Substance use: cannabinoid hyperemesis 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.

Try it

Psychiatry · Substance use: cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome

Sample item

A 26-year-old man who has smoked cannabis daily for years has recurrent episodes of intense nausea, repeated vomiting and abdominal pain. He finds that long hot showers temporarily relieve the symptoms, and routine investigations are normal. What is the most likely diagnosis?

AGastroparesisBBulimia nervosaCSuperior mesenteric artery syndromeDCannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome develops in long-term heavy users and produces cyclical vomiting with compulsive hot bathing for relief. Antiemetics are often ineffective, and resolution needs sustained cannabis cessation.

Option by option

A. Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis causes postprandial fullness and early satiety with delayed emptying, not relief from hot showers.
B. Bulimia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa involves self-induced vomiting with body-image concern and binge eating.
C. Superior mesenteric artery syndrome
Superior mesenteric artery syndrome occurs after marked weight loss and causes postprandial duodenal obstruction.
D. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (correct)
Correct. Chronic daily cannabis use with cyclical vomiting relieved by hot water is typical.

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 D, Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome develops in long-term heavy users and produces cyclical vomiting with compulsive hot bathing for relief.

Why is "Gastroparesis" not the answer?

Gastroparesis causes postprandial fullness and early satiety with delayed emptying, not relief from hot showers.

Why is "Bulimia nervosa" not the answer?

Bulimia nervosa involves self-induced vomiting with body-image concern and binge eating.

Why is "Superior mesenteric artery syndrome" not the answer?

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome occurs after marked weight loss and causes postprandial duodenal obstruction.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Substance use: cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome in Psychiatry. Antiemetics are often ineffective, and resolution needs sustained cannabis cessation.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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: cannabinoid hyperemesis 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.