Repeated USMLE Questions Step 1- 204

A 7-year-old boy has a difficult time at school. He sleeps during most of the classes and doesn't interact with his teachers in class. He is fighting with many of his classmates because of stealing their lunches but he has never started a fight. When teachers tried to contact his family, they found out that his family left a fake address and phone number.

What is the most likely cause of this boy's behavior?

A- Attention-deficit-hyperactive disorder (ADHD)

B- Antisocial personality

C- Child abuse

D- Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)

E- Mental retardation

Answer:






This boy sleeps in class because he does not sleep well at home. He also steals because he doesn't eat or bring food from home. There is no certain abnormality in his behavior. The most likely cause of this boy's behavior is child abuse.

The correct answer is C