Psychopathology: mannerism versus stereotypy: 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.

Try it

Psychiatry · Psychopathology: mannerism versus stereotypy

Sample item

A patient repeatedly rocks his trunk back and forth for hours with no apparent purpose. In contrast, another patient walks with an odd, exaggerated gait but is clearly going somewhere. Which pair is correct?

ARocking is a stereotypy; the odd gait is a mannerismBRocking is a mannerism; the odd gait is a stereotypyCBoth are ticsDBoth are compulsions

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Rocking is a stereotypy; the odd gait is a mannerism

Stereotypy is a repetitive, purposeless movement that is not goal-directed. A mannerism is a goal-directed activity carried out in an odd, characteristic fashion. Both are motor signs of catatonia or chronic schizophrenia, and the distinction rests on whether the act has a purpose.

Option by option

A. Rocking is a stereotypy; the odd gait is a mannerism (correct)
Correct. Purposeless repetition is stereotypy, and an odd way of doing a purposeful act is a mannerism.
B. Rocking is a mannerism; the odd gait is a stereotypy
This reverses the definitions of the two terms.
C. Both are tics
Tics are sudden, brief, rapid movements and are not prolonged rhythmic rocking or an odd gait.
D. Both are compulsions
Compulsions are carried out to reduce anxiety from an obsession, which is not described here.

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.

Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is A, Rocking is a stereotypy; the odd gait is a mannerism. Stereotypy is a repetitive, purposeless movement that is not goal-directed.

Why is "Rocking is a mannerism; the odd gait is a stereotypy" not the answer?

This reverses the definitions of the two terms.

Why is "Both are tics" not the answer?

Tics are sudden, brief, rapid movements and are not prolonged rhythmic rocking or an odd gait.

Why is "Both are compulsions" not the answer?

Compulsions are carried out to reduce anxiety from an obsession, which is not described here.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychopathology: mannerism versus stereotypy in Psychiatry. A mannerism is a goal-directed activity carried out in an odd, characteristic fashion. Both are motor signs of catatonia or chronic schizophrenia, and the distinction rests on whether the act has a purpose.

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: mannerism versus stereotypy?

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.