Which psychological disorder is most likely to present with symptoms such as irritability, psychomotor slowness, and confusion?

• A. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• B. Major depressive disorder with melancholic features
• C. Delirium
• D. Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the key symptoms presented in the problem: irritability, psychomotor slowness, and confusion.
2. Step 2: Understand the typical symptom profiles of each disorder listed: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) primarily involves intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors; Major depressive disorder with melancholic features includes profound sadness, lack of pleasure, and psychomotor changes; Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive worry and physical symptoms of anxiety.
3. Step 3: Recognize that confusion is a cognitive symptom not commonly associated with OCD, major depressive disorder, or GAD, but is a hallmark feature of delirium.
4. Step 4: Note that psychomotor slowness and irritability can occur in delirium due to acute brain dysfunction, which differentiates it from the other disorders listed.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the disorder most consistent with the combination of irritability, psychomotor slowness, and confusion is delirium.