Psychotherapy: cognitive behavioural therapy: 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 · Psychotherapy: cognitive behavioural therapy

Sample item

Which intervention is characteristic of cognitive behavioural therapy for depression?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Identifying and testing automatic negative thoughts

CBT links thoughts, emotions and behaviour, then uses cognitive restructuring and behavioural experiments to test unhelpful beliefs. It is structured and time limited.

Option by option

  • A. Free association without structure

    Free association is associated with psychoanalytic therapy.

  • B. Aversion therapy with emetics

    Aversion methods are not standard CBT for depression.

  • C. Identifying and testing automatic negative thoughts (correct)

    Correct. Challenging automatic thoughts is a core CBT technique.

  • D. Interpreting transference only

    Transference interpretation is a psychodynamic technique.

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 C, Identifying and testing automatic negative thoughts. CBT links thoughts, emotions and behaviour, then uses cognitive restructuring and behavioural experiments to test unhelpful beliefs.

Why is "Free association without structure" not the answer?

Free association is associated with psychoanalytic therapy.

Why is "Aversion therapy with emetics" not the answer?

Aversion methods are not standard CBT for depression.

Why is "Interpreting transference only" not the answer?

Transference interpretation is a psychodynamic technique.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychotherapy: cognitive behavioural therapy in Psychiatry. It is structured and time limited.

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 Psychotherapy: cognitive behavioural therapy?

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.