Psychopathology: primary delusion: 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 · Psychopathology: primary delusion

Sample item

A patient says that suddenly one morning he just 'knew' that he was the chosen saviour of the world. The belief appeared fully formed with no preceding thought process. This is a:

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Autochthonous delusion

An autochthonous (primary) delusion arises suddenly and fully formed, without any understandable origin. Primary delusions include delusional intuition, delusional atmosphere and delusional perception.

Option by option

  • A. Autochthonous delusion (correct)

    Correct. A delusion that emerges suddenly and fully formed is autochthonous.

  • B. Overvalued idea

    Overvalued ideas are understandable beliefs dominating thinking and are not fixed false beliefs.

  • C. Delusional elaboration

    Elaboration is the later systematisation of an existing delusion.

  • D. Secondary delusion

    Secondary delusions arise understandably from mood, hallucinations or other experiences.

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, Autochthonous delusion. An autochthonous (primary) delusion arises suddenly and fully formed, without any understandable origin.

Why is "Overvalued idea" not the answer?

Overvalued ideas are understandable beliefs dominating thinking and are not fixed false beliefs.

Why is "Delusional elaboration" not the answer?

Elaboration is the later systematisation of an existing delusion.

Why is "Secondary delusion" not the answer?

Secondary delusions arise understandably from mood, hallucinations or other experiences.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychopathology: primary delusion in Psychiatry. Primary delusions include delusional intuition, delusional atmosphere and delusional perception.

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 Psychopathology: primary delusion?

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.