Dissociative and somatic disorders: primary and secondary gain: 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 · Dissociative and somatic disorders: primary and secondary gain

Sample item

A soldier develops paralysis of the arm before a combat mission, which relieves his anxiety about fighting. This relief of anxiety by the symptom is

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Primary gain

Primary gain is the internal relief from anxiety or conflict that the symptom provides by keeping the conflict out of awareness. Secondary gain is the external benefit such as attention, compensation or avoidance of duty. Malingering involves conscious feigning for external gain.

Option by option

  • A. Secondary gain

    Secondary gain is the external benefit from being sick.

  • B. Primary gain (correct)

    Correct. Reduction of internal conflict is primary gain.

  • C. Malingering

    Malingering is intentional production of symptoms for gain.

  • D. Tertiary gain

    Tertiary gain is the benefit obtained by someone other than the patient.

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, Primary gain. Primary gain is the internal relief from anxiety or conflict that the symptom provides by keeping the conflict out of awareness.

Why is "Secondary gain" not the answer?

Secondary gain is the external benefit from being sick.

Why is "Malingering" not the answer?

Malingering is intentional production of symptoms for gain.

Why is "Tertiary gain" not the answer?

Tertiary gain is the benefit obtained by someone other than the patient.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Dissociative and somatic disorders: primary and secondary gain in Psychiatry. Secondary gain is the external benefit such as attention, compensation or avoidance of duty. Malingering involves conscious feigning for external gain.

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 Dissociative and somatic disorders: primary and secondary gain?

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.