ECT: contraindications: 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 · ECT: contraindications

Sample item

Which condition is considered the most important relative contraindication to ECT?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Raised intracranial pressure (space-occupying lesion)

Raised intracranial pressure carries a risk of herniation, and recent myocardial infarction, recent stroke, unstable aneurysm and retinal detachment also raise risk. There is no absolute contraindication, and ECT can be given in pregnancy and old age with modification.

Option by option

  • A. Pregnancy

    ECT is considered relatively safe in pregnancy.

  • B. Depression with psychosis

    Psychotic depression is an indication.

  • C. Raised intracranial pressure (space-occupying lesion) (correct)

    Correct. Raised ICP is the major contraindication.

  • D. Old age

    Old age is not a contraindication.

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 C, Raised intracranial pressure (space-occupying lesion). Raised intracranial pressure carries a risk of herniation, and recent myocardial infarction, recent stroke, unstable aneurysm and retinal detachment also raise risk.

Why is "Pregnancy" not the answer?

ECT is considered relatively safe in pregnancy.

Why is "Depression with psychosis" not the answer?

Psychotic depression is an indication.

Why is "Old age" not the answer?

Old age is not a contraindication.

What concept does this question test?

It tests ECT: contraindications in Psychiatry. There is no absolute contraindication, and ECT can be given in pregnancy and old age with modification.

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 ECT: contraindications?

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.