Organic psychiatry: 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

Sample item

Which feature favours delirium rather than dementia?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Acute onset with a fluctuating level of consciousness

Delirium is an acute confusional state with impaired attention, fluctuating consciousness and often hallucinations, usually caused by infection, drugs or metabolic disturbance. It is potentially reversible when the cause is treated. Dementia develops gradually with preserved consciousness until late.

Option by option

  • A. Gradual onset over years

    A gradual course over years describes dementia.

  • B. Acute onset with a fluctuating level of consciousness (correct)

    Correct. Acute onset and fluctuation separate delirium from dementia.

  • C. Irreversible memory loss

    Irreversible loss describes dementia; delirium is often reversible.

  • D. Preserved consciousness throughout

    Preserved consciousness is typical of dementia.

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, Acute onset with a fluctuating level of consciousness. Delirium is an acute confusional state with impaired attention, fluctuating consciousness and often hallucinations, usually caused by infection, drugs or metabolic disturbance.

Why is "Gradual onset over years" not the answer?

A gradual course over years describes dementia.

Why is "Irreversible memory loss" not the answer?

Irreversible loss describes dementia; delirium is often reversible.

Why is "Preserved consciousness throughout" not the answer?

Preserved consciousness is typical of dementia.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Organic psychiatry in Psychiatry. It is potentially reversible when the cause is treated. Dementia develops gradually with preserved consciousness until late.

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 psychiatry?

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.