Psychotic disorders: delusional disorder: 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 · Psychotic disorders: delusional disorder

Sample item

For 18 months, a patient has a fixed belief that a neighbour is contaminating his water. Apart from this, functioning and behaviour are relatively preserved and there are no prominent hallucinations or disorganization. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Delusional disorder

Delusional disorder involves one or more delusions for at least a month without the broad deterioration or persistent prominent psychotic symptoms typical of schizophrenia. Functioning outside the delusional theme may be relatively maintained.

Option by option

  • A. Delusional disorder (correct)

    Correct. A circumscribed, persistent delusion with otherwise preserved functioning fits this diagnosis.

  • B. Obsessive-compulsive disorder

    Obsessions are experienced as intrusive and are usually resisted rather than held as fixed beliefs.

  • C. Delirium

    Delirium is acute and fluctuating, particularly affecting attention and awareness.

  • D. Schizophrenia

    Schizophrenia requires a broader syndrome with characteristic symptoms and functional disturbance.

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, Delusional disorder. Delusional disorder involves one or more delusions for at least a month without the broad deterioration or persistent prominent psychotic symptoms typical of schizophrenia.

Why is "Obsessive-compulsive disorder" not the answer?

Obsessions are experienced as intrusive and are usually resisted rather than held as fixed beliefs.

Why is "Delirium" not the answer?

Delirium is acute and fluctuating, particularly affecting attention and awareness.

Why is "Schizophrenia" not the answer?

Schizophrenia requires a broader syndrome with characteristic symptoms and functional disturbance.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychotic disorders: delusional disorder in Psychiatry. Functioning outside the delusional theme may be relatively maintained.

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 Psychotic disorders: delusional disorder?

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.