FTCE Pre-K Prekindergarten PK-3 Practice Exam

A flat or agitated expression combined with incoherent speech may signal which condition?

1. ADHD

2. Anxiety disorder

3. Schizophrenia

4. Autism spectrum disorder

The correct answer is: Schizophrenia

The presence of a flat or agitated expression, coupled with incoherent speech, is often associated with schizophrenia. This mental disorder can significantly affect a person's thought processes, emotions, and behavior. Individuals with schizophrenia may experience symptoms like disorganized thinking, which can manifest as incoherence in their speech and an inability to express emotions effectively, leading to a flat or agitated demeanor. In contrast, while attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders, and autism spectrum disorder can present various behavioral symptoms, they typically do not combine flat or agitated expression with incoherent speech in the same way that schizophrenia does. For instance, ADHD is characterized by hyperactivity and impulsivity; anxiety disorders often manifest through excessive worry and physical symptoms; and autism can involve challenges in social interaction and communication, but not necessarily incoherence or a flat emotional expression tied to thought disturbances. These distinctions highlight why schizophrenia is most aligned with the symptoms described in the question.