Psychopathology: clang association: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Psychiatry · Psychopathology: clang association

Sample item

An elated patient says, 'I am a king, ring, sing, bring the thing.' The words are chosen for their sound rather than meaning. Which disturbance is this?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Clang association

In clang association the next word is selected by its sound, through rhyme or alliteration, rather than by its meaning. It is a disorder of the form of thought seen most often in mania. It often accompanies flight of ideas and pressure of speech.

Option by option

  • A. Clang association (correct)

    Correct. Sound-based linking of words is clang association.

  • B. Echolalia

    Echolalia is the automatic repetition of words spoken by the examiner.

  • C. Neologism

    Neologism is a newly coined word whose meaning is known only to the patient.

  • D. Perseveration

    Perseveration is the persistent repetition of the same response after the stimulus has changed.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is A, Clang association. In clang association the next word is selected by its sound, through rhyme or alliteration, rather than by its meaning.

Why is "Echolalia" not the answer?

Echolalia is the automatic repetition of words spoken by the examiner.

Why is "Neologism" not the answer?

Neologism is a newly coined word whose meaning is known only to the patient.

Why is "Perseveration" not the answer?

Perseveration is the persistent repetition of the same response after the stimulus has changed.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychopathology: clang association in Psychiatry. It is a disorder of the form of thought seen most often in mania. It often accompanies flight of ideas and pressure of speech.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Psychopathology: clang association?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.