Understanding the background and etiology of psychotic disorders is crucial for appreciating the rationale behind current treatment strategies. While the exact causes are still being unraveled, a combination of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors is thought to contribute to their development. This quiz will test your knowledge on the foundational theories and risk factors associated with conditions like schizophrenia.
1. The “dopamine hypothesis” of schizophrenia primarily suggests that positive symptoms are caused by an excess of dopamine in which brain pathway?
- a. Nigrostriatal pathway
- b. Mesolimbic pathway
- c. Mesocortical pathway
- d. Tuberoinfundibular pathway
Answer: b. Mesolimbic pathway
2. A hypoactive mesocortical dopamine pathway is thought to be associated with which symptoms of schizophrenia?
- a. Positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions)
- b. Negative and cognitive symptoms (avolition, alogia, impaired executive function)
- c. Motor symptoms (EPS)
- d. Hormonal side effects
Answer: b. Negative and cognitive symptoms (avolition, alogia, impaired executive function)
3. Which of the following is considered the strongest, non-genetic risk factor for developing schizophrenia?
- a. Growing up in an urban environment.
- b. A history of cannabis use during adolescence.
- c. Being born in the winter or early spring.
- d. Advanced paternal age.
Answer: b. A history of cannabis use during adolescence.
4. The neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia suggests that:
- a. The disease is caused by a single traumatic event in adulthood.
- b. A combination of genetic predisposition and early life insults (e.g., in-utero infection) disrupts normal brain development, leading to symptoms that emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood.
- c. The disease is purely genetic.
- d. Schizophrenia is caused by poor parenting.
Answer: b. A combination of genetic predisposition and early life insults (e.g., in-utero infection) disrupts normal brain development, leading to symptoms that emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood.
5. The glutamate hypothesis of schizophrenia proposes that there is a dysfunction or hypofunction of which type of glutamate receptor?
- a. AMPA
- b. Kainate
- c. NMDA
- d. All of the above
Answer: c. NMDA
6. Having a first-degree relative (e.g., a parent or sibling) with schizophrenia _____ an individual’s risk of developing the disorder.
- a. has no effect on
- b. slightly decreases
- c. significantly increases
- d. guarantees
Answer: c. significantly increases
7. On a structural MRI, a common finding in the brains of people with schizophrenia is:
- a. Enlarged ventricles and reduced total brain volume.
- b. An enlarged hippocampus.
- c. An increase in gray matter.
- d. No structural changes are ever seen.
Answer: a. Enlarged ventricles and reduced total brain volume.
8. Which of the following is NOT considered a primary neurotransmitter system implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia?
- a. Dopamine
- b. Serotonin
- c. Glutamate
- d. Acetylcholine (in the context of primary symptoms)
Answer: d. Acetylcholine (in the context of primary symptoms)
9. The fact that drugs like PCP and ketamine, which block NMDA receptors, can produce psychosis-like symptoms supports which hypothesis?
- a. The dopamine hypothesis
- b. The serotonin hypothesis
- c. The glutamate hypothesis
- d. The cholinergic hypothesis
Answer: c. The glutamate hypothesis
10. “Pruning” is a normal developmental process where the brain eliminates excess synaptic connections during adolescence. In schizophrenia, this process may be:
- a. Absent
- b. Accelerated or excessive
- c. Delayed
- d. Unchanged
Answer: b. Accelerated or excessive
11. The term “etiology” refers to:
- a. The symptoms of a disease.
- b. The treatment of a disease.
- c. The cause or set of causes of a disease.
- d. The prognosis of a disease.
Answer: c. The cause or set of causes of a disease.
12. Stressful life events and environmental factors can trigger the onset of psychosis in a genetically vulnerable individual.
- a. True
- b. False
Answer: a. True
13. A “positive” symptom of psychosis, like a hallucination, represents:
- a. A deficit in normal functioning.
- b. A distortion or excess of normal functioning.
- c. A mood symptom.
- d. A cognitive symptom.
Answer: b. A distortion or excess of normal functioning.
14. A “negative” symptom of psychosis, like avolition (lack of motivation), represents:
- a. A distortion of reality.
- b. An excess of normal behavior.
- c. A loss or deficit of normal functioning.
- d. A perceptual disturbance.
Answer: c. A loss or deficit of normal functioning.
15. The interaction between serotonin (5-HT2A) and dopamine pathways is a key principle in the pharmacology of which class of medications?
- a. First-generation antipsychotics
- b. Second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics
- c. Benzodiazepines
- d. Antidepressants
Answer: b. Second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics
16. Which of the following is NOT considered a significant environmental risk factor for schizophrenia?
- a. Prenatal exposure to influenza.
- b. Obstetric complications.
- c. Migration.
- d. A high-protein diet.
Answer: d. A high-protein diet.
17. The “two-hit” hypothesis of schizophrenia suggests that:
- a. The disease is caused by two specific genes.
- b. An initial genetic or early environmental “first hit” creates a vulnerability, and a “second hit” (like stress or substance use) during adolescence triggers the disease.
- c. A patient must fail two medications before being diagnosed.
- d. Two different neurotransmitters must be involved.
Answer: b. An initial genetic or early environmental “first hit” creates a vulnerability, and a “second hit” (like stress or substance use) during adolescence triggers the disease.
18. The heritability of schizophrenia is estimated to be around:
- a. 10%
- b. 25%
- c. 50%
- d. 80%
Answer: d. 80%
19. The “prodromal” phase of schizophrenia is a period:
- a. Before any symptoms appear.
- b. Of acute psychosis.
- c. After the psychosis has been treated.
- d. Of sub-threshold symptoms and functional decline that precedes the first full psychotic episode.
Answer: d. Of sub-threshold symptoms and functional decline that precedes the first full psychotic episode.
20. The fact that all effective antipsychotic drugs have some activity as a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist supports which hypothesis?
- a. The dopamine hypothesis
- b. The glutamate hypothesis
- c. The serotonin hypothesis
- d. The neurodevelopmental hypothesis
Answer: a. The dopamine hypothesis
21. The term “spectrum” in “psychotic spectrum disorders” implies that:
- a. All psychotic disorders are the same.
- b. These disorders exist on a continuum of severity and symptom presentation.
- c. The disorders are related to the light spectrum.
- d. The disorders are not related to each other.
Answer: b. These disorders exist on a continuum of severity and symptom presentation.
22. A patient experiences auditory hallucinations. From a neurochemical perspective, this is thought to be related to:
- a. A lack of dopamine in the mesocortical pathway.
- b. An excess of dopamine in the mesolimbic pathway.
- c. A lack of serotonin.
- d. An excess of GABA.
Answer: b. An excess of dopamine in the mesolimbic pathway.
23. A patient has significant apathy and a flat affect. This is thought to be related to:
- a. An excess of dopamine in the mesolimbic pathway.
- b. A deficiency of dopamine in the mesocortical pathway.
- c. An excess of acetylcholine.
- d. A deficiency of glutamate.
Answer: b. A deficiency of dopamine in the mesocortical pathway.
24. The understanding of the etiology of psychotic disorders is complete and well-defined.
- a. True
- b. False
Answer: b. False
25. A pharmacist’s understanding of the etiology of these disorders is important for:
- a. Explaining the rationale of treatment to patients and caregivers.
- b. Understanding the mechanism of action of medications.
- c. Appreciating that the illness is a brain disorder, not a character flaw.
- d. All of the above.
Answer: d. All of the above.
26. The high rate of smoking in patients with schizophrenia has been hypothesized to be a form of:
- a. A coping mechanism.
- b. “Self-medication” to improve cognitive deficits via nicotinic receptor stimulation.
- c. A result of boredom.
- d. Both a and b.
Answer: d. Both a and b.
27. The term “phenotype” refers to the observable characteristics of an individual, which result from the interaction of their genotype and the environment.
- a. True
- b. False
Answer: a. True
28. No single gene is responsible for causing schizophrenia; instead, it is thought to be a polygenic disorder.
- a. True
- b. False
Answer: a. True
29. The blocking of D2 receptors in the nigrostriatal pathway by antipsychotics can lead to what type of side effects?
- a. Metabolic syndrome
- b. Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS)
- c. Anticholinergic side effects
- d. Sedation
Answer: b. Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS)
30. The blocking of D2 receptors in the tuberoinfundibular pathway by antipsychotics can lead to an increase in which hormone?
- a. Cortisol
- b. Testosterone
- c. Prolactin
- d. Insulin
Answer: c. Prolactin
31. The role of serotonin 5-HT2A receptor blockade by atypical antipsychotics is thought to:
- a. Worsen positive symptoms.
- b. Increase the risk of EPS.
- c. Increase dopamine release in certain brain regions, potentially mitigating EPS and improving negative symptoms.
- d. Be the primary antipsychotic mechanism.
Answer: c. Increase dopamine release in certain brain regions, potentially mitigating EPS and improving negative symptoms.
32. The etiology of a disease is its:
- a. Symptom profile
- b. Treatment
- c. Cause or origin
- d. Prognosis
Answer: c. Cause or origin
33. Obstetric complications, such as fetal hypoxia or low birth weight, are considered what type of risk factor for schizophrenia?
- a. Genetic
- b. Early environmental
- c. Social
- d. Pharmacological
Answer: b. Early environmental
34. A key part of the background of psychotic disorders is understanding that they are:
- a. Behavioral choices.
- b. Character flaws.
- c. Biological brain disorders.
- d. A form of spiritual possession.
Answer: c. Biological brain disorders.
35. The fact that schizophrenia often emerges during late adolescence or early adulthood supports which hypothesis?
- a. The neurodevelopmental hypothesis, as this is a critical time for brain maturation and synaptic pruning.
- b. The dopamine hypothesis only.
- c. The glutamate hypothesis only.
- d. The idea that it is caused by college stress.
Answer: a. The neurodevelopmental hypothesis, as this is a critical time for brain maturation and synaptic pruning.
36. A person with a DISC1 gene mutation is at a higher risk for schizophrenia. This points to the ____ etiology of the disorder.
- a. environmental
- b. social
- c. genetic
- d. viral
Answer: c. genetic
37. The understanding of the etiology of psychosis helps to destigmatize the illness.
- a. True
- b. False
Answer: a. True
38. The “glutamate hypothesis” was developed in part by observing the effects of what drug class?
- a. Opioids
- b. Benzodiazepines
- c. NMDA receptor antagonists like PCP.
- d. SSRIs
Answer: c. NMDA receptor antagonists like PCP.
39. A “loss-of-function” mutation in a gene involved in neurotransmission could be a part of the etiology of a neuropsychiatric disorder.
- a. True
- b. False
Answer: a. True
40. A pharmacist’s knowledge of this background is important for:
- a. Patient counseling.
- b. Interprofessional communication.
- c. Understanding the rationale for treatment.
- d. All of the above.
Answer: d. All of the above.
41. The current understanding of schizophrenia’s etiology is best described as:
- a. A single, clear cause.
- b. A complex interplay of genetic vulnerability and environmental factors.
- c. A purely psychological phenomenon.
- d. A result of a single neurotransmitter imbalance.
Answer: b. A complex interplay of genetic vulnerability and environmental factors.
42. Which of the following is NOT a structural brain abnormality sometimes seen in schizophrenia?
- a. Enlarged lateral ventricles
- b. Reduced gray matter volume
- c. Reduced hippocampal volume
- d. An enlarged cerebellum
Answer: d. An enlarged cerebellum
43. The high concordance rate for schizophrenia in identical twins (around 40-50%) suggests:
- a. The disease is purely environmental.
- b. A strong genetic component, but genetics do not tell the whole story.
- c. The disease is not genetic at all.
- d. The disease is caused by being a twin.
Answer: b. A strong genetic component, but genetics do not tell the whole story.
44. A patient’s first psychotic break is often preceded by a period of declining social and occupational function.
- a. True
- b. False
Answer: a. True
45. Understanding the background of these disorders helps the pharmacist appreciate the need for:
- a. Long-term, continuous treatment.
- b. A focus on both positive and negative symptoms.
- c. A holistic approach to care that includes psychosocial support.
- d. All of the above.
Answer: d. All of the above.
46. The idea that a single neurotransmitter is responsible for a complex psychiatric disorder is likely an oversimplification.
- a. True
- b. False
Answer: a. True
47. A “diathesis-stress” model is another name for a model that involves:
- a. Only genetic factors.
- b. Only environmental factors.
- c. A pre-existing vulnerability (diathesis) and a triggering stressor.
- d. A dietary cause.
Answer: c. A pre-existing vulnerability (diathesis) and a triggering stressor.
48. Which of the following is NOT a “positive” symptom?
- a. Delusion
- b. Hallucination
- c. Disorganized Speech
- d. Avolition
Answer: d. Avolition
49. The overall goal of research into the etiology of psychotic disorders is to:
- a. Develop better, more targeted treatments and preventative strategies.
- b. Find a single cause for all mental illness.
- c. Prove that these illnesses are not real.
- d. Only develop new medications.
Answer: a. Develop better, more targeted treatments and preventative strategies.
50. The ultimate reason for a pharmacist to learn about the background and etiology of these disorders is to:
- a. Provide more informed, compassionate, and effective patient care.
- b. Pass the psychiatry exam.
- c. Be able to diagnose patients.
- d. Memorize all the brain pathways.
Answer: a. Provide more informed, compassionate, and effective patient care.1. The “dopamine hypothesis” of schizophrenia primarily suggests that positive symptoms are caused by an excess of dopamine in which brain pathway?
- a. Nigrostriatal pathway
- b. Mesolimbic pathway
- c. Mesocortical pathway
- d. Tuberoinfundibular pathway
Answer: b. Mesolimbic pathway
2. A hypoactive mesocortical dopamine pathway is thought to be associated with which symptoms of schizophrenia?
- a. Positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions)
- b. Negative and cognitive symptoms (avolition, alogia, impaired executive function)
- c. Motor symptoms (EPS)
- d. Hormonal side effects
Answer: b. Negative and cognitive symptoms (avolition, alogia, impaired executive function)
3. Which of the following is considered the strongest, non-genetic risk factor for developing schizophrenia?
- a. Growing up in an urban environment.
- b. A history of cannabis use during adolescence.
- c. Being born in the winter or early spring.
- d. Advanced paternal age.
Answer: b. A history of cannabis use during adolescence.
4. The neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia suggests that:
- a. The disease is caused by a single traumatic event in adulthood.
- b. A combination of genetic predisposition and early life insults (e.g., in-utero infection) disrupts normal brain development, leading to symptoms that emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood.
- c. The disease is purely genetic.
- d. Schizophrenia is caused by poor parenting.
Answer: b. A combination of genetic predisposition and early life insults (e.g., in-utero infection) disrupts normal brain development, leading to symptoms that emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood.
5. The glutamate hypothesis of schizophrenia proposes that there is a dysfunction or hypofunction of which type of glutamate receptor?
- a. AMPA
- b. Kainate
- c. NMDA
- d. All of the above
Answer: c. NMDA
6. Having a first-degree relative (e.g., a parent or sibling) with schizophrenia _____ an individual’s risk of developing the disorder.
- a. has no effect on
- b. slightly decreases
- c. significantly increases
- d. guarantees
Answer: c. significantly increases
7. On a structural MRI, a common finding in the brains of people with schizophrenia is:
- a. Enlarged ventricles and reduced total brain volume.
- b. An enlarged hippocampus.
- c. An increase in gray matter.
- d. No structural changes are ever seen.
Answer: a. Enlarged ventricles and reduced total brain volume.
8. Which of the following is NOT considered a primary neurotransmitter system implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia?
- a. Dopamine
- b. Serotonin
- c. Glutamate
- d. Acetylcholine (in the context of primary symptoms)
Answer: d. Acetylcholine (in the context of primary symptoms)
9. The fact that drugs like PCP and ketamine, which block NMDA receptors, can produce psychosis-like symptoms supports which hypothesis?
- a. The dopamine hypothesis
- b. The serotonin hypothesis
- c. The glutamate hypothesis
- d. The cholinergic hypothesis
Answer: c. The glutamate hypothesis
10. “Pruning” is a normal developmental process where the brain eliminates excess synaptic connections during adolescence. In schizophrenia, this process may be:
- a. Absent
- b. Accelerated or excessive
- c. Delayed
- d. Unchanged
Answer: b. Accelerated or excessive
11. The term “etiology” refers to:
- a. The symptoms of a disease.
- b. The treatment of a disease.
- c. The cause or set of causes of a disease.
- d. The prognosis of a disease.
Answer: c. The cause or set of causes of a disease.
12. Stressful life events and environmental factors can trigger the onset of psychosis in a genetically vulnerable individual.
- a. True
- b. False
Answer: a. True
13. A “positive” symptom of psychosis, like a hallucination, represents:
- a. A deficit in normal functioning.
- b. A distortion or excess of normal functioning.
- c. A mood symptom.
- d. A cognitive symptom.
Answer: b. A distortion or excess of normal functioning.
14. A “negative” symptom of psychosis, like avolition (lack of motivation), represents:
- a. A distortion of reality.
- b. An excess of normal behavior.
- c. A loss or deficit of normal functioning.
- d. A perceptual disturbance.
Answer: c. A loss or deficit of normal functioning.
15. The interaction between serotonin (5-HT2A) and dopamine pathways is a key principle in the pharmacology of which class of medications?
- a. First-generation antipsychotics
- b. Second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics
- c. Benzodiazepines
- d. Antidepressants
Answer: b. Second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics
16. Which of the following is NOT considered a significant environmental risk factor for schizophrenia?
- a. Prenatal exposure to influenza.
- b. Obstetric complications.
- c. Migration.
- d. A high-protein diet.
Answer: d. A high-protein diet.
17. The “two-hit” hypothesis of schizophrenia suggests that:
- a. The disease is caused by two specific genes.
- b. An initial genetic or early environmental “first hit” creates a vulnerability, and a “second hit” (like stress or substance use) during adolescence triggers the disease.
- c. A patient must fail two medications before being diagnosed.
- d. Two different neurotransmitters must be involved.
Answer: b. An initial genetic or early environmental “first hit” creates a vulnerability, and a “second hit” (like stress or substance use) during adolescence triggers the disease.
18. The heritability of schizophrenia is estimated to be around:
- a. 10%
- b. 25%
- c. 50%
- d. 80%
Answer: d. 80%
19. The “prodromal” phase of schizophrenia is a period:
- a. Before any symptoms appear.
- b. Of acute psychosis.
- c. After the psychosis has been treated.
- d. Of sub-threshold symptoms and functional decline that precedes the first full psychotic episode.
Answer: d. Of sub-threshold symptoms and functional decline that precedes the first full psychotic episode.
20. The fact that all effective antipsychotic drugs have some activity as a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist supports which hypothesis?
- a. The dopamine hypothesis
- b. The glutamate hypothesis
- c. The serotonin hypothesis
- d. The neurodevelopmental hypothesis
Answer: a. The dopamine hypothesis
21. The term “spectrum” in “psychotic spectrum disorders” implies that:
- a. All psychotic disorders are the same.
- b. These disorders exist on a continuum of severity and symptom presentation.
- c. The disorders are related to the light spectrum.
- d. The disorders are not related to each other.
Answer: b. These disorders exist on a continuum of severity and symptom presentation.
22. A patient experiences auditory hallucinations. From a neurochemical perspective, this is thought to be related to:
- a. A lack of dopamine in the mesocortical pathway.
- b. An excess of dopamine in the mesolimbic pathway.
- c. A lack of serotonin.
- d. An excess of GABA.
Answer: b. An excess of dopamine in the mesolimbic pathway.
23. A patient has significant apathy and a flat affect. This is thought to be related to:
- a. An excess of dopamine in the mesolimbic pathway.
- b. A deficiency of dopamine in the mesocortical pathway.
- c. An excess of acetylcholine.
- d. A deficiency of glutamate.
Answer: b. A deficiency of dopamine in the mesocortical pathway.
24. The understanding of the etiology of psychotic disorders is complete and well-defined.
- a. True
- b. False
Answer: b. False
25. A pharmacist’s understanding of the etiology of these disorders is important for:
- a. Explaining the rationale of treatment to patients and caregivers.
- b. Understanding the mechanism of action of medications.
- c. Appreciating that the illness is a brain disorder, not a character flaw.
- d. All of the above.
Answer: d. All of the above.
26. The high rate of smoking in patients with schizophrenia has been hypothesized to be a form of:
- a. A coping mechanism.
- b. “Self-medication” to improve cognitive deficits via nicotinic receptor stimulation.
- c. A result of boredom.
- d. Both a and b.
Answer: d. Both a and b.
27. The term “phenotype” refers to the observable characteristics of an individual, which result from the interaction of their genotype and the environment.
- a. True
- b. False
Answer: a. True
28. No single gene is responsible for causing schizophrenia; instead, it is thought to be a polygenic disorder.
- a. True
- b. False
Answer: a. True
29. The blocking of D2 receptors in the nigrostriatal pathway by antipsychotics can lead to what type of side effects?
- a. Metabolic syndrome
- b. Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS)
- c. Anticholinergic side effects
- d. Sedation
Answer: b. Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS)
30. The blocking of D2 receptors in the tuberoinfundibular pathway by antipsychotics can lead to an increase in which hormone?
- a. Cortisol
- b. Testosterone
- c. Prolactin
- d. Insulin
Answer: c. Prolactin
31. The role of serotonin 5-HT2A receptor blockade by atypical antipsychotics is thought to:
- a. Worsen positive symptoms.
- b. Increase the risk of EPS.
- c. Increase dopamine release in certain brain regions, potentially mitigating EPS and improving negative symptoms.
- d. Be the primary antipsychotic mechanism.
Answer: c. Increase dopamine release in certain brain regions, potentially mitigating EPS and improving negative symptoms.
32. The etiology of a disease is its:
- a. Symptom profile
- b. Treatment
- c. Cause or origin
- d. Prognosis
Answer: c. Cause or origin
33. Obstetric complications, such as fetal hypoxia or low birth weight, are considered what type of risk factor for schizophrenia?
- a. Genetic
- b. Early environmental
- c. Social
- d. Pharmacological
Answer: b. Early environmental
34. A key part of the background of psychotic disorders is understanding that they are:
- a. Behavioral choices.
- b. Character flaws.
- c. Biological brain disorders.
- d. A form of spiritual possession.
Answer: c. Biological brain disorders.
35. The fact that schizophrenia often emerges during late adolescence or early adulthood supports which hypothesis?
- a. The neurodevelopmental hypothesis, as this is a critical time for brain maturation and synaptic pruning.
- b. The dopamine hypothesis only.
- c. The glutamate hypothesis only.
- d. The idea that it is caused by college stress.
Answer: a. The neurodevelopmental hypothesis, as this is a critical time for brain maturation and synaptic pruning.
36. A person with a DISC1 gene mutation is at a higher risk for schizophrenia. This points to the ____ etiology of the disorder.
- a. environmental
- b. social
- c. genetic
- d. viral
Answer: c. genetic
37. The understanding of the etiology of psychosis helps to destigmatize the illness.
- a. True
- b. False
Answer: a. True
38. The “glutamate hypothesis” was developed in part by observing the effects of what drug class?
- a. Opioids
- b. Benzodiazepines
- c. NMDA receptor antagonists like PCP.
- d. SSRIs
Answer: c. NMDA receptor antagonists like PCP.
39. A “loss-of-function” mutation in a gene involved in neurotransmission could be a part of the etiology of a neuropsychiatric disorder.
- a. True
- b. False
Answer: a. True
40. A pharmacist’s knowledge of this background is important for:
- a. Patient counseling.
- b. Interprofessional communication.
- c. Understanding the rationale for treatment.
- d. All of the above.
Answer: d. All of the above.
41. The current understanding of schizophrenia’s etiology is best described as:
- a. A single, clear cause.
- b. A complex interplay of genetic vulnerability and environmental factors.
- c. A purely psychological phenomenon.
- d. A result of a single neurotransmitter imbalance.
Answer: b. A complex interplay of genetic vulnerability and environmental factors.
42. Which of the following is NOT a structural brain abnormality sometimes seen in schizophrenia?
- a. Enlarged lateral ventricles
- b. Reduced gray matter volume
- c. Reduced hippocampal volume
- d. An enlarged cerebellum
Answer: d. An enlarged cerebellum
43. The high concordance rate for schizophrenia in identical twins (around 40-50%) suggests:
- a. The disease is purely environmental.
- b. A strong genetic component, but genetics do not tell the whole story.
- c. The disease is not genetic at all.
- d. The disease is caused by being a twin.
Answer: b. A strong genetic component, but genetics do not tell the whole story.
44. A patient’s first psychotic break is often preceded by a period of declining social and occupational function.
- a. True
- b. False
Answer: a. True
45. Understanding the background of these disorders helps the pharmacist appreciate the need for:
- a. Long-term, continuous treatment.
- b. A focus on both positive and negative symptoms.
- c. A holistic approach to care that includes psychosocial support.
- d. All of the above.
Answer: d. All of the above.
46. The idea that a single neurotransmitter is responsible for a complex psychiatric disorder is likely an oversimplification.
- a. True
- b. False
Answer: a. True
47. A “diathesis-stress” model is another name for a model that involves:
- a. Only genetic factors.
- b. Only environmental factors.
- c. A pre-existing vulnerability (diathesis) and a triggering stressor.
- d. A dietary cause.
Answer: c. A pre-existing vulnerability (diathesis) and a triggering stressor.
48. Which of the following is NOT a “positive” symptom?
- a. Delusion
- b. Hallucination
- c. Disorganized Speech
- d. Avolition
Answer: d. Avolition
49. The overall goal of research into the etiology of psychotic disorders is to:
- a. Develop better, more targeted treatments and preventative strategies.
- b. Find a single cause for all mental illness.
- c. Prove that these illnesses are not real.
- d. Only develop new medications.
Answer: a. Develop better, more targeted treatments and preventative strategies.
50. The ultimate reason for a pharmacist to learn about the background and etiology of these disorders is to:
- a. Provide more informed, compassionate, and effective patient care.
- b. Pass the psychiatry exam.
- c. Be able to diagnose patients.
- d. Memorize all the brain pathways.
Answer: a. Provide more informed, compassionate, and effective patient care.
I am a Registered Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the founder of PharmacyFreak.com. I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. With a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge, I am committed to providing accurate, easy-to-understand content to support pharmacy students and professionals. My aim is to make complex pharmaceutical concepts accessible and useful for real-world application.
Mail- Sachin@pharmacyfreak.com