Substance use: amotivational syndrome: 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 · Substance use: amotivational syndrome

Sample item

A 24-year-old who has smoked cannabis daily for years shows apathy, loss of ambition, poor performance in college and neglect of grooming. He is sober at the interview and has no hallucinations or marked mood symptoms. Which syndrome has been described in this setting?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Amotivational syndrome

The amotivational syndrome describes apathy, reduced drive, impaired concentration and social decline in chronic heavy cannabis users. Its existence as a separate entity is debated, but it is described in standard texts. The picture must be distinguished from depression and negative symptoms.

Option by option

  • A. Cannabis withdrawal syndrome

    Cannabis withdrawal produces irritability, anxiety, insomnia and decreased appetite soon after stopping.

  • B. Amotivational syndrome (correct)

    Correct. Apathy and reduced drive in a chronic heavy cannabis user.

  • C. Hypoactive delirium

    Hypoactive delirium shows fluctuating attention and inattention, not a stable picture in a sober, alert man.

  • D. Residual schizophrenia

    Residual schizophrenia needs a past psychotic episode, which is not described.

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, Amotivational syndrome. The amotivational syndrome describes apathy, reduced drive, impaired concentration and social decline in chronic heavy cannabis users.

Why is "Cannabis withdrawal syndrome" not the answer?

Cannabis withdrawal produces irritability, anxiety, insomnia and decreased appetite soon after stopping.

Why is "Hypoactive delirium" not the answer?

Hypoactive delirium shows fluctuating attention and inattention, not a stable picture in a sober, alert man.

Why is "Residual schizophrenia" not the answer?

Residual schizophrenia needs a past psychotic episode, which is not described.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Substance use: amotivational syndrome in Psychiatry. Its existence as a separate entity is debated, but it is described in standard texts. The picture must be distinguished from depression and negative 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 Substance use: amotivational syndrome?

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.