Psychopharmacology for Psychiatry: Master Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, and Mood Stabilizers

Question 1

Which of the following is a contraindication for the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Current use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Answer

Pregnancy

Answer

History of heart disease

Answer

Bipolar disorder

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a typical antipsychotic medication?

Accepted Answer

Fluoxetine

Answer

Chlorpromazine

Answer

Haloperidol

Answer

Olanzapine

Question 3

Which of the following is a major advantage of using depot antipsychotic injections?

Accepted Answer

Improved adherence

Answer

Reduced risk of extrapyramidal side effects

Answer

Lower cost of treatment

Answer

Fewer drug interactions

Question 4

What is the primary indication for the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?

Accepted Answer

Severe depression

Answer

Bipolar disorder

Answer

Schizophrenia

Answer

Anxiety disorders

Question 5

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the onset of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Noradrenaline

Answer

GABA

Question 6

In the UK, which medication is considered the first-line treatment for major depressive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Fluoxetine (Prozac)

Answer

Amitriptyline (Elavil)

Answer

Mirtazapine (Remeron)

Answer

Venlafaxine (Effexor)

Question 7

What is the primary mechanism of action for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?

Accepted Answer

Inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin

Answer

Increasing the release of dopamine

Answer

Blocking the action of acetylcholine

Answer

Enhancing the production of norepinephrine

Question 8

which of the following is a common adverse effect associated with tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)?

Accepted Answer

Anticholinergic effects

Answer

Serotonin syndrome

Answer

Tardive dyskinesia

Answer

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Question 9

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) primarily works by:

Accepted Answer

Inducing seizures

Answer

Releasing neurotransmitters

Answer

Modulating brain circuits

Answer

Improving blood flow to the brain

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a common side effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?

Accepted Answer

Tardive dyskinesia

Answer

Nausea

Answer

Diarrhea

Answer

Serotonin syndrome

Question 11

Which of the following is the primary mechanism of action of atypical antipsychotics?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine D2 receptor antagonism and Serotonin 5-HT2A receptor antagonism

Answer

Serotonin 5-HT2A receptor antagonism

Answer

Noradrenaline reuptake inhibition

Answer

GABAergic potentiation

Question 12

Which of the following medications is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic?

Accepted Answer

Zolpidem

Answer

Diazepam

Answer

Chlorpromazine

Answer

Olanzapine

Question 13

What is the typical duration of treatment for a patient with acute depression?

Accepted Answer

8-12 weeks

Answer

4-6 weeks

Answer

6-12 months

Answer

Until remission is achieved

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a type of antidepressant medication?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine reuptake inhibitors

Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Answer

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Question 15

What is the primary mechanism of action of SSRIs?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of serotonin reuptake

Answer

Enhancement of norepinephrine release

Answer

Blocking of dopamine receptors

Answer

Stimulation of GABA receptors

Question 16

When selecting an antidepressant for a patient with comorbid anxiety, which class of medication is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

SSRIs

Answer

TCAs

Answer

MAOIs

Answer

Antipsychotics

Question 17

A patient with major depressive disorder has been prescribed sertraline. Which of the following side effects is most commonly associated with this medication?

Accepted Answer

Nausea

Answer

Hypomania

Answer

Extrapyramidal symptoms

Answer

Sedation

Question 18

A patient with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations and delusions of persecution. Which of the following atypical antipsychotics is a first-line treatment option for these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Risperidone

Answer

Lithium

Answer

Clonazepam

Answer

Haloperidol

Question 19

A patient with bipolar disorder is experiencing a manic episode. Which of the following medications is the first-line treatment for acute mania?

Accepted Answer

Lithium

Answer

Clonazepam

Answer

Risperidone

Answer

Sertraline

Question 20

A patient with a history of depression is being treated with an SSRI and reports feeling anxious and agitated. Which of the following would be the most appropriate initial action?

Accepted Answer

Consult with the prescriber to consider adjusting the medication or adding an anxiolytic.

Answer

Immediately discontinue the SSRI.

Answer

Increase the dose of the SSRI.

Question 21

A patient with schizophrenia is experiencing extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) as a side effect of their antipsychotic medication. Which of the following medications is most commonly used to manage EPS?

Accepted Answer

Benztropine

Answer

Haloperidol

Answer

Lithium

Question 22

A patient is prescribed an antidepressant and is concerned about potential interactions with their other medications. What is the most crucial action to take?

Accepted Answer

Consult with the prescriber to discuss potential drug interactions.

Answer

Ignore the concern as it is likely insignificant.

Answer

Discontinue the antidepressant medication.

Question 23

A patient with anxiety disorder is prescribed an SSRI. Which of the following factors should be primarily considered when selecting the appropriate dose?

Accepted Answer

Patient's age, weight, and liver function

Answer

Availability of the medication at the pharmacy

Answer

Patient's preference for a specific medication

Answer

Cost of the medication

Question 24

In patient education regarding psychotropic medication, what is the most critical aspect to emphasize?

Accepted Answer

Understanding the potential side effects and how to manage them

Answer

Knowing the chemical name of the medication

Answer

Memorizing the exact dosage

Question 25

A patient with a history of substance abuse is being treated for depression. Which of the following factors should be a primary consideration when selecting an antidepressant?

Accepted Answer

Potential for abuse or dependence

Answer

Cost of the medication

Answer

Patient's preference for a specific medication

Answer

Availability of the medication at the pharmacy