Psychiatrist

The role of a Psychiatrist within the framework of the Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC) and broader medical competitive examinations in Pakistan transcends mere clinical practice; it represents the intersection of behavioral science, public health policy, and diagnostic precision. As the demand for specialized mental healthcare grows across provincial health departments, the SPSC has increasingly emphasized this subject to identify candidates who possess not only theoretical knowledge but the analytical acuity required for high-stakes medical service. Mastering Psychiatry for competitive exams requires a departure from rote memorization. You must move toward a synthesis of neurobiology, psychopharmacology, and the socio-cultural determinants of mental health specific to the Pakistani demographic. Our curated assessment is designed to challenge your grasp of DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, the management of acute psychiatric emergencies, and the ethical nuances of patient care. To excel, candidates should prioritize the longitudinal study of common psychiatric disorders prevalent in our region, including mood disorders, substance abuse patterns, and trauma-informed care. Do not simply focus on the "what"; focus on the "why"—understand the underlying pathophysiology and the evidence-based interventions favored by the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP). This quiz serves as a diagnostic tool for your preparation, highlighting critical knowledge gaps. Approach these questions as a practitioner, not just an examinee, to ensure you are fully prepared for the rigor of the SPSC selection process.

Practice questions

The earliest symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is:
- Personality change
- Memory loss for recent events
- Hallucinations
- Aggression
The most common side effect of lithium therapy is:
- Hypoglycemia
- Tremor
- Hypertension
- Rash
Lithium toxicity commonly presents with:
- Tremor and confusion
- Fever
- Rash
- Cough
The drug of choice for acute alcohol withdrawal is:
- Diazepam
- Haloperidol
- Fluoxetine
- Lithium
Which antipsychotic has the least extrapyramidal side effects?
- Haloperidol
- Clozapine
- Chlorpromazine
- Fluphenazine
The most common symptom of schizophrenia is:
- Auditory hallucination
- Visual hallucination
- Memory loss
- Seizure
The most common type of delusion in schizophrenia is:
- Persecutory delusion
- Grandiose delusion
- Nihilistic delusion
- Somatic delusion
The defense mechanism seen in OCD is:
- Reaction formation
- Projection
- Regression
- Sublimation
The most common personality disorder in clinical settings is:
- Borderline personality disorder
- Narcissistic personality disorder
- Paranoid personality disorder
- Schizoid personality disorder
The drug used to treat opioid dependence is:
- Methadone
- Diazepam
- Lithium
- Haloperidol
The most common cause of delirium in elderly patients is:
- Infection
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Asthma
The most common side effect of SSRIs is:
- Sexual dysfunction
- Hypertension
- Tremor
- Hair loss
The most common eating disorder in adolescents is:
- Anorexia nervosa
- Bulimia nervosa
- Binge eating disorder
- Pica
The brain structure involved in fear and emotion is:
- Amygdala
- Cerebellum
- Pons
- Medulla
The main neurotransmitter decreased in depression is:
- Serotonin
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Calcium
The first line treatment for generalized anxiety disorder is:
- SSRIs
- Lithium
- Haloperidol
- Morphine
The disorder characterized by sudden episodes of intense fear is:
- Panic disorder
- Depression
- OCD
- Schizophrenia
The most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease is:
- Vascular dementia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Infection
- Trauma
The drug used to treat tardive dyskinesia is:
- Valbenazine
- Lithium
- Diazepam
- Fluoxetine
The condition characterized by fear of social situations is:
- Social anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- OCD