ECT: electrode placement: 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: electrode placement

Sample item

Which statement on electrode placement in ECT is correct?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Right unilateral placement causes fewer cognitive effects but may need higher stimulus dose

Bitemporal placement is rapid and effective but causes more memory disturbance, whereas right unilateral (d'Elia) placement preserves memory better and is effective at doses well above seizure threshold. Bitemporal is chosen when speed is critical.

Option by option

  • A. Unilateral placement is always more effective

    Unilateral is not always more effective.

  • B. Bilateral placement causes fewer cognitive effects

    Bilateral causes more cognitive effects.

  • C. Right unilateral placement causes fewer cognitive effects but may need higher stimulus dose (correct)

    Correct. Right unilateral causes fewer cognitive effects.

  • D. Placement does not matter

    Placement affects both efficacy and cognition.

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, Right unilateral placement causes fewer cognitive effects but may need higher stimulus dose. Bitemporal placement is rapid and effective but causes more memory disturbance, whereas right unilateral (d'Elia) placement preserves memory better and is effective at doses well above seizure threshold.

Why is "Unilateral placement is always more effective" not the answer?

Unilateral is not always more effective.

Why is "Bilateral placement causes fewer cognitive effects" not the answer?

Bilateral causes more cognitive effects.

Why is "Placement does not matter" not the answer?

Placement affects both efficacy and cognition.

What concept does this question test?

It tests ECT: electrode placement in Psychiatry. Bitemporal is chosen when speed is critical.

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 ECT: electrode placement?

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.