Psychosis: 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 · Psychosis

Sample item

A person mistakes a coat hanging in dim light for a threatening figure; what is this phenomenon called?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Misinterpretation of a real external stimulus

The decisive Psychosis principle supports Misinterpretation of a real external stimulus; it most directly explains the clinical description, safety priority, or appropriate intervention in the stem.

Option by option

  • A. Repetitive ritual

    Repetitive ritual is inconsistent with the diagnosis, mechanism, or priority described.

  • B. Perception without stimulus

    Perception without stimulus does not match the stated psychosis feature.

  • C. Misinterpretation of a real external stimulus (correct)

    Correct. Misinterpretation of a real external stimulus is supported by the central clue given.

  • D. Fixed false belief

    Fixed false belief may have another role but is not the best answer in this scenario.

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.

More Psychiatry questions

Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is C, Misinterpretation of a real external stimulus. The decisive Psychosis principle supports Misinterpretation of a real external stimulus; it most directly explains the clinical description, safety priority, or appropriate intervention in the stem.

Why is "Repetitive ritual" not the answer?

Repetitive ritual is inconsistent with the diagnosis, mechanism, or priority described.

Why is "Perception without stimulus" not the answer?

Perception without stimulus does not match the stated psychosis feature.

Why is "Fixed false belief" not the answer?

Fixed false belief may have another role but is not the best answer in this scenario.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychosis in Psychiatry. The correct option holds because: Correct. Misinterpretation of a real external stimulus is supported by the central clue given.

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 Psychosis?

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.