Psychosis: schizophrenia: 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: schizophrenia

Sample item

Which symptom is classified as a negative symptom of schizophrenia?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Avolition

Negative symptoms reflect loss of normal function and include avolition, alogia, anhedonia, flat affect and social withdrawal. Hallucinations and delusions are positive symptoms.

Option by option

  • A. Disorganised speech

    Disorganised speech is a positive formal thought disorder.

  • B. Avolition (correct)

    Correct. Avolition is reduced goal-directed activity.

  • C. Delusion of reference

    A delusion of reference is a positive symptom.

  • D. Auditory hallucination

    Hallucinations are positive psychotic symptoms.

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 B, Avolition. Negative symptoms reflect loss of normal function and include avolition, alogia, anhedonia, flat affect and social withdrawal.

Why is "Disorganised speech" not the answer?

Disorganised speech is a positive formal thought disorder.

Why is "Delusion of reference" not the answer?

A delusion of reference is a positive symptom.

Why is "Auditory hallucination" not the answer?

Hallucinations are positive psychotic symptoms.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychosis: schizophrenia in Psychiatry. Hallucinations and delusions are positive symptoms.

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: schizophrenia?

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.