Sleep disorders: REM sleep and depression: 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 · Sleep disorders: REM sleep and depression

Sample item

Which sleep architecture change is characteristic of major depression?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Shortened REM latency

Depression shows shortened REM latency, increased REM density, reduced slow-wave sleep and early morning awakening. Most antidepressants suppress REM sleep.

Option by option

  • A. Increased slow-wave sleep

    Slow-wave sleep is reduced.

  • B. Prolonged REM latency

    REM latency is shortened, not prolonged.

  • C. Shortened REM latency (correct)

    Correct. REM latency is shortened.

  • D. Absence of REM sleep

    REM sleep is not absent.

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, Shortened REM latency. Depression shows shortened REM latency, increased REM density, reduced slow-wave sleep and early morning awakening.

Why is "Increased slow-wave sleep" not the answer?

Slow-wave sleep is reduced.

Why is "Prolonged REM latency" not the answer?

REM latency is shortened, not prolonged.

Why is "Absence of REM sleep" not the answer?

REM sleep is not absent.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Sleep disorders: REM sleep and depression in Psychiatry. Most antidepressants suppress REM sleep.

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 Sleep disorders: REM sleep and depression?

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.