Forensic psychiatry: irresistible impulse: 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 · Forensic psychiatry: irresistible impulse

Sample item

In law, the test that excuses an offender who knew the act was wrong but could not control the impulse due to mental disease is the

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Irresistible impulse test

The irresistible impulse test is a volitional test used in some jurisdictions, whereas the McNaghten rule is cognitive and asks whether the accused knew the nature of the act or that it was wrong. Indian law follows the cognitive McNaghten approach. The Frye test concerns admissibility of scientific evidence.

Option by option

  • A. McNaghten rule

    McNaghten is a cognitive test of knowledge of wrongfulness.

  • B. Frye test

    The Frye test concerns scientific evidence admissibility.

  • C. Durham rule only

    The Durham rule asks whether the act was the product of mental disease and is a different test.

  • D. Irresistible impulse test (correct)

    Correct. Inability to control conduct because of mental disease is the irresistible impulse test.

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 D, Irresistible impulse test. The irresistible impulse test is a volitional test used in some jurisdictions, whereas the McNaghten rule is cognitive and asks whether the accused knew the nature of the act or that it was wrong.

Why is "McNaghten rule" not the answer?

McNaghten is a cognitive test of knowledge of wrongfulness.

Why is "Frye test" not the answer?

The Frye test concerns scientific evidence admissibility.

Why is "Durham rule only" not the answer?

The Durham rule asks whether the act was the product of mental disease and is a different test.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Forensic psychiatry: irresistible impulse in Psychiatry. Indian law follows the cognitive McNaghten approach. The Frye test concerns admissibility of scientific evidence.

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 Forensic psychiatry: irresistible impulse?

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.