Dissociative and somatic disorders: 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 · Dissociative and somatic disorders

Sample item

A nurse repeatedly presents with fever and abscesses. It is later discovered that she secretly injects herself with contaminated material. She has no apparent external gain and seeks repeated admissions. This is best described as:

AConversion disorderBFactitious disorder imposed on selfCMalingeringDIllness anxiety disorder

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Factitious disorder imposed on self

Factitious disorder involves intentional falsification or induction of symptoms to assume the sick role, without obvious external reward. Malingering differs in having an identifiable external incentive. Munchausen syndrome is the severe chronic form of factitious disorder.

Option by option

A. Conversion disorder
In conversion disorder symptoms are not intentionally produced.
B. Factitious disorder imposed on self (correct)
Correct. Deliberate self-induction of illness for the sick role without external gain is factitious disorder.
C. Malingering
Malingering requires external rewards such as money, compensation or avoiding duties.
D. Illness anxiety disorder
In illness anxiety disorder the patient fears having a disease but does not fabricate signs.

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.

Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is B, Factitious disorder imposed on self. Factitious disorder involves intentional falsification or induction of symptoms to assume the sick role, without obvious external reward.

Why is "Conversion disorder" not the answer?

In conversion disorder symptoms are not intentionally produced.

Why is "Malingering" not the answer?

Malingering requires external rewards such as money, compensation or avoiding duties.

Why is "Illness anxiety disorder" not the answer?

In illness anxiety disorder the patient fears having a disease but does not fabricate signs.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Dissociative and somatic disorders in Psychiatry. Malingering differs in having an identifiable external incentive. Munchausen syndrome is the severe chronic form of factitious disorder.

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 Dissociative and somatic disorders?

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.