Which neurological condition is commonly associated with Alice in Wonderland Syndrome?
Which of the following is not considered a core diagnostic criterion for schizophrenia according to DSM-5?
Waxy flexibility is a feature of ?
Which type of delusion is primarily associated with Cotard's syndrome?
Which of the following is true regarding the treatment of cocaine withdrawal symptoms?
Which of the following statements about hallucinations is true?
Which of the following is NOT a symptom of nicotine withdrawal?
Which of the following is considered a poor prognostic factor for schizophrenia?
Visual hallucinations are typically seen in all of the following conditions except?
Who coined the term 'psychiatry'?
NEET-PG 2013 - Psychiatry NEET-PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 11: Which neurological condition is commonly associated with Alice in Wonderland Syndrome?
- A. Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE)
- B. Epileptic seizures (Correct Answer)
- C. Cerebral hemorrhage
- D. Multiple sclerosis
Explanation: ***Epileptic seizures*** - **Alice in Wonderland Syndrome (AIWS)**, characterized by distortions of visual perception, body image, and sense of time, is often reported as an **aura or part of focal epileptic seizures**, particularly those originating in the temporal or parietal lobes. - The **transient and episodic nature** of AIWS symptoms aligns well with the paroxysmal electrical activity seen in epilepsy. *Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE)* - **SSPE** is a rare, fatal brain disorder caused by a persistent **measles virus infection**, primarily affecting children and young adults. - While it causes progressive neurological deterioration, including cognitive decline, motor dysfunction, and seizures, **Alice in Wonderland Syndrome** is not a characteristic or commonly associated symptom. *Cerebral hemorrhage* - A **cerebral hemorrhage** involves bleeding within the brain tissue, leading to acute neurological deficits depending on the location and size of the bleed. - Although it can cause a variety of symptoms, such as headache, weakness, and altered consciousness, **Alice in Wonderland Syndrome** is not a typical manifestation of acute hemorrhage. *Multiple sclerosis* - **Multiple sclerosis (MS)** is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system, leading to demyelination and neurological symptoms. - Common symptoms involve motor, sensory, visual, and cognitive deficits, but **Alice in Wonderland Syndrome** is not a recognized or common neurological manifestation of MS.
Question 12: Which of the following is not considered a core diagnostic criterion for schizophrenia according to DSM-5?
- A. Catatonia
- B. Hallucinations
- C. Disorganized speech
- D. Social withdrawal (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Social withdrawal*** - While **social withdrawal** is a common clinical feature and often reflects negative symptoms in schizophrenia, it is **not specifically listed** as one of the **five core diagnostic criteria (Criterion A)** in DSM-5. - The five core symptom domains are: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, and negative symptoms (diminished emotional expression or avolition). - Social withdrawal may be a manifestation of negative symptoms or part of **social/occupational dysfunction (Criterion B)**, but it is not itself a distinct core diagnostic criterion. *Catatonia* - **Catatonic behavior** (such as stupor, catalepsy, waxy flexibility, posturing, or mutism) is explicitly included as part of the **fourth core diagnostic criterion**: "Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior." - This makes it one of the five primary symptom domains in **Criterion A** of DSM-5. - Note: "Catatonia" as a **specifier** (requiring 3+ out of 12 symptoms) is different from catatonic behavior as a core symptom. *Hallucinations* - **Hallucinations** (most commonly auditory, but can be visual, tactile, olfactory, or gustatory) are the **second core diagnostic criterion** in DSM-5. - At least **two of the five core symptoms** must be present, and hallucinations fulfill this requirement as a key **positive symptom**. *Disorganized speech* - **Disorganized speech** (formal thought disorder) is the **third core diagnostic criterion** for schizophrenia. - Characterized by **derailment, tangentiality, incoherence, or loose associations**, it reflects significant disruption in organized thinking and communication.
Question 13: Waxy flexibility is a feature of ?
- A. Catatonia (Correct Answer)
- B. Echolalia
- C. Stereotypy
- D. Mannerisms
Explanation: ***Catatonia*** - **Waxy flexibility** (or catalepsy) is a classic symptom of **catatonia**, where an individual's limbs can be **placed in any position by the examiner and remain in that position for an extended period**, as if molded from wax. - It reflects a severe psychomotor disturbance, often seen in conditions like **schizophrenia** or **mood disorders** with catatonic features. *Echolalia* - **Echolalia** refers to the **involuntary repetition of another person's spoken words**, typically without understanding. - It is a symptom of thought disorder or communication difficulties, not a state of motor rigidity. *Stereotypy* - **Stereotypy** involves **repetitive, seemingly purposeless movements or utterances** (e.g., body rocking, hand flapping). - While repetitive, it does not involve maintaining a fixed posture imposed by another, as seen in waxy flexibility. *Mannerisms* - **Mannerisms** are **habitual, idiosyncratic gestures or behaviors** that may appear odd but are often voluntary and goal-directed (e.g., an exaggerated bow before speaking). - They are distinct from the involuntary, often rigid, posturing characteristic of waxy flexibility.
Question 14: Which type of delusion is primarily associated with Cotard's syndrome?
- A. Persecutory delusions
- B. Religious delusions
- C. Nihilistic delusions (Correct Answer)
- D. Hypochondriacal delusions
Explanation: ***Nihilistic delusions*** - **Cotard's syndrome** is characterized by beliefs of **non-existence**, such as the patient being dead, not existing, or having lost their organs, which are typical of **nihilistic delusions**. - These delusions can also extend to the belief that the world or parts of it no longer exist. *Persecutory delusions* - These involve the belief that one is being **harassed, tricked, spied upon, or conspired against**, which is not the primary feature of Cotard's syndrome. - While they can co-occur with other psychiatric conditions, **persecutory themes** are distinct from the non-existence themes of Cotard's. *Religious delusions* - These delusions focus on **religious or spiritual themes**, such as believing one is a prophet or has a special relationship with a deity. - They are not a core component of Cotard's syndrome, which centers on themes of **death and non-existence**. *Hypochondriacal delusions* - These involve a preoccupation with the belief that one has a **serious, undiagnosed medical condition**, despite medical reassurance. - While Cotard's syndrome can involve bodily concerns, the belief in **non-existence of organs** or death goes beyond typical hypochondriacal fears of illness.
Question 15: Which of the following is true regarding the treatment of cocaine withdrawal symptoms?
- A. Fluoxetine
- B. Antidepressants
- C. No specific drug (Correct Answer)
- D. Benzodiazepines
Explanation: ***No specific drug*** - Currently, there is **no FDA-approved pharmacotherapy** for the treatment of cocaine withdrawal symptoms or for preventing relapse in cocaine dependence. - Management primarily focuses on **supportive care**, **psychotherapy** (cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management), and addressing **co-occurring mental health disorders**. - Unlike alcohol or opioid withdrawal, cocaine withdrawal is not life-threatening and does not require specific medication. *Fluoxetine* - Fluoxetine is a **selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)** primarily used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. - While depression can be a symptom of cocaine withdrawal, fluoxetine has **not been shown to be effective** for reducing cocaine use or treating cocaine withdrawal specifically. - Multiple clinical trials have failed to demonstrate benefit for cocaine dependence treatment. *Antidepressants* - While various antidepressants (including desipramine, bupropion) have been investigated, there is **no strong evidence** to support their routine use as primary treatment for cocaine withdrawal or dependence. - Their effectiveness in this context is **limited and inconsistent** across studies. - They may be used to treat **co-occurring depressive disorders** but not as primary cocaine withdrawal treatment. *Benzodiazepines* - Benzodiazepines are primarily used to manage **acute anxiety and seizures** during withdrawal from GABAergic substances like **alcohol and sedatives**. - They are generally **not recommended** for cocaine withdrawal as cocaine withdrawal does not cause seizures or dangerous autonomic instability. - May be used only for **severe agitation** or **co-occurring alcohol withdrawal**, but carry their own dependence potential and do not address cocaine withdrawal itself.
Question 16: Which of the following statements about hallucinations is true?
- A. There is misinterpretation of external stimulus
- B. Can be controlled by voluntary effort
- C. Perceived as real but without an external stimulus (Correct Answer)
- D. Always indicates severe mental illness
Explanation: ***Perceived as real but without an external stimulus*** - Hallucinations are defined by the perception of sensory experiences (e.g., seeing, hearing, feeling) that **feel real to the individual** but have **no corresponding external stimulus**. - This fundamental characteristic distinguishes them from other perceptual distortions like illusions. *There is misinterpretation of external stimulus* - This describes an **illusion**, where an actual external stimulus is misinterpreted (e.g., seeing a coat in the dark and believing it's a person). - Hallucinations occur in the **absence of any external stimulus**, making this statement incorrect for defining hallucinations. *Can be controlled by voluntary effort* - Hallucinations, being involuntary sensory experiences, are generally **not amenable to conscious control** or suppression by the individual experiencing them. - The lack of voluntary control is a key feature distinguishing them from imagination or fantasy. *Always indicates severe mental illness* - While often associated with severe mental illnesses like **schizophrenia**, hallucinations can also occur due to various other causes, including **substance intoxication or withdrawal**, neurological conditions (e.g., delirium, Parkinson's disease), or even during periods of extreme fatigue or stress. - Therefore, stating they *always* indicate severe mental illness is inaccurate.
Question 17: Which of the following is NOT a symptom of nicotine withdrawal?
- A. Anxiety
- B. Increased heart rate (Correct Answer)
- C. Hyperhidrosis
- D. Weight gain
Explanation: ***Increased heart rate*** - **Increased heart rate** is NOT a symptom of nicotine withdrawal; rather, it is associated with **active nicotine use** due to nicotine's stimulant effects on the sympathetic nervous system. - During **nicotine withdrawal**, the heart rate typically **decreases or normalizes** as the body adjusts to the absence of nicotine's cardiovascular stimulation. - Nicotine acts as a sympathomimetic agent, causing tachycardia during use, but withdrawal does not produce increased heart rate. *Anxiety* - **Anxiety** is one of the most common and prominent symptoms of **nicotine withdrawal**. - As nicotine affects neurotransmitter systems (particularly dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin), cessation leads to neurochemical imbalances manifesting as anxiety, irritability, and restlessness. - This symptom typically peaks within the first week of cessation. *Hyperhidrosis* - **Hyperhidrosis** (excessive sweating) is actually a recognized symptom of **nicotine withdrawal**. - Increased sweating can occur as part of the autonomic nervous system dysregulation during the withdrawal period. - This is included among the physical withdrawal symptoms in standard diagnostic criteria. *Weight gain* - **Weight gain** is a well-documented and common consequence of **nicotine withdrawal**. - This occurs due to increased appetite, decreased metabolic rate (as nicotine's metabolic-enhancing effects cease), and behavioral substitution of smoking with eating. - Average weight gain is approximately 4-5 kg in the months following cessation.
Question 18: Which of the following is considered a poor prognostic factor for schizophrenia?
- A. Presence of depression
- B. Presence of stressor
- C. Early onset (Correct Answer)
- D. Female sex
Explanation: ***Early onset*** - An **earlier age of onset** (e.g., childhood or early adolescence) for schizophrenia is consistently associated with a **worse long-term prognosis**, including more severe symptoms, greater functional impairment, and a lower likelihood of full recovery. - This is thought to be due to the greater developmental disruption caused by the illness when it begins at a younger age. *Presence of depression* - While depression is common in schizophrenia, it is generally considered to be a **treatable co-occurring condition** rather than a primary poor prognostic factor for the core psychotic disorder itself. - Effective treatment for depression can actually **improve overall quality of life** and adherence to antipsychotic medication. *Presence of stressor* - The presence of a significant psychosocial stressor at the onset of schizophrenia is often associated with a **better prognosis**, as it suggests a more reactive and potentially remitting course. - This indicates that the illness might be more environmentally triggered and less intrinsically severe. *Female sex* - **Female sex** is typically associated with a **somewhat better prognosis** in schizophrenia, with a later age of onset and potentially less severe symptoms compared to males. - This may be influenced by hormonal factors and differences in social support networks.
Question 19: Visual hallucinations are typically seen in all of the following conditions except?
- A. Schizophrenia
- B. Alcohol withdrawal
- C. Delirium
- D. Depression (Correct Answer)
Explanation: **Depression** - While other forms of hallucinations can occur in severe depression with psychotic features (e.g., auditory), **visual hallucinations are rare**. - **Mood-congruent delusions** are more common in psychotic depression than visual hallucinations. *Delirium* - **Visual hallucinations** are a hallmark symptom of delirium, often described as polymorphic and vivid. - They are typically accompanied by **fluctuating consciousness** and cognitive impairment. *Schizophrenia* - Although **auditory hallucinations** are more common, visual hallucinations can occur in schizophrenia, particularly in advanced or severe cases. - These hallucinations are often well-formed, frequent, and can be **persecutory** or **bizarre** in nature. *Alcohol withdrawal* - **Alcohol withdrawal delirium** (delirium tremens) is characterized by prominent **visual hallucinations**, tactile hallucinations, and autonomic instability. - These hallucinations can be terrifying and are due to **CNS hyperexcitability**.
Question 20: Who coined the term 'psychiatry'?
- A. Moral
- B. Bleuler
- C. Pinel
- D. Johann Reil (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Johann Reil*** - The term "**psychiatry**" (Psychiatrie) was coined by the German physician **Johann Christian Reil** in **1808**. - Reil introduced the term in his work to advocate for a more **humane and medical approach** to mental illness, moving away from purely custodial care. *Moral* - While Reil's efforts were part of a broader movement towards **moral treatment** of the mentally ill, "moral" itself is not the specific context in which the term was coined. - **Moral treatment** emphasized humane care, occupational therapy, and a therapeutic environment, contributing to the development of psychiatry but not coining the word. *Bleuler* - **Eugen Bleuler** is known for coining the term "**schizophrenia**" in the early 20th century. - He significantly contributed to the understanding of psychotic disorders but did not coin the broader term "psychiatry." *Pinel* - **Philippe Pinel** was a French physician who was an instrumental figure in the **humanitarian reform** of mental asylum care in the late 18th century. - He is famous for **unshackling patients** at Bicêtre and Salpêtrière asylums, but he did not coin the term "psychiatry."