A 5-Question Quiz on Diagnosing Schizophrenia

Question 1:

Which of the 5 domains of negative symptoms of schizophrenia does the following question assess: “Is the patient actively engaged with hobbies and productive activity during the day?”

A. Psychomotor activity
B. Motivation
C. Social activity
D. Communication
E. Emotion/affect

Answer and Question #2 on Next Page »

The correct answer is C. Social activity

For more information, see: 5 Domains of Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia.

Question 2.

Diagnostic distinctions between schizophrenia, bipolar disorder type I, other forms of bipolar spectrum disorder are supported by:

A. Genome-wide association studies that link specific genetic markers to specific disorders
B. Symptoms that unambiguously distinguish one form of mental disorder from the others
C. Categorical diagnostic rules established by consensus
D. None of the above; there are no reliable ways to differentiate one disorder from another

Answer and Question #3 on Next Page »

The correct answer is C. Categorical diagnostic rules established by consensus

For more information, see: The “Hard” and “Soft” Phenotypic Boundaries of Bipolar Disorder

Question 3.

Negative symptoms of schizophrenia are often confused with

A. Anhedonia
B. Dysthymia
C. Confusion
D. Dysregulation
E. None of the above

Answer and Question #4 on Next Page »

The correct answer is A. Anhedonia

For more information, see: Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia: An Update on Identification and Treatment

Question 4.

For a DSM-5 diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, specific mood symptoms must be present for at least what proportion of the total illness duration?
A. 25%
B. 33%
C. 50%
D. 67%
E. 75%

Answer and Question #4 on Next Page »

The correct answer is C. 50%

For more information, see: Modest-But Clinically Useful-Changes for Psychotic Disorders in DSM-5

Question 5.

What is the estimated concordance rate of schizophrenic illness in monozygotic twins?

A. 10%
B. 20%
C. 50%
D. 75%

Answer on Next Page »

The correct answer is C. 50%

For more information, see: DNA Methylation in Schizophrenia

This quiz was originally posted on October 1, 2016, and has since been updated.