Neuromodulation: rTMS: 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 · Neuromodulation: rTMS

Sample item

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression is typically applied to which region?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex

High-frequency rTMS over the left DLPFC is used for treatment-resistant depression, using magnetic pulses that induce cortical currents. It requires no anaesthesia and does not cause seizure or amnesia in routine use.

Option by option

  • A. Occipital cortex

    The occipital cortex is the visual cortex, not the usual target.

  • B. Left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (correct)

    Correct. The left DLPFC is the usual target.

  • C. Cerebellum

    The cerebellum is not the standard target.

  • D. Right basal ganglia

    Deep basal ganglia are not reached by standard rTMS.

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 B, Left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. High-frequency rTMS over the left DLPFC is used for treatment-resistant depression, using magnetic pulses that induce cortical currents.

Why is "Occipital cortex" not the answer?

The occipital cortex is the visual cortex, not the usual target.

Why is "Cerebellum" not the answer?

The cerebellum is not the standard target.

Why is "Right basal ganglia" not the answer?

Deep basal ganglia are not reached by standard rTMS.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neuromodulation: rTMS in Psychiatry. It requires no anaesthesia and does not cause seizure or amnesia in routine use.

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 Neuromodulation: rTMS?

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.