Psychopathology: mood-congruent delusions: 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: mood-congruent delusions

Sample item

In a patient with severe depression, which delusion is mood-congruent?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Belief that he is responsible for the sins of the world and deserves punishment

Mood-congruent delusions match the depressed mood and include guilt, worthlessness, poverty, nihilism and hypochondriacal themes. Grandiose themes fit mania instead. Thought broadcast is a first-rank symptom and is mood-incongruent in this context.

Option by option

  • A. Belief that he is responsible for the sins of the world and deserves punishment (correct)

    Correct. Guilt and deserved punishment fit a depressed mood.

  • B. Belief that he has special powers and a divine mission

    Grandiose delusions are congruent with elevated mood in mania.

  • C. Belief that a famous actor is secretly in love with him

    Erotomania is a delusional disorder theme and does not fit a depressive mood.

  • D. Belief that his thoughts are being broadcast to others

    Thought broadcast is a Schneiderian first-rank symptom, which is mood-incongruent in affective psychosis.

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, Belief that he is responsible for the sins of the world and deserves punishment. Mood-congruent delusions match the depressed mood and include guilt, worthlessness, poverty, nihilism and hypochondriacal themes.

Why is "Belief that he has special powers and a divine mission" not the answer?

Grandiose delusions are congruent with elevated mood in mania.

Why is "Belief that a famous actor is secretly in love with him" not the answer?

Erotomania is a delusional disorder theme and does not fit a depressive mood.

Why is "Belief that his thoughts are being broadcast to others" not the answer?

Thought broadcast is a Schneiderian first-rank symptom, which is mood-incongruent in affective psychosis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychopathology: mood-congruent delusions in Psychiatry. Grandiose themes fit mania instead. Thought broadcast is a first-rank symptom and is mood-incongruent in this context.

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: mood-congruent delusions?

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.