Electroconvulsive 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 · Electroconvulsive therapy

Sample item

Which condition is a well-established indication for urgent electroconvulsive therapy?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Severe depression with refusal of food and fluids

ECT can be rapidly effective in severe, psychotic or life-threatening depression, catatonia, and some severe mania. It is particularly valuable when nutrition, hydration or safety is compromised.

Option by option

  • A. Mild specific phobia

    Specific phobia is treated primarily with exposure-based therapy.

  • B. Severe depression with refusal of food and fluids (correct)

    Correct. Life-threatening severe depression is a classic urgent ECT indication.

  • C. Stable generalized anxiety

    GAD is usually managed with psychotherapy and medication.

  • D. Uncomplicated insomnia

    Insomnia does not ordinarily require ECT.

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, Severe depression with refusal of food and fluids. ECT can be rapidly effective in severe, psychotic or life-threatening depression, catatonia, and some severe mania.

Why is "Mild specific phobia" not the answer?

Specific phobia is treated primarily with exposure-based therapy.

Why is "Stable generalized anxiety" not the answer?

GAD is usually managed with psychotherapy and medication.

Why is "Uncomplicated insomnia" not the answer?

Insomnia does not ordinarily require ECT.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Electroconvulsive therapy in Psychiatry. It is particularly valuable when nutrition, hydration or safety is compromised.

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 Electroconvulsive 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.