BCACP Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders

Question 1

Which first-line antidepressant class is preferred for treating major depressive disorder in ambulatory care due to its favorable safety profile?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Answer

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Question 2

A patient on lithium presents with tremor, polyuria, and a serum level of 1.6 mEq/L. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Hold lithium and assess for toxicity

Answer

Add a beta-blocker for the tremor

Answer

Increase the lithium dose

Answer

Switch to valproate immediately

Question 3

Which medication used for opioid use disorder (OUD) requires enrollment in the DEA X-waiver program (prior to 2023 regulations) for office-based prescribing?

Accepted Answer

Buprenorphine/naloxone

Answer

Naltrexone

Answer

Methadone (office-based)

Answer

Clonidine

Question 4

What is the recommended duration of maintenance antidepressant therapy after a second episode of major depressive disorder?

Accepted Answer

At least 1 year

Answer

3 months

Answer

6 months

Answer

Lifetime therapy

Question 5

Which screening tool is validated for detecting alcohol use disorder in primary care settings?

Accepted Answer

AUDIT-C

Answer

PHQ-9

Answer

GAD-7

Answer

CAGE-AID

Question 6

A patient with schizophrenia has poor medication adherence due to lack of insight. What formulation strategy is most appropriate to address this?

Accepted Answer

Switch to a long-acting injectable antipsychotic

Answer

Increase the oral dose

Answer

Add a mood stabilizer

Answer

Use a clozapine taper