Mood disorders: 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 · Mood disorders

Sample item

What symptom is central to major depressive disorder?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Persistent low mood or anhedonia

The defining Mood disorders feature supports Persistent low mood or anhedonia; this conclusion most directly matches the clinical presentation and the usual principle being assessed.

Option by option

  • A. Elevated mood

    Elevated mood does not fit the central mood disorders clue.

  • B. Compulsive rituals

    Compulsive rituals may be relevant in another setting but is not the best answer here.

  • C. Persistent low mood or anhedonia (correct)

    Correct. Persistent low mood or anhedonia is supported by the key finding in this scenario.

  • D. Flashbacks only

    Flashbacks only is inconsistent with the priority or diagnosis described.

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 C, Persistent low mood or anhedonia. The defining Mood disorders feature supports Persistent low mood or anhedonia; this conclusion most directly matches the clinical presentation and the usual principle being assessed.

Why is "Elevated mood" not the answer?

Elevated mood does not fit the central mood disorders clue.

Why is "Compulsive rituals" not the answer?

Compulsive rituals may be relevant in another setting but is not the best answer here.

Why is "Flashbacks only" not the answer?

Flashbacks only is inconsistent with the priority or diagnosis described.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Mood disorders in Psychiatry. The correct option holds because: Correct. Persistent low mood or anhedonia is supported by the key finding in this scenario.

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 Mood disorders?

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.