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 an intruder; which perceptual phenomenon is this?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Misinterpretation of a real stimulus

An illusion is a distorted interpretation of a real external stimulus, such as mistaking a shadow for a person in poor light.

Option by option

  • A. Perception without stimulus

    Perception without stimulus defines hallucination.

  • B. Thought withdrawal

    Thought withdrawal is a psychotic passivity experience.

  • C. Memory loss

    Memory loss is an amnestic symptom.

  • D. Misinterpretation of a real stimulus (correct)

    Correct: illusion misinterprets an actual stimulus.

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 D, Misinterpretation of a real stimulus. An illusion is a distorted interpretation of a real external stimulus, such as mistaking a shadow for a person in poor light.

Why is "Perception without stimulus" not the answer?

Perception without stimulus defines hallucination.

Why is "Thought withdrawal" not the answer?

Thought withdrawal is a psychotic passivity experience.

Why is "Memory loss" not the answer?

Memory loss is an amnestic symptom.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychosis in Psychiatry. The correct option holds because: Correct: illusion misinterprets an actual stimulus.

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.