skip to main content

Schizophrenia — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardPsychiatry (outpatient management)SchizophreniaUSMLE Step 3

A 24-year-old has nine months of hallucinations, persecutory delusions, disorganized speech, social withdrawal, and reduced self-care. Toxicology is negative and mood episodes have not predominated. Which diagnosis is most likely?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Schizophrenia

Characteristic psychotic symptoms, functional decline, and continuous disturbance for at least six months without predominant mood episodes support schizophrenia. The alternatives have incompatible duration, symptom pattern, or mood relationship.

Reference: American Psychiatric Association, Schizophrenia Guideline: https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/clinical-practice-guidelines