Psych Scenarios

Scenario #1 in each tab appears below as a static example with collapsible rationale and a multiple-choice or prioritization question.
Scenarios #2–#10 for each category are rendered as drag-and-drop matching:

Scenarios #2–#10

Possible Diagnoses (Drag onto scenario)

Angela, 29 (Example #1 in HTML):

Over the last six months, Angela has been plagued by persistent worries about her job performance, parents’ health, and finances. Difficulty sleeping, restlessness, and muscle tension are noted.

Possible Diagnoses: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Adjustment Disorder, Somatic Symptom Disorder.

Rationale: The chronic, multi-domain worry supports a diagnosis of GAD.

Which condition best explains Angela’s presentation?

Scenarios #2–#10

Possible Diagnoses (Drag onto scenario)

Olivia, 27 (Example #1 in HTML):

Olivia’s hands are raw from frequent, compulsive handwashing due to an overwhelming fear of contamination.

Possible Diagnoses: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Rationale: Insight into her excessive behavior + contamination fears = classic OCD.

Which condition best explains Olivia’s presentation?

Scenarios #2–#10

Possible Diagnoses (Drag onto scenario)

Elena, 29 (Example #1 in HTML):

Six months after surviving a building fire, Elena suffers from nightmares, avoidance of fire cues, and hypervigilance.

Possible Diagnoses: PTSD.

Rationale: Re-experiencing, avoidance, hyperarousal => PTSD.

Which condition best explains Elena’s symptoms?

Scenarios #2–#10

Possible Diagnoses (Drag onto scenario)

Roberta, 52 (Example #1 in HTML):

Roberta frequently visits the ED with chest pain and palpitations, but all workups are normal.

Possible Diagnoses: Somatic Symptom Disorder.

Rationale: Physical symptoms with negative workups => somatic focus.

Which condition best explains Roberta’s presentation?

Scenarios #2–#10

Possible Diagnoses (Drag onto scenario)

Iris, 23 (Example #1 in HTML):

Iris is found wandering with no memory of her identity.

Possible Diagnoses: DID, Dissociative Amnesia, Depersonalization/Derealization, Fugue.

Rationale: Sudden identity loss + wandering => a dissociative phenomenon.

Which condition best explains Iris's presentation?

Scenarios #2–#10

Possible Diagnoses (Drag onto scenario)

Jonah, 24 (Example #1 in HTML):

Jonah displays a manic episode with grandiose spending, minimal sleep, and rapid speech following a depressive episode.

Possible Diagnoses: Bipolar I, Bipolar II, Cyclothymia, MDD.

Rationale: A full manic episode => Bipolar I.

Which condition best explains Jonah's presentation?

Scenarios #2–#10

Possible Diagnoses (Drag onto scenario)

Camila, 42 (Example #1 in HTML):

Camila experiences overwhelming guilt, loss of interest, difficulty getting out of bed, and weight loss.

Possible Diagnoses: MDD, Persistent Depressive Disorder, Adjustment, Bipolar.

Rationale: Pervasive depressed mood & associated symptoms => MDD.

Which condition best explains Camila's presentation?

Scenarios #2–#10

Possible Diagnoses (Drag onto scenario)

Jennifer, 21 (Example #1 in HTML):

Jennifer tracks every calorie & exercises excessively, insists she is “fat” despite underweight.

Possible Diagnoses: Anorexia Nervosa (Restricting type), Bulimia, BED.

Rationale: Fear of weight gain w/ restrictive eating => Anorexia (Restricting).

Which condition best explains Jennifer's presentation?

Scenarios #2–#10

Possible Diagnoses (Drag onto scenario)

Carson, 8 (Example #1 in HTML):

Carson’s teacher reports he can’t stay seated, wanders the classroom, interrupts peers.

Possible Diagnoses: ADHD – Hyperactive/Impulsive, Inattentive, or Combined.

Rationale: Hyperactivity & impulsivity => ADHD – Hyperactive/Impulsive.

Which condition best explains Carson’s behavior?

Scenarios #2–#10

Possible Diagnoses (Drag onto scenario)

Dina, 28 (Example #1 in HTML):

Dina’s relationships are turbulent. One moment she adores her partner, the next accuses them of betrayal with self-harm threats if abandoned. Prioritize the following diagnoses (most likely at the top):

Possible Diagnoses: Borderline, Histrionic, Dependent, Narcissistic PD.

Rationale: Fear of abandonment & unstable relationships => Borderline highest.

Drag to order the diagnoses (most likely at the top):

  • Borderline Personality Disorder
  • Histrionic Personality Disorder
  • Dependent Personality Disorder
  • Narcissistic Personality Disorder