Papulosquamous: drugs that aggravate psoriasis: practice question

A Dermatology 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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Dermatology · Papulosquamous: drugs that aggravate psoriasis

Sample item

A man with stable plaque psoriasis develops widespread worsening after starting treatment for bipolar disorder. Which drug is the likely culprit?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Lithium

Lithium, beta-blockers, antimalarials, NSAIDs and abrupt steroid withdrawal can precipitate or exacerbate psoriasis. Lithium is the classic mood stabiliser trigger. The drug may be continued only if psoriasis is controllable, otherwise an alternative is chosen.

Option by option

  • A. Olanzapine

    Olanzapine is not a typical trigger of psoriasis.

  • B. Lithium (correct)

    Correct. Lithium is a well-known psoriasis aggravator.

  • C. Sodium valproate

    Valproate is not a typical trigger.

  • D. Clonazepam

    Clonazepam is not linked to psoriasis flares.

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 Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is B, Lithium. Lithium, beta-blockers, antimalarials, NSAIDs and abrupt steroid withdrawal can precipitate or exacerbate psoriasis.

Why is "Olanzapine" not the answer?

Olanzapine is not a typical trigger of psoriasis.

Why is "Sodium valproate" not the answer?

Valproate is not a typical trigger.

Why is "Clonazepam" not the answer?

Clonazepam is not linked to psoriasis flares.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Papulosquamous: drugs that aggravate psoriasis in Dermatology. Lithium is the classic mood stabiliser trigger. The drug may be continued only if psoriasis is controllable, otherwise an alternative is chosen.

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 Papulosquamous: drugs that aggravate psoriasis?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology 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.