Mood stabilisers: valproate adverse effects: 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 adverse effects

Sample item

A young woman with bipolar disorder on sodium valproate develops weight gain, irregular menses and hirsutism. Which condition does valproate predispose to?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Polycystic ovary syndrome

Valproate is associated with a PCOS-like picture, as well as hepatotoxicity, pancreatitis, thrombocytopenia, tremor and hair loss. It is avoided in women of childbearing age because of its teratogenicity.

Option by option

  • A. Acromegaly

    Acromegaly is due to growth hormone excess.

  • B. Premature ovarian failure

    Premature ovarian failure is not a recognised effect.

  • C. Cushing disease

    Cushing disease results from ACTH excess.

  • D. Polycystic ovary syndrome (correct)

    Correct. Valproate is linked to PCOS.

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, Polycystic ovary syndrome. Valproate is associated with a PCOS-like picture, as well as hepatotoxicity, pancreatitis, thrombocytopenia, tremor and hair loss.

Why is "Acromegaly" not the answer?

Acromegaly is due to growth hormone excess.

Why is "Premature ovarian failure" not the answer?

Premature ovarian failure is not a recognised effect.

Why is "Cushing disease" not the answer?

Cushing disease results from ACTH excess.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Mood stabilisers: valproate adverse effects in Psychiatry. It is avoided in women of childbearing age because of its teratogenicity.

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 adverse effects?

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.