Sign In

Psychiatry Resident Qbank

Psychiatry Question Banks

Questions

Aligned with the PRITE Content Blueprint. Authored & peer-reviewed by faculty, clinicians, and program directors.

Each question is written to resemble the format and topics on the exam, meaning you won’t see any negatively phrased questions, no “all of the following except,” no “A and B”…you know what we mean. Most importantly, all questions include selective distractors (incorrect answer choices), which will help you think critically.

  • Must address important content
  • Must be well structured

Question

In an individual with an established diagnosis of bipolar I disorder, which of the following is required to meet criteria for the rapid cycling specifier?

A Affective instability due to marked reactivity of mood
B At least one hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode
C Four hypomanic episodes within a year
D Period of 1 month of either partial or full remission between episodes
Switch from manic to hypomanic over the course of 1 month
Correct Answer Distractor
Bipolar I disorder with rapid cycling is a subtype of bipolar disorder that affects approximately 1020% of individuals with bipolar disorder. It is more common in women and tends to manifest in early adulthood. Diagnostic criteria for bipolar I disorder as outlined in the DSM-5-TR include the presence within a year of at least one manic or mixed episode and at least one major depressive episode that are severe and interfere with daily functioning. 

Additionally, the rapid cycling specifier requires the occurrence of four or more mood episodes (which meet criteria for manic, hypomanic, or major depressive episodes) within a year. These episodes can occur in any combination and order. Episodes that occur in rapid cycling are no different from those that occur in nonrapid cycling except for the increased frequency.  Treatment for bipolar I disorder with rapid cycling typically involves mood stabilizer medications, such as lithium or antipsychotic medications. Clinicians should exercise caution when considering antidepressants in all patients with a bipolar disorder due to the risk of precipitating mania. If mood stabilizers are in use, antidepressants are more likely to be considered for augmentation to target depression symptomatology for those without rapid cycling. For rapid cycling, there is an increased risk of antidepressant-induced mania. In addition, depressive episodes may resolve or switch to the opposite pole before antidepressants can reduce symptoms.

While medications are the mainstay of treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy and psychoeducation can help individuals learn coping strategies and manage their symptoms effectively. Similarly, lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, managing stress, and avoiding substance misuse, are also highly recommended in the overall management of the disorder.

Explanations

Written with a purpose

Understanding why an answer choice is incorrect is just as important as knowing why one is correct. That’s why every Inceptestbank question includes detailed explanations for the correct and incorrect answer choices. These comprehensive summaries link the most important components of a topic—from risk factors to diagnostics and treatment—giving you the context to build relationships between them.

  • Created for optimal learning and recall
  • Help reinforce your knowledge
  • Focus on the essential information

Illustrations

Created to enhance learning

Custom illustrations and tables help further clarify the core concepts. When information is presented visually, you can focus on meaning, easily reorganize and group similar ideas, and make better use of your memory.

Powerful Analytics

Track progress, performance, & predictions

Your personal analytics allow you to see your progress at all times, so you can create an efficient and effective learning strategy and stay on pace with your plan.

Focus your learning

Deep insights to determine your strengths and weaknesses so you can spend your time on the subjects that matter

Compare with your peers

Discover how your answer choices align with those selected by learners across the country.

Find out your probability of passing

Using data generated by previous users, your Qbank gives a prediction of how likely you are to pass your exam.

One Step Further

Taking your learning to the next level

After each explanation is a straightforward question with a simple, memorizable answer that reinforces the corresponding topic.

  • Strengthens your knowledge
  • Stands alone from the main explanation so you’re not rereading content

Question

What medication class is a common second-line agent used to treat melancholic depression?

Reveal Answer

Bipolar Spectrum Disorders, Treatment

  • Manic or mixed episodes
    • First-line treatment: lithium, valproate, atypical antipsychotics
    • Treatment-resistance: combined approaches
  • Depressive episodes
    • First-line treatment: atypical antipsychotic generally preferred, other options are lithium or valproate
    • Treatment-resistance: cautious addition of an SSRI or bupropion only in the presence of a mood stabilizer

Rapid Review

Keeping things simple

These bulleted reviews focus on condensed, high-yield concepts about the main topic, from patient presentation to preferred management.

  • Cover the fundamentals in one list
  • Allow you to quickly scan the must-know information

FAQs

Get a little more clarification
What are the top study resources for the PRITE?
How should I study for the PRITE?
What forms of payment do you accept?
Who writes the questions and explanations?
Can I use my subscription from multiple devices and locations?
“I just received comfortably above passing score on the Initial Certification Exam! When I started using Inceptestbank last year for the In-Service, my scores started rising considerably. Thanks again!”

Matthew DeAugustinis, MD

Attending Physician

Get Started Today for Free!

100% Pass Guarantee