Organic mental disorders: catastrophic reaction: 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 mental disorders: catastrophic reaction

Sample item

A 72-year-old man with dementia is asked to copy a drawing. Unable to do it, he suddenly becomes tearful, shouts and throws the paper. Soon afterward he is calm. What is this response called?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Catastrophic reaction

A catastrophic reaction, described by Goldstein, is an abrupt emotional outburst when a patient with brain damage faces a task beyond their ability. Reducing demands and giving reassurance prevents it. Sundowning is evening worsening of confusion.

Option by option

  • A. Perseveration

    Perseveration is repeating a response after it is no longer appropriate.

  • B. Sundowning

    Sundowning is worsening confusion and agitation in the evening, not triggered by a task.

  • C. Confabulation

    Confabulation is filling memory gaps with fabricated detail.

  • D. Catastrophic reaction (correct)

    Correct. Sudden distress on failing a task is a catastrophic reaction.

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, Catastrophic reaction. A catastrophic reaction, described by Goldstein, is an abrupt emotional outburst when a patient with brain damage faces a task beyond their ability.

Why is "Perseveration" not the answer?

Perseveration is repeating a response after it is no longer appropriate.

Why is "Sundowning" not the answer?

Sundowning is worsening confusion and agitation in the evening, not triggered by a task.

Why is "Confabulation" not the answer?

Confabulation is filling memory gaps with fabricated detail.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Organic mental disorders: catastrophic reaction in Psychiatry. Reducing demands and giving reassurance prevents it. Sundowning is evening worsening of confusion.

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 Organic mental disorders: catastrophic reaction?

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.