1.
Who is more likely due to develop PTSD?
Correct Answer
B. Women
Explanation
Women are more likely to develop PTSD compared to men. This could be due to various factors such as the higher prevalence of traumatic events experienced by women, including sexual assault and domestic violence. Women may also have different physiological responses to trauma and may be more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression, which are often associated with PTSD. Additionally, societal factors such as gender roles and expectations may contribute to women being more vulnerable to developing PTSD.
2.
Which of the following best classifies the symptom of “insomnia”?
Correct Answer
C. Hyperarousal Symptoms
Explanation
Depressive Symptoms are not symptoms of PTSD
3.
A patient presents to the ER, is stabilized, and diagnosed with PTSD. Before the patient is discharged or any treatment is began, what should be a clinician’s first option?
Correct Answer
F. None of the above/Other
Explanation
CBT is first in the treatment algorithm of treatment for PTSD
4.
Which pharmacotherapy treatment option would be considered the best for use in a pregnant patient with OCD?
Correct Answer
D. Fluoxetine
Explanation
CBT alone should be used except in cases where the risks of untreated OCD outweigh the risks of drug use
5.
Of the following, which would be the most appropriate treatment consideration for adolescents with OCD?
Correct Answer
C. CBT + sertraline
Explanation
In Children/Adolescent patients with OCD, CBT + SSRI treatment is recommended. FDA-approved SSRI for this include Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine, Sertraline, Clomipramine
6.
Of the following, which SSRIs require lower doses in patients with renal impairment? (check all that apply)
Correct Answer(s)
C. Fluoxetine
D. Fluvoxamine
Explanation
All SSRIs are hepatically metabolized and should therefore be used cautiously in patients with hepatic impairment. Renally, doses of fluoxetine and fluvoxamine should be lowered in addition to the initial dose of paroxetine
7.
Duration of treatment: How long should CBT typically last (assuming weekly sessions)? How long should pharmacotherapy be continued?
Correct Answer
B. 13-20 weeks ; 8-12 weeks
Explanation
CBT - 13-20 weeks of weekly sessions + daily homework, Pharm- 8-12 weeks including 4-6 weeks at max. tolerable dose
8.
Which of the following properties regarding BZD is false?
Correct Answer
A. Are excreted unchanged, primarily through urine
Explanation
BZDs are not primarily excreted unchanged through urine. They undergo extensive metabolism in the liver, forming active metabolites that are then excreted through urine. This is why the answer stating that BZDs are excreted unchanged, primarily through urine, is false.
9.
A patient in the ER manifests a series of violent seizure. Which medication would be best (in terms of kinetics for just this episode of seizures) for this patients?
Correct Answer
A. Diazepam (Valium ®)
Explanation
Diazepam is rapidly distributedly, has rapid onset, and rapid termination (due to distribution in fat) making good for “fast on fast off”. Lorazepam may be used for a longer effect, but has a slower onset.
10.
Which of the following (regarding the “selected products” section) is False?
Correct Answer
C. Flumazenil is a competitive agonist of BZD at the BZ receptor
Explanation
Flumazenil is competitive antagonist
11.
Which of the following regarding anxiety is False?
Correct Answer
B. More common in men than women
Explanation
Women more commonly diagnosed than men
12.
What FDA warning comes with citalopram (Celexa ®)?
Correct Answer
B. Prolonged QT
Explanation
Citalopram (Celexa®) comes with a warning for prolonged QT interval. The QT interval is a measure of the electrical activity of the heart, and a prolonged QT interval can increase the risk of a life-threatening irregular heartbeat. This warning is important for healthcare professionals and patients to be aware of, as it may influence the decision to prescribe or take citalopram.
13.
In anxiety, benzodiazepines are _____ for patients who cannot tolerate antidepressants and ______ for patients requiring rapid relief of anxiety.
Correct Answer
C. 2nd line ; 1st line
Explanation
Benzodiazepines are considered second line treatment for patients who cannot tolerate antidepressants in the management of anxiety. This means that benzodiazepines are not the first choice of treatment for anxiety, but they may be used if other options such as antidepressants are not suitable for the patient. On the other hand, benzodiazepines are considered first line treatment for patients requiring rapid relief of anxiety. This means that if a patient needs immediate relief from their anxiety symptoms, benzodiazepines may be the initial treatment of choice.
14.
Which of the following are Long acting benzodiazepine (4 answers) ?
Correct Answer(s)
B. Chlordiazepoxide
E. Clonazepam
F. Diazepam
G. Flurazepam
Explanation
Chlordiazepoxide, Clonazepam, Diazepam, and Flurazepam are long-acting benzodiazepines. These medications have a longer duration of action in the body compared to short-acting benzodiazepines like Alprazolam, Lorazepam, Oxazepam, and Temazepam. Triazolam is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine, which means it has a shorter duration of action compared to long-acting benzodiazepines.
15.
When stopping BZD use, patients may to expect symptoms of withdrawal in only the first 1-3 days of stopping therapy.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Withdrawal symptoms may manifest in 1-2 days for short acting agents and 5-10 days for long acting agents
16.
What is the taper recommended for BZD therapy?
Correct Answer
D. Taper 50% over 2-3 weeks
Explanation
The recommended taper for BZD therapy is to decrease the dosage by 50% over a period of 2-3 weeks. This gradual reduction in dosage helps to minimize withdrawal symptoms and allows the body to adjust to the lower levels of the medication. It is important to taper off BZD therapy slowly and under the guidance of a healthcare professional to ensure a safe and successful discontinuation of the medication.
17.
Mirtazipine is a BZD antagonist that has high affinity for BZD but lacks efficacy--making it useful in BZD overdose
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Flumazenil is a BZD antagonist
18.
All SSRIs are effective for the treatment of panic disorder
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
All SSRIs, which stands for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, have been found to be effective in treating panic disorder. This class of medications works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which helps regulate mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of SSRIs in reducing the frequency and severity of panic attacks, as well as improving overall functioning and quality of life for individuals with panic disorder. Therefore, it can be concluded that all SSRIs are indeed effective for the treatment of panic disorder.
19.
How long after initiating anti-anxiety therapy with SSRIs does it take to assess a full response?
Correct Answer
C. 10-12 weeks
Explanation
12 weeks to assess a full response, but additional responses may be noted for up to 6 months
20.
Duoloxetine (Cymbalta ®) is the only SNRI approved for panic disorder
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Venlafaxine XR (Effexor XR) is the only SNRI approved for panic disorder
21.
Which of the following side effects of MAOi can be exacerbated by diet?
Correct Answer
B. Hypertensive crisis
Explanation
MAO inhibitors (MAOis) are a type of medication used to treat depression and other mental health conditions. One of the side effects of MAOis is hypertensive crisis, which is a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure. This side effect can be exacerbated by certain foods that contain tyramine, such as aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented foods. When tyramine is consumed, it can cause the release of norepinephrine, leading to a dangerous spike in blood pressure. Therefore, it is important for individuals taking MAOis to avoid tyramine-rich foods to prevent hypertensive crisis.
22.
Though not commonly used as such, TCA’s (historically and presently) are used PRN for panic attacks
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Requires daily administration
23.
Due to their greater efficacy than SSRIs, BZDs are first line treatment in GAD
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
While more effective than SSRI in (only) first 2 weeks, BZD are second line due to abuse potential
24.
Which of the following, in regards to buspirone (Buspar ®), is True?
Correct Answer
C. Have slower onset of effects than BZD
Explanation
Act on serotonin receptors.
Neither structurally nor mechanistically related to BZD
Slower onset of effects (weeks) compared to BZD (days)
Require multiple dosing
25.
Which of the following Does NOT carry and FDA indication for GAD?
Correct Answer
D. Venlafaxine IR
Explanation
While both Venlafaxine ER and IR have been shown to be effective, IR does not carry the FDA indication
26.
Which of the following is TRUE regarding benzodiazepine use in geriatric patients?
Correct Answer
C. Temazepam is metabolized via pHase II metabolism so it is a preferred choice due to decreased CYP metabolism with advanced age
Explanation
Elderly patients have a decreased fat to lean tissue ratio, which can result in increased sensitivity to the CNS effects of benzodiazepines. Temazepam is metabolized via phase II metabolism, which is not affected by age-related changes in CYP metabolism. Therefore, it is a preferred choice in geriatric patients due to decreased CYP metabolism with advanced age. The same dose of benzodiazepines may not be used in elderly patients as they are more sensitive to the CNS effects, so monitoring and dose adjustment are necessary.
27.
Which of the following statements is TRUE?
Correct Answer
A. Long-acting acting benzodiazepines are associated with no significant rebound insomnia while short-acting are associated with moderate rebound insomnia
Explanation
Long-acting benzodiazepines are associated with no significant rebound insomnia because their effects last longer and they are gradually eliminated from the body. On the other hand, short-acting benzodiazepines are associated with moderate rebound insomnia because they are quickly metabolized and eliminated from the body, leading to a sudden withdrawal of the drug's effects, which can result in rebound insomnia.