Mood disorders: ICD-10 core symptoms: 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 · Mood disorders: ICD-10 core symptoms

Sample item

Which of the following is NOT one of the three core symptoms of a depressive episode in ICD-10?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Early morning awakening

ICD-10 core symptoms are depressed mood, loss of interest and enjoyment (anhedonia), and reduced energy. Early morning awakening is an additional (somatic) symptom, not a core one.

Option by option

  • A. Depressed mood

    Depressed mood is a core symptom.

  • B. Reduced energy and increased fatigability

    Reduced energy is a core symptom.

  • C. Early morning awakening (correct)

    Correct. Early morning awakening is an associated somatic symptom, not a core symptom.

  • D. Loss of interest and enjoyment

    Anhedonia is a core symptom.

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.

More Psychiatry questions

Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is C, Early morning awakening. ICD-10 core symptoms are depressed mood, loss of interest and enjoyment (anhedonia), and reduced energy.

Why is "Depressed mood" not the answer?

Depressed mood is a core symptom.

Why is "Reduced energy and increased fatigability" not the answer?

Reduced energy is a core symptom.

Why is "Loss of interest and enjoyment" not the answer?

Anhedonia is a core symptom.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Mood disorders: ICD-10 core symptoms in Psychiatry. Early morning awakening is an additional (somatic) symptom, not a core one.

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 Mood disorders: ICD-10 core symptoms?

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.