Psychopathology: delusional memory: 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: delusional memory

Sample item

A patient states, 'Last Tuesday I suddenly remembered that I had been the crown prince since birth and my parents hid this.' There is no amnesia. This is best classified as

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Delusional memory (retrospective delusion)

A delusional memory is a primary delusion that presents as a false memory, suddenly recalled and held with full conviction. Unlike confabulation it does not fill a memory gap and occurs without an amnestic syndrome. It is a form of primary delusion, typically in schizophrenia.

Option by option

  • A. Confabulation

    Confabulation fills an existing amnestic gap and is non-psychotic in origin.

  • B. Delusional memory (retrospective delusion) (correct)

    Correct. A delusion experienced as a sudden memory, with no amnesia, is a delusional memory.

  • C. Retrograde amnesia

    Retrograde amnesia is loss of memory for past events and is the opposite of a false recollection.

  • D. Cryptomnesia

    Cryptomnesia is a forgotten memory returning without recognition of its source, as in unintentional plagiarism, and carries no delusional conviction.

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 B, Delusional memory (retrospective delusion). A delusional memory is a primary delusion that presents as a false memory, suddenly recalled and held with full conviction.

Why is "Confabulation" not the answer?

Confabulation fills an existing amnestic gap and is non-psychotic in origin.

Why is "Retrograde amnesia" not the answer?

Retrograde amnesia is loss of memory for past events and is the opposite of a false recollection.

Why is "Cryptomnesia" not the answer?

Cryptomnesia is a forgotten memory returning without recognition of its source, as in unintentional plagiarism, and carries no delusional conviction.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychopathology: delusional memory in Psychiatry. Unlike confabulation it does not fill a memory gap and occurs without an amnestic syndrome. It is a form of primary delusion, typically in schizophrenia.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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: delusional memory?

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.