Q.1 Which of the following is considered a hallmark symptom of schizophrenia?
Obsessions
Hallucinations
Phobias
Somatic complaints
Explanation - Hallucinations, especially auditory, are a core positive symptom of schizophrenia, distinguishing it from other disorders.
Correct answer is: Hallucinations
Q.2 Delusions of persecution are best described as:
Believing others are trying to harm you
Believing you are exceptionally powerful
Hearing voices
Being preoccupied with cleanliness
Explanation - Persecutory delusions involve the false belief that one is being plotted against or harmed.
Correct answer is: Believing others are trying to harm you
Q.3 Which neurotransmitter is most implicated in schizophrenia?
Serotonin
Dopamine
Acetylcholine
GABA
Explanation - The dopamine hypothesis suggests overactivity of dopamine pathways contributes to schizophrenia symptoms.
Correct answer is: Dopamine
Q.4 Which subtype of schizophrenia is characterized primarily by delusions and hallucinations?
Paranoid
Catatonic
Disorganized
Residual
Explanation - Paranoid schizophrenia is marked by prominent delusions and hallucinations, often persecutory or grandiose.
Correct answer is: Paranoid
Q.5 Which of the following is a negative symptom of schizophrenia?
Delusions
Hallucinations
Affective flattening
Disorganized speech
Explanation - Negative symptoms involve diminished emotional expression, motivation, or speech, unlike positive symptoms.
Correct answer is: Affective flattening
Q.6 Catatonia in schizophrenia is characterized by:
Rapid mood swings
Motor immobility or excessive activity
Delusional thinking
Flight of ideas
Explanation - Catatonia involves marked disturbances in motor behavior, such as stupor, rigidity, or agitation.
Correct answer is: Motor immobility or excessive activity
Q.7 First-rank symptoms of schizophrenia were described by:
Bleuler
Schneider
Kraepelin
Freud
Explanation - Kurt Schneider identified first-rank symptoms such as thought insertion, withdrawal, and auditory hallucinations.
Correct answer is: Schneider
Q.8 The term 'dementia praecox' was introduced by:
Kraepelin
Bleuler
Freud
Pinel
Explanation - Kraepelin used 'dementia praecox' to describe early-onset psychosis, distinguishing it from manic-depressive illness.
Correct answer is: Kraepelin
Q.9 Bleuler coined the term 'schizophrenia' to emphasize:
Cognitive decline
Split between thought and emotion
Hallucinations
Mood swings
Explanation - Bleuler introduced 'schizophrenia,' highlighting the 'splitting' of psychic functions.
Correct answer is: Split between thought and emotion
Q.10 Which of the following antipsychotics is classified as atypical?
Haloperidol
Chlorpromazine
Clozapine
Fluphenazine
Explanation - Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic, effective in treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
Correct answer is: Clozapine
Q.11 Which symptom is considered a thought disorder in schizophrenia?
Alogia
Echolalia
Tangentiality
Flat affect
Explanation - Thought disorders manifest as disturbances in the form of thought, such as tangentiality or derailment.
Correct answer is: Tangentiality
Q.12 Which of the following is NOT a core symptom of schizophrenia?
Hallucinations
Delusions
Disorganized speech
Euphoria
Explanation - Euphoria is not a typical symptom of schizophrenia; it is more common in mood disorders.
Correct answer is: Euphoria
Q.13 The prodromal phase of schizophrenia is characterized by:
Severe delusions
Marked hallucinations
Subtle social withdrawal and decline
Catatonic stupor
Explanation - The prodromal phase often shows gradual social and functional decline before overt psychosis.
Correct answer is: Subtle social withdrawal and decline
Q.14 Which brain abnormality is commonly associated with schizophrenia?
Smaller ventricles
Larger ventricles
Hyperactive hippocampus
Decreased cerebellar volume
Explanation - Enlarged cerebral ventricles are often seen in imaging studies of patients with schizophrenia.
Correct answer is: Larger ventricles
Q.15 Which of the following is the strongest genetic risk factor for schizophrenia?
Having a parent with depression
Having a sibling with bipolar disorder
Having an identical twin with schizophrenia
Being adopted
Explanation - Twin studies show the highest concordance rate for schizophrenia among monozygotic twins.
Correct answer is: Having an identical twin with schizophrenia
Q.16 Which drug is most likely to cause extrapyramidal side effects?
Olanzapine
Clozapine
Haloperidol
Quetiapine
Explanation - Haloperidol, a typical antipsychotic, strongly blocks dopamine receptors, leading to motor side effects.
Correct answer is: Haloperidol
Q.17 Schizophrenia usually has its onset in:
Childhood
Adolescence and early adulthood
Late adulthood
Infancy
Explanation - Onset typically occurs between late teens and early 30s, earlier in males than females.
Correct answer is: Adolescence and early adulthood
Q.18 Which of the following is a disorganized symptom of schizophrenia?
Delusions
Hallucinations
Word salad
Flat affect
Explanation - Word salad refers to incoherent speech, a hallmark of disorganized thinking.
Correct answer is: Word salad
Q.19 Which antipsychotic requires regular monitoring of white blood cell counts?
Haloperidol
Olanzapine
Clozapine
Risperidone
Explanation - Clozapine can cause agranulocytosis, requiring regular blood monitoring.
Correct answer is: Clozapine
Q.20 Which of the following is an example of a bizarre delusion?
Believing the government is spying on you
Believing your thoughts are being broadcast
Believing your neighbor dislikes you
Believing you failed an exam
Explanation - Thought broadcasting is a bizarre delusion because it is clearly implausible and not culturally accepted.
Correct answer is: Believing your thoughts are being broadcast
Q.21 Which is a first-line treatment for schizophrenia?
Antidepressants
Mood stabilizers
Antipsychotics
Anxiolytics
Explanation - Antipsychotic medications are the cornerstone of schizophrenia treatment.
Correct answer is: Antipsychotics
Q.22 Which of the following cognitive deficits is common in schizophrenia?
Impaired attention
Enhanced memory
Improved problem-solving
Faster reaction time
Explanation - Cognitive impairments, especially in attention and working memory, are core features of schizophrenia.
Correct answer is: Impaired attention
Q.23 In schizophrenia, 'alogia' refers to:
Lack of pleasure
Poverty of speech
Delusions of grandeur
Abnormal movements
Explanation - Alogia is a negative symptom where speech output is reduced.
Correct answer is: Poverty of speech
Q.24 Which of the following is an early sign of schizophrenia in adolescents?
Sudden improvement in grades
Social withdrawal
Excessive physical activity
Strong interest in new hobbies
Explanation - Early signs include withdrawal, decline in functioning, and unusual thoughts.
Correct answer is: Social withdrawal
Q.25 Which class of symptoms is hardest to treat in schizophrenia?
Positive symptoms
Negative symptoms
Cognitive symptoms
Mood symptoms
Explanation - Negative symptoms respond poorly to treatment compared to positive symptoms.
Correct answer is: Negative symptoms