Psychotic disorders: sensorimotor gating deficit: 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 · Psychotic disorders: sensorimotor gating deficit

Sample item

In a laboratory test, a weak sound just before a loud sound normally dampens the startle reflex to the loud sound. What is the typical finding when the test is done in patients with schizophrenia?

AReduced dampening, reflecting impaired sensorimotor gatingBEnhanced dampening, reflecting excessive sensory filteringCNormal dampening with a longer reflex latencyDComplete reversal into potentiation of the startle

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Reduced dampening, reflecting impaired sensorimotor gating

Prepulse inhibition is the reduction of the startle response by a weak preceding stimulus. It is reduced in schizophrenia, which is taken to show a failure of sensory gating that may allow sensory overload and contribute to psychotic symptoms.

Option by option

A. Reduced dampening, reflecting impaired sensorimotor gating (correct)
Correct. Reduced prepulse inhibition is a replicated finding and indicates a deficit in sensorimotor gating.
B. Enhanced dampening, reflecting excessive sensory filtering
Enhanced dampening would mean better filtering, which is the opposite of what is found.
C. Normal dampening with a longer reflex latency
Latency changes are not the characteristic abnormality; the magnitude of inhibition is reduced.
D. Complete reversal into potentiation of the startle
Reversal into potentiation is not the described pattern; the inhibition is diminished, not inverted.

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 A, Reduced dampening, reflecting impaired sensorimotor gating. Prepulse inhibition is the reduction of the startle response by a weak preceding stimulus.

Why is "Enhanced dampening, reflecting excessive sensory filtering" not the answer?

Enhanced dampening would mean better filtering, which is the opposite of what is found.

Why is "Normal dampening with a longer reflex latency" not the answer?

Latency changes are not the characteristic abnormality; the magnitude of inhibition is reduced.

Why is "Complete reversal into potentiation of the startle" not the answer?

Reversal into potentiation is not the described pattern; the inhibition is diminished, not inverted.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychotic disorders: sensorimotor gating deficit in Psychiatry. It is reduced in schizophrenia, which is taken to show a failure of sensory gating that may allow sensory overload and contribute to psychotic 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 Psychotic disorders: sensorimotor gating deficit?

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.