Organic psychiatry: Ganser syndrome: 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: Ganser syndrome

Sample item

A prisoner awaiting trial gives approximate answers such as 'a horse has five legs' to simple questions, showing clouding of consciousness and hallucinations. This is:

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Ganser syndrome

Ganser syndrome is characterised by 'vorbeireden' (approximate answers), clouding of consciousness, conversion symptoms and hallucinations, classically in prisoners. It is regarded as a dissociative state, though sometimes feigning has to be excluded.

Option by option

  • A. Ganser syndrome (correct)

    Correct. Approximate answers in a stressful setting indicate Ganser syndrome.

  • B. Korsakoff syndrome

    Korsakoff syndrome involves amnesia with confabulation.

  • C. Capgras syndrome

    Capgras is a delusion of doubles.

  • D. Cotard syndrome

    Cotard is a nihilistic delusion.

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 A, Ganser syndrome. Ganser syndrome is characterised by 'vorbeireden' (approximate answers), clouding of consciousness, conversion symptoms and hallucinations, classically in prisoners.

Why is "Korsakoff syndrome" not the answer?

Korsakoff syndrome involves amnesia with confabulation.

Why is "Capgras syndrome" not the answer?

Capgras is a delusion of doubles.

Why is "Cotard syndrome" not the answer?

Cotard is a nihilistic delusion.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Organic psychiatry: Ganser syndrome in Psychiatry. It is regarded as a dissociative state, though sometimes feigning has to be excluded.

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: Ganser syndrome?

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.