Mood stabilisers: valproate in women of childbearing age: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Psychiatry · Mood stabilisers: valproate in women of childbearing age

Sample item

Valproate use in the first trimester is most associated with

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Neural tube defects and lower IQ in offspring

Valproate is a major teratogen, causing neural tube defects, craniofacial and cardiac anomalies and neurodevelopmental impairment. It should be avoided in women of childbearing potential unless no alternative exists, with contraception and folic acid. Polycystic ovary syndrome is another concern.

Option by option

  • A. Limb reduction only

    Limb reduction is not the principal effect.

  • B. Cleft lip from hyponatraemia

    Cleft lip is not specifically tied to hyponatraemia, and valproate teratogenicity is broader.

  • C. Ebstein anomaly

    Ebstein anomaly is associated with lithium.

  • D. Neural tube defects and lower IQ in offspring (correct)

    Correct. Valproate causes neural tube defects and cognitive impairment.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is D, Neural tube defects and lower IQ in offspring. Valproate is a major teratogen, causing neural tube defects, craniofacial and cardiac anomalies and neurodevelopmental impairment.

Why is "Limb reduction only" not the answer?

Limb reduction is not the principal effect.

Why is "Cleft lip from hyponatraemia" not the answer?

Cleft lip is not specifically tied to hyponatraemia, and valproate teratogenicity is broader.

Why is "Ebstein anomaly" not the answer?

Ebstein anomaly is associated with lithium.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Mood stabilisers: valproate in women of childbearing age in Psychiatry. It should be avoided in women of childbearing potential unless no alternative exists, with contraception and folic acid. Polycystic ovary syndrome is another concern.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Mood stabilisers: valproate in women of childbearing age?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.