American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ABPN Practice Questions and Study Guide

Catatonia is a syndrome characterized by a range of motor symptoms including stupor, rigidity, and posturing, and is associated with various psychiatric disorders. In the context of the diagnoses listed, catatonia can be specifier in major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophreniform disorder. These disorders often feature significant mood-related or psychotic episodes where catatonia can present due to the severity of symptoms.

However, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is classified as an anxiety disorder and is primarily characterized by the presence of obsessions (recurrent intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors). While OCD can severely affect a person's functioning and quality of life, it does not manifest with the motor symptoms characteristic of catatonia. Therefore, catatonia is not a recognized specifier for OCD, making it the correct answer in this context. This differentiation is critical because it reflects the underlying pathophysiology and symptomology distinct to each disorder.