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

What is a persecutory delusion?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. False belief of being harmed or targeted

A persecutory delusion is a fixed false belief that others intend harm, surveillance, or conspiracy despite evidence to the contrary.

Option by option

  • A. Misinterpretation of a sound

    Misinterpreting a real sound is an illusion.

  • B. Repetitive behavior

    Repetitive anxiety-reducing behavior is a compulsion.

  • C. False belief of being harmed or targeted (correct)

    Correct: this delusion centers on being targeted or harmed.

  • D. Intrusive unwanted thought

    Intrusive unwanted thought is an obsession.

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, False belief of being harmed or targeted. A persecutory delusion is a fixed false belief that others intend harm, surveillance, or conspiracy despite evidence to the contrary.

Why is "Misinterpretation of a sound" not the answer?

Misinterpreting a real sound is an illusion.

Why is "Repetitive behavior" not the answer?

Repetitive anxiety-reducing behavior is a compulsion.

Why is "Intrusive unwanted thought" not the answer?

Intrusive unwanted thought is an obsession.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychosis in Psychiatry. The correct option holds because: Correct: this delusion centers on being targeted or harmed.

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.