Organic mental disorders: mild versus major neurocognitive disorder: 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 · Organic mental disorders: mild versus major neurocognitive disorder

Sample item

A 70-year-old retired teacher notices memory decline and neuropsychological testing shows a modest decline in memory. She still manages her finances and medicines independently, although it takes extra effort. Under DSM-5, which diagnosis applies?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Mild neurocognitive disorder

In DSM-5, both mild and major neurocognitive disorder require acquired decline in one or more cognitive domains. The distinguishing feature is function: in the mild form the person remains independent in everyday activities, perhaps with greater effort, whereas in the major form independence is lost.

Option by option

  • A. Mild neurocognitive disorder (correct)

    Correct. Modest decline with preserved independence defines the mild category.

  • B. Delirium

    Delirium is an acute, fluctuating disturbance of attention and awareness, which is not described.

  • C. Normal ageing

    Documented decline on testing exceeds expected normal ageing.

  • D. Major neurocognitive disorder

    The major category requires that cognitive deficits interfere with independence in daily activities.

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 A, Mild neurocognitive disorder. In DSM-5, both mild and major neurocognitive disorder require acquired decline in one or more cognitive domains.

Why is "Delirium" not the answer?

Delirium is an acute, fluctuating disturbance of attention and awareness, which is not described.

Why is "Normal ageing" not the answer?

Documented decline on testing exceeds expected normal ageing.

Why is "Major neurocognitive disorder" not the answer?

The major category requires that cognitive deficits interfere with independence in daily activities.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Organic mental disorders: mild versus major neurocognitive disorder in Psychiatry. The distinguishing feature is function: in the mild form the person remains independent in everyday activities, perhaps with greater effort, whereas in the major form independence is lost.

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 Organic mental disorders: mild versus major neurocognitive disorder?

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.