Psychopathology: delusional perception: 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: delusional perception

Sample item

A man sees a red traffic light and at once becomes convinced that this means his family is to be murdered. The percept was normal, but a private delusional meaning was attached. This is:

AIllusionBDelusional moodCVisual hallucinationDDelusional perception

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Delusional perception

Delusional perception is a normal perception that suddenly takes on a self-referent delusional meaning without rational basis, and is a first rank symptom. The perception itself is not abnormal, only the meaning.

Option by option

A. Illusion
In illusions the percept itself is wrong.
B. Delusional mood
Delusional mood is a vague sense that something sinister is about to happen, before the delusion crystallises.
C. Visual hallucination
No hallucination was present as the light was real and correctly seen.
D. Delusional perception (correct)
Correct. A real percept with sudden irrational private meaning is delusional perception.

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, Delusional perception. Delusional perception is a normal perception that suddenly takes on a self-referent delusional meaning without rational basis, and is a first rank symptom.

Why is "Illusion" not the answer?

In illusions the percept itself is wrong.

Why is "Delusional mood" not the answer?

Delusional mood is a vague sense that something sinister is about to happen, before the delusion crystallises.

Why is "Visual hallucination" not the answer?

No hallucination was present as the light was real and correctly seen.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychopathology: delusional perception in Psychiatry. The perception itself is not abnormal, only the meaning.

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: delusional perception?

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.