Forensic psychiatry: lucid interval: 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: lucid interval

Sample item

A man with recurrent psychosis signs a contract during a period of full recovery with intact understanding. This period is called

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. A lucid interval

A lucid interval is a temporary period of normal mental function during an otherwise continuing mental illness, during which acts such as contracts or wills can be valid if capacity is shown. The burden of proving that he had capacity lies on the person relying on the act. It is not applicable to progressive dementia.

Option by option

  • A. A dissociative fugue

    A fugue is a dissociative state of travel with amnesia.

  • B. A prodrome

    A prodrome is the period before the onset of the illness.

  • C. A remission of dementia

    Dementia does not show true remission.

  • D. A lucid interval (correct)

    Correct. Temporary full recovery of understanding is a lucid interval.

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, A lucid interval. A lucid interval is a temporary period of normal mental function during an otherwise continuing mental illness, during which acts such as contracts or wills can be valid if capacity is shown.

Why is "A dissociative fugue" not the answer?

A fugue is a dissociative state of travel with amnesia.

Why is "A prodrome" not the answer?

A prodrome is the period before the onset of the illness.

Why is "A remission of dementia" not the answer?

Dementia does not show true remission.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Forensic psychiatry: lucid interval in Psychiatry. The burden of proving that he had capacity lies on the person relying on the act. It is not applicable to progressive dementia.

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: lucid interval?

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.