Psychopathology: passivity phenomena: 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: passivity phenomena

Sample item

A patient states that thoughts which are not his own are being placed in his head by a radio transmitter. This symptom is:

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Thought insertion

Thought insertion is a delusion of passivity in which the patient believes an outside agency places thoughts in his mind. It is a Schneiderian first rank symptom of schizophrenia.

Option by option

  • A. Thought block

    Thought block is a sudden interruption of the flow of thought with an empty mind.

  • B. Flight of ideas

    Flight of ideas is rapid, connected speech in mania.

  • C. Obsession

    An obsession is recognised as the patient's own thought, however unwanted.

  • D. Thought insertion (correct)

    Correct. Thoughts experienced as implanted by an outside force are thought insertion.

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 D, Thought insertion. Thought insertion is a delusion of passivity in which the patient believes an outside agency places thoughts in his mind.

Why is "Thought block" not the answer?

Thought block is a sudden interruption of the flow of thought with an empty mind.

Why is "Flight of ideas" not the answer?

Flight of ideas is rapid, connected speech in mania.

Why is "Obsession" not the answer?

An obsession is recognised as the patient's own thought, however unwanted.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychopathology: passivity phenomena in Psychiatry. It is a Schneiderian first rank symptom of schizophrenia.

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 Psychopathology: passivity phenomena?

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.