Organic psychiatry: delirium EEG: 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 · Organic psychiatry: delirium EEG

Sample item

The characteristic EEG finding in delirium (except delirium tremens) is:

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Diffuse slowing of background activity

Generalised slowing of background rhythm is typical of delirium, whereas in delirium tremens and sedative withdrawal, low-voltage fast activity is seen. EEG is useful to differentiate delirium from dementia and functional psychosis.

Option by option

  • A. Periodic sharp wave complexes

    Periodic sharp wave complexes occur in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

  • B. 3 Hz spike and wave

    3 Hz spike and wave occurs in absence seizures.

  • C. Hypsarrhythmia

    Hypsarrhythmia occurs in infantile spasms.

  • D. Diffuse slowing of background activity (correct)

    Correct. Diffuse slowing is characteristic.

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, Diffuse slowing of background activity. Generalised slowing of background rhythm is typical of delirium, whereas in delirium tremens and sedative withdrawal, low-voltage fast activity is seen.

Why is "Periodic sharp wave complexes" not the answer?

Periodic sharp wave complexes occur in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

Why is "3 Hz spike and wave" not the answer?

3 Hz spike and wave occurs in absence seizures.

Why is "Hypsarrhythmia" not the answer?

Hypsarrhythmia occurs in infantile spasms.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Organic psychiatry: delirium EEG in Psychiatry. EEG is useful to differentiate delirium from dementia and functional psychosis.

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 Organic psychiatry: delirium EEG?

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.