexia Nervosa. Look for a super low BMI on your exam (in contrast with the
normal or slightly elevated BMI in the setting of bulimia). Super HY to know that
Bupropion should be avoided in these patients if they give you a history of comorbid
depression on the test. Bupropion lowers the seizure threshold and these patients tend
to have electrolyte anomalies that may predispose them to having seizures.
Q31 Key contd.
-Don’t be surprised if giving Mirtazapine (antagonizes alpha 2 receptors, which
increases NE release) is answer for the treatment of depression on in the anorexic
population on your test. This drug has weight gain as an associated SE which will
certainly be appreciated in this case.
-Olanzapine (atypical antipsychotic) is also a good option in these patients given the
desired SE of the metabolic syndrome.
-In general, the best treatment for these patients revolve around CBT (psychotherapy)
and in some cases family therapy.
-Other HY associations with anorexia include osteoporosis (they are hypoestrogenic),

amenorrhea (with caloric restriction, the HPG axis stops working).
Q31 Key contd.
-An anorexic patient with severe sxs may be involuntarily hospitalized against their
will in certain specific exam circumstances (like suicide).
-If you get a question that describes an anorexic patient who is checked into the
hospital, receives a ton of food, and then starts having seizures, consider refeeding
syndrome as the diagnosis. The reintroduction of food triggers a hyperinsulinemic
state (causes low serum phosphate) that may drive multiple elytes into the cell and tip
them over the edge.
-As an aside, if you get a question about a patient in hospice or one that is terminally ill
but has no appetite, consider administering Megestrol Acetate (a progesterone analog
that spruces the appetite).
Q32
A 44 yo F is brought to the ER by her daughter who is worried about the patient
“sleeping in” for the past 3 weeks. Prior to this episode, she worked as a personal
trainer in a clinic for individuals with movement disorders but quit her job a few days
ago after losing one of her patients who had Parkinson’s disease. In comparison to the
patient’s last visit to the hospital 3 months ago for the removal of a neck mass, the
patient has gained close to 20 Lbs and during the interview complains of a poor
appetite. She now sleeps at home all day. What is the next best step in the management
of this patient?
a. Sertraline therapy.
b. Early morning cortisol and dexamethasone suppression test.
c. Amitriptyline therapy.
d. Exposure and response prevention therapy.
e. Measurement of serum TSH levels.
Q32 Key
-The best answer here is E, measurement of serum TSH levels. This patient is most
likely hypothyroid. One big clue here is the recent hospitalization for the removal of a
neck mass. Do not be surprised on the shelf by an answer that also sounds like “MDD
due to a medical condition”.
-Classic medical causes of depression include hypothyroidism (weight gain, decreased

reflexes, cold intolerance), hyperparathyroidism (stones, bones, groans, and psychiatric
overtones), drugs like beta blockers/interferon beta (MS), and cancers (especially brain
cancers). Stroke patients are also at high risk of depression. If you don’t get enough
sleep (e.g. 3rd year med student or patient with OSA), you could also get depression.
Q33
A 45 yo M with a past history of depression, IVDU, HTN, Type 2 diabetes, and
hyperlipidemia is admitted to the hospital for surgical drainage and IV antibiotic
treatment of an intra-abdominal abscess. He is initially placed on 14 days of IV
Vancomycin for S. Aureus coverage with rapid improvements in his symptoms. Prior
to discharge, a decision is made to switch the patient to an oral, once a day 14 day
regimen of Linezolid. The most likely contraindication to this regimen is?
a. The patient's’ past history of depression.

b. The patient’s’ past history of hyperlipidemia.
c. The patient’s’ recent surgical procedure.
d. The patient’s’ history of medication non-compliance.
e. The patient’s’ history of HTN.
f. Poor antibiotic coverage for S. Aureus.
Q33 Key
-The best answer is A, the patient’s’ past history of depression.
-The first line treatment for MDD is an SSRI. Linezolid is a commonly tested antibiotic
(50S ribosome inhibitor) that has a strong association with serotonin syndrome so you
would want to avoid this combination. Linezolid has excellent S. Aureus coverage.
-Other HY drugs associated with serotonin syndrome include SNRIs, MAOIs

(remember the other issues with tyramine containing foods), sumatriptan (migraine
med), and MDMA (ecstasy).
Q34
A 33 yo G2P1 female at 33 weeks gestation is brought to the ED by her husband after
he found her trying to take 10 tablets of fluoxetine with robitussin to “take the edge
off”. For the past 4 weeks, she has expressed a desire to give up the baby for adoption
before leaving the hospital after delivery. Concerned, the physician decides to
involuntarily hospitalize the patient. For the next 3 days, the patient strongly refuses all
food offered in the hospital. Prior to attempting definitive management, the patient
should be warned about?
a. The risks of neural tube defects associated with this treatment.

b. The risks of memory impairment with this treatment.
c. The risks of a seizure disorder with this treatment.
d. The risks of severe GI bleeding with this treatment.
e. The risks of severe radiation exposure with this treatment.
Q34 Key
-The best answer here is B.
-This pregnant patient with depression in addition to active suicidal ideation and
refusal to eat requires urgent treatment with electroconvulsive therapy.
-It is HY to know that one of the most common SEs of ECT is anterograde and/or
retrograde amnesia that is often reversible.
-Other HY indications for ECT include OCD refractory to conventional treatment,

acute schizophrenia unresponsive to medication, catatonia, severe depression in the
elderly, depression with a high risk of suicide, and a prior +ve response to ECT.
Q35
A 64 yo M comes to a neurologist for his routine 3 month follow up appointment.
Prior to appropriate pharmacological control, he had a 3 year history of excessive
daytime sleepiness. He occasionally has what he describes as “bizarre dreams” upon
awakening in the morning. A med student working with the neurologist as a preceptor
decides to perform an experiment in rats with the goal of replicating other findings of
this disease. This experiment would most likely involve?
a. Blockade of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors.

b. Activating interactions with the NMDA receptor.
c. Administration of an orexin receptor blocking agent.
d. Administration of a GABA receptor activating agent.
e. Administration of an agent that inhibits norepinephrine reuptake at adrenergic
synapses.
f. Administration of an agent that inhibits GABA and glycine release from Renshaw
cells.
Q35 Key
-The best answer is C. This patient has Narcolepsy. Individuals with narcolepsy have a
deficiency of orexin (hypocretin).
-Blocking orexin receptors should produce similar effects.
-A new drug (Suvorexant) actually works by blocking Orexin receptors as a treatment

for insomnia. I think about this as insomnia (little sleep) being on the other end of the
spectrum from narcolepsy (excessive sleep).
Q36
Our test patient is opioid dependent. Given the following responses in a physician
conversation, what is the most likely “stage of change”?
Doc I don’t want to discuss this right now.
Doc, I plan to quit after the shelf exam. I have registered for a Suboxone program in
the community.
Doc, I have been doing pretty well since I completed the Suboxone program. I have
severed relationships with all my “druggie” buddies so I don’t fall back into old
patterns of behavior. I’ll visit you monthly to check in on my progress.
I recognize I have a heroine problem, I just can’t quit right now.
Doc, I am currently in a Suboxone program.

Q36 Key
Our test patient is opioid dependent. Given the following responses in a physician
conversation, what is the most likely “stage of change”?
Doc I don’t want to discuss this right now-Precontemplation.
Doc, I plan to quit after the shelf exam. I have registered for a Suboxone program in
the community-Preparation.
Doc, I have been doing pretty well since I completed the Suboxone program. I have
severed relationships with all my “druggie” buddies so I don’t fall back into old
patterns of behavior. I’ll visit you monthly to check in on my progress-Maintenance.
I recognize I have a heroine problem, I just can’t quit right now-Contemplation.
Doc, I am currently in a Suboxone program-Action.

Q37
Given the following descriptors, what is the most likely diagnosis?
A 23 yo med student finds it difficult to sleep during the day. He recently started 2
weeks of nights on the Charcot Medicine Service. He has been caught snoring multiple
times by the supervising resident and attending. He had normal sleep patterns before
this all started. He has been making mistakes on the job and no longer enjoys activities
he previously enjoyed.
A 27 yo F is given a warning letter for the 4th episode of lateness since beginning a
new job 4 days ago. She graduated as a mechanical engineer from Insomnia College.
She was always able to get bye in college since classes were not mandatory. She denies
having daytime sleepiness and gets 8 hrs of sleep every night. Her new job requires her
to be at work by 9 AM. She has been getting to work at 11.45 AM.
Q37 contd.
A concerned med student runs to his friend’s room around 3AM after he heard a loud
noise. This friend is sweating profusely and describes a terrifying dream where he was
stabbed by a surgeon who pimped him extensively 2 weeks ago.
noise. This friend is barely arousable and goes back to sleep. The med student
questions his friend the next morning who flatly denies any sort of screaming episode.
Q37 Key
A 23 yo med student finds it difficult to sleep during the day. He recently started 2
weeks of nights on the Charcot Medicine Service. He has been caught snoring multiple
times by the supervising resident and attending. He had normal sleep patterns before
this all started. He has been making mistakes on the job and no longer enjoys activities
he previously enjoyed-Shift Work Sleep Disorder.
A 27 yo F is given a warning letter for the 4th episode of lateness since beginning a
new job 4 days ago. She graduated as a mechanical engineer from Insomnia College.
She was always able to get bye in college since classes were not mandatory. She denies
having daytime sleepiness and gets 8 hrs of sleep every night. Her new job requires her
to be at work by 9 AM. She has been getting to work at 11.45 AM-Delayed Sleep Phase
Disorder (good sleep, but this person goes to sleep super late at night).
Q37 Key contd.
noise. This friend is sweating profusely and describes a terrifying dream where he was
stabbed by a surgeon who pimped him extensively 2 weeks ago-Nightmare disorder.
Occurs during REM sleep (the patient remembers). Consider REM sleep behavior
disorder as the dx if the Q stem describes a person performing “detailed activity”
during sleep.
noise. This friend is barely arousable and goes back to sleep. The med student
questions his friend the next morning who flatly denies any sort of screaming
episode-this is sleep terror disorder (patient does not remember, occurs during stages
N3/4 of sleep which are associated with delta waves. Benzos decrease this stage).
Other HY Sleep Associations
-Benzos can be used to treat insomnia on a short term basis, they are NOT first line.
-GABA agonists like Zolpidem, Zaleplon, and Eszopiclone can be used to treat
insomnia. Other meds here include Ramelteon (melatonin receptor agonist) and
Suvorexant (orexin receptor antagonist).
-Trazodone is one HY psych med that promotes sleep (and priapism). How would
priapism be treated?
-Sleep has certain HY EEG associations-> Stage N1 (theta waves), N2 (sleep spindles
and K complexes, bruxism), N3 (delta waves, enuresis, reduced by Benzos and
Imipramine), REM (beta waves, reduced muscle tone, penile tumescence, rapid eye
movements controlled by the Paramedian Pontine Reticular Formation).
Weird Anatomical Associations For The Shelf
Huntington's disease is associated with caudate atrophy.
Parkinson’s is associated with depigmentation of the Substantia Nigra. You should find
Lewy bodies (alpha synuclein only in the substantia nigra, contrast with Lewy Body
Dementia where Lewy bodies are in the cortex and substantia nigra).
Schizophrenia is associated with increased size of the lateral ventricles.
Panic attacks are associated with locus coeruleus dysfunction/decreased volume of the
amygdala (too much NE).
ALZ is associated with degeneration of the Basal Nucleus of Meynert (site of Ach
production).
Wernicke’s encephalopathy is associated with atrophy of the mammillary bodies.
Dysfunction of the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus is observed in insomnia.
The PPRF controls rapid eye movements in REM sleep.
OCD is associated with orbitofrontal cortex anomalies.
Random but HY
-Drugs with anticholinergic activity should be avoided in the elderly (TCAs, antihistamines
like diphenhydramine, low potency typical antipsychotics).
-Cyproheptadine may be used to treat serotonin syndrome. It is an antihistamine that also
has powerful serotonin receptor blocking activity.
-A famous TCA, clomipramine, may be used to treat OCD (try SSRIs first!)
-One telltale sign of TCA overdose is wide QRS complexes on an ECG. Give Na Bicarb
ASAP.
-DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy) is a form of CBT used to treat borderline personality
disorder.
-Exposure and response prevention is a HY treatment for OCD.
-If an elderly patient is acutely delirious, give an antipsychotic like Haloperidol.
-Older individuals sleep less, take more time to fall asleep (increased sleep latency), and
spend less time in REM sleep.
-Enuresis cannot be diagnosed prior to age 5. Treatment options include desmopressin
(caution with hyponatremic seizures) and imipramine. Alarms work best.
Catatonia can be treated with benzodiazepines and/or ECT.
All The Best!

HY NBME Psych Review: Some MS4

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What are some important timelines and factors to consider when making a psychiatric diagnosis?

What are some important timelines and factors to consider when making a psychiatric diagnosis?

What are some common atypical and typical antipsychotic medications?

What are some common atypical and typical antipsychotic medications?

HY NBME Psych Review

-The big “skill” required is an ability to recognize a diagnosis by paying attention to a

-Timelines are extremely important in psychiatry in addition to “counting symptoms”.

-Psych pharm is extremely HY for the shelf.

-Psych is best learnt in the context of clinical scenarios.

-Schizophrenia is treated with neuroleptics.

a. Decrease the dose of haloperidol.

-Fixed, false beliefs despite evidence to the contrary.

-Symptoms lasting > 6 mo.

-Fixed, false beliefs despite evidence to the contrary (delusions).

-Hearing voices (perception of something that is not there).

-Symptoms lasting > 6 mo.

-An example of a delusion is believing you are President Obama. An example of a

-Quetiapine causes cataracts (regular slit lamp exams needed).

-Ziprasidone has the strongest association with QT interval prolongation.

-Risperidone has the strongest association with hyperprolactinemia

-Aripiprazole is classically regarded as an antagonist at DA receptors. However, it’s

A medical student pays meticulous attention to his notes. He handwrites everything

A medical student pays meticulous attention to his notes. He handwrites everything

-DA is also known as Prolactin Inhibiting Factor. Blocking DA receptors

-Low potency typical antipsychotics (Chlorpromazine) cause sedation (from H1 blockade),

-A study was conducted 12 years ago that

-Li is associated with a fine tremor, hypo/hyperthyroidism, and nephrogenic diabetes

-SIGECAPS goes with Sleep, Interest, Guilt, Energy, Concentration, Appetite,

-Finally, there’s Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) which has the HY SE of anterograde

Other HY takeaways include:

-SSRIs being especially good in men with premature ejaculation.

-ADHD = hyperactivity, impulsiveness, inattentiveness, and distractibility in 2 or more

-ODD is generally associated with kids being disobedient to authority. CD is associated

-Give methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine to these kids. They prevent the

-As an aside, the Z drugs for insomnia (Zolpidem, Zaleplon, and

-ETOH also works as a GABA receptor agonist. This is why

A-This is cocaine intoxication. Cocaine blocks the reuptake of catecholamines at the

-Remember the association b/w substandard heroine and MPTP (Parkinsonism).

-Associate LSD with flashbacks.

What is the most likely diagnosis?

-Consider bulimia in the presence of a similar presentation and a relatively

-Patient with anorexia often respond better to personal/family

What is the most likely diagnosis?

-This disorder is characterized by poor interpersonal

-Manifestation is usually before a child hits 36 mo.

-pH 6.9, pCO2 is 80.

-pH 6.9, pCO2 is 80.

-A partial nicotine receptor agonist (Varenicline) can be used in the treatment of

-Alcoholism may be associated with;

The development of reversible confusion, ophthalmoplegia, and ataxia (Wernicke’s, give

46 yo M has a long history of multiple ED visits. During the interview he consistently

A 27 yo nursing student with no relevant PMH comes to the ED complaining of

A 27 yo resident comes to the ED complaining of lightheadedness within 10 minutes of

A 27 yo nursing student with no relevant PMH comes to the ED complaining of lightheadedness.

A 27 yo resident comes to the ED complaining of lightheadedness within 10 minutes of

The “gain” in factitious disorder is a “primary gain”.

-Acute onset of AMS and fluctuations in levels of consciousness.

-Disorganized thoughts and lack of concentration.