Pediatric Psychiatry # MCQs Practice set

Q.1 Which of the following is the most common psychiatric disorder in children?

Autism Spectrum Disorder
ADHD
Conduct Disorder
Depression
Explanation - Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common psychiatric disorder diagnosed in children worldwide.
Correct answer is: ADHD

Q.2 At what minimum age is a diagnosis of ADHD typically made?

2 years
4 years
6 years
10 years
Explanation - Symptoms must be present before the age of 12, but reliable diagnosis is usually possible around school entry, typically by age 6.
Correct answer is: 6 years

Q.3 Which symptom is NOT part of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD?

Impulsivity
Inattention
Hallucinations
Hyperactivity
Explanation - Hallucinations are not a feature of ADHD; they are more characteristic of psychotic disorders.
Correct answer is: Hallucinations

Q.4 Which of the following is a first-line treatment for ADHD in school-aged children?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Antipsychotics
Stimulant medications
Electroconvulsive therapy
Explanation - Stimulant medications like methylphenidate are considered first-line treatment for ADHD in children.
Correct answer is: Stimulant medications

Q.5 Which of the following disorders is characterized by persistent defiance, hostility, and rule-breaking in children?

Autism Spectrum Disorder
ADHD
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Depression
Explanation - Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) involves persistent patterns of defiant and disobedient behavior towards authority figures.
Correct answer is: Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Q.6 Which symptom is most typical of childhood depression compared to adult depression?

Loss of interest
Low energy
Irritability
Insomnia
Explanation - Children with depression often present with irritability rather than the typical sadness seen in adults.
Correct answer is: Irritability

Q.7 Which of the following is a core triad of Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity
Mood swings, hallucinations, delusions
Impaired communication, impaired social interaction, repetitive behaviors
Aggression, irritability, sadness
Explanation - Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and restrictive/repetitive behaviors.
Correct answer is: Impaired communication, impaired social interaction, repetitive behaviors

Q.8 Which developmental milestone delay is most associated with autism?

Motor skills
Speech and language
Toilet training
Fine motor coordination
Explanation - Children with autism often show delays in speech and language development, which may be the earliest recognized symptom.
Correct answer is: Speech and language

Q.9 Separation anxiety disorder in children is most often diagnosed before what age?

5 years
7 years
10 years
12 years
Explanation - Separation anxiety disorder typically presents before the age of 7 years with excessive anxiety about being away from caregivers.
Correct answer is: 7 years

Q.10 Which disorder is most likely if a child frequently sets fires, tortures animals, and engages in violent behavior?

ADHD
Conduct Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Anxiety Disorder
Explanation - Conduct disorder involves persistent violation of societal norms and rules, including aggression towards people and animals.
Correct answer is: Conduct Disorder

Q.11 Which medication is commonly used in the treatment of childhood depression?

Fluoxetine
Haloperidol
Methylphenidate
Diazepam
Explanation - Fluoxetine is FDA-approved for use in children and adolescents with major depressive disorder.
Correct answer is: Fluoxetine

Q.12 Which feature differentiates Tourette’s syndrome from other tic disorders?

Motor tics only
Phonic tics only
Both motor and vocal tics
Stereotypies
Explanation - Tourette’s syndrome is characterized by the presence of both motor and vocal tics.
Correct answer is: Both motor and vocal tics

Q.13 The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder is higher in which gender?

Males
Females
Equal
Varies by region
Explanation - ASD is more commonly diagnosed in boys, though it may be under-recognized in girls due to subtler presentations.
Correct answer is: Males

Q.14 Which of the following is a red flag for autism in a 2-year-old?

Not speaking in full sentences
Not pointing to objects
Not toilet trained
Not able to jump
Explanation - Lack of pointing to share interest (joint attention) is an early sign of autism spectrum disorder.
Correct answer is: Not pointing to objects

Q.15 Which therapy is most effective for OCD in children?

Psychoanalysis
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy
Family therapy alone
Explanation - CBT with exposure and response prevention is the gold standard treatment for pediatric OCD.
Correct answer is: Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Q.16 Which disorder involves repetitive, intrusive thoughts and compulsive rituals?

ADHD
Autism
OCD
Depression
Explanation - Obsessive-compulsive disorder is defined by obsessions and compulsions that interfere with functioning.
Correct answer is: OCD

Q.17 Enuresis is defined as involuntary urination beyond what age?

3 years
4 years
5 years
6 years
Explanation - Enuresis is diagnosed when involuntary urination persists beyond the age of 5 years.
Correct answer is: 5 years

Q.18 Which type of enuresis occurs when the child has never achieved bladder control?

Primary enuresis
Secondary enuresis
Daytime enuresis
Psychogenic enuresis
Explanation - Primary enuresis refers to persistent bedwetting in children who have never been dry for a prolonged period.
Correct answer is: Primary enuresis

Q.19 Which of the following is a risk factor for adolescent depression?

Good peer support
Family conflict
High self-esteem
Stable housing
Explanation - Family conflict and adverse home environments are significant risk factors for depression in adolescents.
Correct answer is: Family conflict

Q.20 Which sleep disturbance is most common in children with ADHD?

Night terrors
Insomnia
Narcolepsy
Sleepwalking
Explanation - Children with ADHD frequently suffer from sleep onset and maintenance insomnia.
Correct answer is: Insomnia

Q.21 Which disorder involves recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors?

Anorexia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa
OCD
Bipolar disorder
Explanation - Bulimia nervosa is defined by binge eating episodes followed by purging or other compensatory behaviors.
Correct answer is: Bulimia nervosa

Q.22 A child with selective mutism will typically:

Refuse to speak at home
Speak freely at school
Speak in some settings but remain silent in others
Not understand spoken language
Explanation - Selective mutism involves consistent failure to speak in specific settings despite speaking comfortably in others.
Correct answer is: Speak in some settings but remain silent in others

Q.23 Which of the following is a common comorbidity of ADHD?

Epilepsy
Conduct disorder
Dementia
Schizophrenia
Explanation - ADHD is commonly comorbid with disruptive behavior disorders such as conduct disorder.
Correct answer is: Conduct disorder

Q.24 Which neurotransmitter is most implicated in the pathophysiology of ADHD?

Serotonin
GABA
Dopamine
Acetylcholine
Explanation - Dysregulation of dopamine and norepinephrine pathways is central to ADHD pathophysiology.
Correct answer is: Dopamine

Q.25 What is the mainstay of treatment for childhood anxiety disorders?

Stimulants
CBT
Antipsychotics
Electroconvulsive therapy
Explanation - Cognitive-behavioral therapy is the gold standard for pediatric anxiety disorders, sometimes combined with SSRIs in severe cases.
Correct answer is: CBT