USMLE Step 1 QUESTION of the DAY!

A 23 year-old male presents to the emergency room after being picked up by the police. The Officer states the man was in the middle of a busy intersection directing traffic. After interviewing the man you find out that God has been talking to him through the traffic lights for the past 8 months. The man appears disheveled and rambles on about how he is the best traffic controller because God tells him what to do. The man denies any depression, mood disorders, or major stressors in his life. Which of the following is most likely this man’s diagnosis?

A) Major Depressive Disorder
B) Brief Psychotic Disorder
C) Delusional Disorder
D) Schizoaffective disorder
E) Schizophrenia

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Answer: E) Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a chronic disorder with major inability to function. Typically begins in early 20’s for men and later 20’s for women. Onset is preceded by at least 6 months of identifiable impairment. Positive symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking & speech. Negative symptoms include withdrawal, alogia, flattening of affect, and avolition.



USMLE Step 1 D.O.C. of the DAY!

Streptococcus pyogenes causing pharyngitis

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Penicillin V or G


USMLE Step 1 Fact of the Day!

Drug Profile: Acyclovir
- antiviral: GTP analog that inhibits DNA polymerase
- requires viral thymidine kinase to be activated
- effective against Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, Epstein Barr virus, Varicella zoster virus. All possess viral thymidine kinase.
- ADR’s: GI problems, renal problems, CNS, headache, tremor, rashes