Psychopathology: 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 · Psychopathology

Sample item

A man with elevated mood speaks rapidly and jumps from topic to topic. Each shift is triggered by rhymes or by objects in the room, and the links remain understandable. What is this thought disorder?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Flight of ideas

Flight of ideas is a rapid stream of thought in which connections between topics, such as puns, rhymes or distractions, can still be followed. It is typical of mania. In loosening of associations there is no logical link between successive ideas.

Option by option

  • A. Loosening of associations

    Loosening of associations has no comprehensible link between ideas and is typical of schizophrenia.

  • B. Flight of ideas (correct)

    Correct. Rapid speech with understandable links is flight of ideas.

  • C. Thought blocking

    Thought blocking is a sudden interruption of the flow of thought in mid-sentence.

  • D. Circumstantiality

    Circumstantiality is excessive detail, but the speaker eventually reaches the point.

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.

More Psychiatry questions

Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is B, Flight of ideas. Flight of ideas is a rapid stream of thought in which connections between topics, such as puns, rhymes or distractions, can still be followed.

Why is "Loosening of associations" not the answer?

Loosening of associations has no comprehensible link between ideas and is typical of schizophrenia.

Why is "Thought blocking" not the answer?

Thought blocking is a sudden interruption of the flow of thought in mid-sentence.

Why is "Circumstantiality" not the answer?

Circumstantiality is excessive detail, but the speaker eventually reaches the point.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychopathology in Psychiatry. It is typical of mania. In loosening of associations there is no logical link between successive ideas.

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 Psychopathology?

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.