Mental-state examination: thought form: 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: thought form

Sample item

When asked why he attended clinic, a patient gives an overly detailed answer about the bus route and eventually returns to the question. Which thought-form abnormality is illustrated?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Circumstantiality

Circumstantiality is overinclusive speech with unnecessary detail that ultimately reaches the original point. It differs from tangentiality, in which the answer never returns to the question.

Option by option

  • A. Loosening of associations

    Loosening of associations describes weak or illogical links between ideas.

  • B. Circumstantiality (correct)

    Correct. The eventual return to the question is the key feature.

  • C. Thought blocking

    Thought blocking is a sudden interruption in the train of thought.

  • D. Tangentiality

    Tangential speech drifts away and does not answer the original question.

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 B, Circumstantiality. Circumstantiality is overinclusive speech with unnecessary detail that ultimately reaches the original point.

Why is "Loosening of associations" not the answer?

Loosening of associations describes weak or illogical links between ideas.

Why is "Thought blocking" not the answer?

Thought blocking is a sudden interruption in the train of thought.

Why is "Tangentiality" not the answer?

Tangential speech drifts away and does not answer the original question.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Mental-state examination: thought form in Psychiatry. It differs from tangentiality, in which the answer never returns to the question.

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: thought form?

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.