Medical mimics: hypothyroidism: 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 · Medical mimics: hypothyroidism

Sample item

A middle-aged woman with severe hypothyroidism develops paranoid delusions and hallucinations with slowed thinking. This is called:

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Myxoedema madness

Myxoedema madness is psychosis or delirium occurring in severe hypothyroidism, which improves with thyroid replacement. Hypothyroidism more commonly causes depression and cognitive slowing.

Option by option

  • A. Capgras syndrome

    Capgras is a misidentification delusion.

  • B. Myxoedema madness (correct)

    Correct. Psychosis in hypothyroidism is myxoedema madness.

  • C. Korsakoff psychosis

    Korsakoff psychosis is amnestic.

  • D. Wernicke encephalopathy

    Wernicke is thiamine deficiency.

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, Myxoedema madness. Myxoedema madness is psychosis or delirium occurring in severe hypothyroidism, which improves with thyroid replacement.

Why is "Capgras syndrome" not the answer?

Capgras is a misidentification delusion.

Why is "Korsakoff psychosis" not the answer?

Korsakoff psychosis is amnestic.

Why is "Wernicke encephalopathy" not the answer?

Wernicke is thiamine deficiency.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Medical mimics: hypothyroidism in Psychiatry. Hypothyroidism more commonly causes depression and cognitive slowing.

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 Medical mimics: hypothyroidism?

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.