Sleep disorders: delayed sleep phase: 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 · Sleep disorders: delayed sleep phase

Sample item

A 17-year-old cannot fall asleep until 3 am and cannot wake for school, but sleeps normally and well if allowed to follow his own schedule. The disorder is

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Delayed sleep phase type of circadian rhythm disorder

In delayed sleep phase disorder the sleep-wake cycle is shifted later, common in adolescents, with sleep that is normal in quality and duration when taken at the preferred time. Treatment includes timed bright light in the morning, melatonin in the evening and a fixed wake time.

Option by option

  • A. Delayed sleep phase type of circadian rhythm disorder (correct)

    Correct. A late but normal sleep timing is delayed sleep phase.

  • B. Primary insomnia

    Primary insomnia has difficulty sleeping at any time chosen.

  • C. Narcolepsy

    Narcolepsy has irresistible daytime sleep attacks.

  • D. Sleep apnoea

    Sleep apnoea is obstructive breathing with snoring and daytime sleepiness.

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, Delayed sleep phase type of circadian rhythm disorder. In delayed sleep phase disorder the sleep-wake cycle is shifted later, common in adolescents, with sleep that is normal in quality and duration when taken at the preferred time.

Why is "Primary insomnia" not the answer?

Primary insomnia has difficulty sleeping at any time chosen.

Why is "Narcolepsy" not the answer?

Narcolepsy has irresistible daytime sleep attacks.

Why is "Sleep apnoea" not the answer?

Sleep apnoea is obstructive breathing with snoring and daytime sleepiness.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Sleep disorders: delayed sleep phase in Psychiatry. Treatment includes timed bright light in the morning, melatonin in the evening and a fixed wake time.

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 Sleep disorders: delayed sleep phase?

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.