Mental state examination: 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 · Mental state examination

Sample item

What is an illusion in psychopathology?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Misinterpretation of a real stimulus

An illusion is a distorted interpretation of a real external stimulus, unlike a hallucination which occurs without an external stimulus.

Option by option

  • A. Misinterpretation of a real stimulus (correct)

    Correct: illusion requires a real stimulus to misinterpret.

  • B. Fixed false belief

    Fixed false belief is delusion.

  • C. Perception without stimulus

    Perception without a stimulus is hallucination.

  • D. Loss of consciousness

    Loss of consciousness is not an illusion.

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 A, Misinterpretation of a real stimulus. An illusion is a distorted interpretation of a real external stimulus, unlike a hallucination which occurs without an external stimulus.

Why is "Fixed false belief" not the answer?

Fixed false belief is delusion.

Why is "Perception without stimulus" not the answer?

Perception without a stimulus is hallucination.

Why is "Loss of consciousness" not the answer?

Loss of consciousness is not an illusion.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Mental state examination in Psychiatry. The correct option holds because: Correct: illusion requires a real stimulus to misinterpret.

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 Mental state examination?

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.