Psychopathology: alexithymia: 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: alexithymia

Sample item

A patient with multiple unexplained somatic complaints cannot identify or describe his feelings and speaks only of physical sensations and external events. This difficulty is called

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Alexithymia

Alexithymia, described by Sifneos, is difficulty in identifying and verbalising emotions with a concrete, externally oriented thinking style. It is associated with somatisation and psychosomatic conditions. It is not itself a mood disorder.

Option by option

  • A. Anhedonia

    Anhedonia is the loss of capacity to experience pleasure.

  • B. Alexithymia (correct)

    Correct. Inability to put feelings into words is alexithymia.

  • C. Apathy

    Apathy is a lack of interest and emotional response.

  • D. Abulia

    Abulia is a severe lack of will or drive to initiate action.

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, Alexithymia. Alexithymia, described by Sifneos, is difficulty in identifying and verbalising emotions with a concrete, externally oriented thinking style.

Why is "Anhedonia" not the answer?

Anhedonia is the loss of capacity to experience pleasure.

Why is "Apathy" not the answer?

Apathy is a lack of interest and emotional response.

Why is "Abulia" not the answer?

Abulia is a severe lack of will or drive to initiate action.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychopathology: alexithymia in Psychiatry. It is associated with somatisation and psychosomatic conditions. It is not itself a mood disorder.

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: alexithymia?

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.