Delusional syndromes: Cotard: 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 · Delusional syndromes: Cotard

Sample item

A severely depressed 60-year-old woman says her intestines have rotted away and that she is already dead and cannot die. What is this syndrome called?

ACotard syndromeBCharles Bonnet syndromeCCapgras syndromeDGanser syndrome

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Cotard syndrome

Cotard syndrome is a nihilistic delusion where the patient denies existence of the self, body parts or the world. It is typically seen in severe psychotic depression.

Option by option

A. Cotard syndrome (correct)
Correct. Nihilistic delusion of being dead or organs rotted is Cotard syndrome.
B. Charles Bonnet syndrome
Charles Bonnet syndrome is visual hallucinations with insight in visually impaired persons.
C. Capgras syndrome
Capgras is a delusion of doubles.
D. Ganser syndrome
Ganser syndrome is approximate answers to simple questions in a setting of stress or custody.

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, Cotard syndrome. Cotard syndrome is a nihilistic delusion where the patient denies existence of the self, body parts or the world.

Why is "Charles Bonnet syndrome" not the answer?

Charles Bonnet syndrome is visual hallucinations with insight in visually impaired persons.

Why is "Capgras syndrome" not the answer?

Capgras is a delusion of doubles.

Why is "Ganser syndrome" not the answer?

Ganser syndrome is approximate answers to simple questions in a setting of stress or custody.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Delusional syndromes: Cotard in Psychiatry. It is typically seen in severe psychotic depression.

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 Delusional syndromes: Cotard?

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.