NEET-PG 2013 Practice Questions

Q: In which socioeconomic strata is schizophrenia most commonly observed?

Low. ***Low*** - Epidemiological studies consistently show a **higher prevalence of schizophrenia** in individuals from **lower socioeconomic strata**. - This association is explained by the "**social drift**" hypothesis, where individuals with schizophrenia experience a decline in social class due to the chronic and disabling nature of the illness, or the "**social causation**" hypothesis, which posits that adverse social conditions contribute to the development of the disorder. *Middle* - While individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds can develop schizophrenia, it is **less common** compared to the lowest strata. - The middle socioeconomic group generally experiences **better access to resources** and support systems, which may mitigate some risk factors. *Upper* - Schizophrenia is **least common** in the upper socioeconomic strata. - Individuals in this group typically have **greater financial stability**, better living conditions, and access to high-quality healthcare, which might protect against environmental stressors. *Upper middle* - Similar to the middle and upper strata, the upper-middle class experiences a **lower prevalence of schizophrenia** compared to the low socioeconomic group. - This group often benefits from **good educational opportunities** and stable employment, reducing some of the psychosocial stressors associated with the disorder.

Q: Which of the following is considered a poor prognostic factor for schizophrenia?

Early onset. ***Early onset*** - An **earlier age of onset** (e.g., childhood or early adolescence) for schizophrenia is consistently associated with a **worse long-term prognosis**, including more severe symptoms, greater functional impairment, and a lower likelihood of full recovery. - This is thought to be due to the greater developmental disruption caused by the illness when it begins at a younger age. *Presence of depression* - While depression is common in schizophrenia, it is generally considered to be a **treatable co-occurring condition** rather than a primary poor prognostic factor for the core psychotic disorder itself. - Effective treatment for depression can actually **improve overall quality of life** and adherence to antipsychotic medication. *Presence of stressor* - The presence of a significant psychosocial stressor at the onset of schizophrenia is often associated with a **better prognosis**, as it suggests a more reactive and potentially remitting course. - This indicates that the illness might be more environmentally triggered and less intrinsically severe. *Female sex* - **Female sex** is typically associated with a **somewhat better prognosis** in schizophrenia, with a later age of onset and potentially less severe symptoms compared to males. - This may be influenced by hormonal factors and differences in social support networks.

Q: Which of the following is considered a poor prognostic factor for schizophrenia?

Poor premorbid adjustment. **Poor premorbid adjustment** - **Poor premorbid adjustment**, indicated by difficulties in social, academic, or occupational functioning before the onset of psychosis, is a consistent predictor of a worse outcome in schizophrenia. - This suggests a more pervasive and entrenched neurodevelopmental vulnerability impacting the individual's ability to cope and integrate socially. *Blunted affect (negative symptom)* - While **blunted affect** is a negative symptom often associated with poorer outcomes than positive symptoms, it is typically considered a *symptom* of the illness rather than a primary prognostic *factor* like premorbid adjustment. - Its presence contributes to disability, but it is not as strong an independent prognostic indicator as the life trajectory prior to illness onset. *Male sex (generally poorer prognosis)* - **Male sex** is generally associated with an **earlier age of onset** and often a **more severe course** of schizophrenia. - However, compared to significant functional impairment before disease onset, it is not as strong an individual predictor of overall long-term prognosis. *Presence of depression (often associated with better outcomes)* - The **presence of depressive symptoms** in schizophrenia is often associated with a **better prognosis**. - This is because depressive features can sometimes indicate a more preserved capacity for emotional experience and insight, which can align with higher functioning.

Q: Which of the following is not considered a core diagnostic criterion for schizophrenia according to DSM-5?

Social withdrawal. ***Social withdrawal*** - While **social withdrawal** is a common clinical feature and often reflects negative symptoms in schizophrenia, it is **not specifically listed** as one of the **five core diagnostic criteria (Criterion A)** in DSM-5. - The five core symptom domains are: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, and negative symptoms (diminished emotional expression or avolition). - Social withdrawal may be a manifestation of negative symptoms or part of **social/occupational dysfunction (Criterion B)**, but it is not itself a distinct core diagnostic criterion. *Catatonia* - **Catatonic behavior** (such as stupor, catalepsy, waxy flexibility, posturing, or mutism) is explicitly included as part of the **fourth core diagnostic criterion**: "Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior." - This makes it one of the five primary symptom domains in **Criterion A** of DSM-5. - Note: "Catatonia" as a **specifier** (requiring 3+ out of 12 symptoms) is different from catatonic behavior as a core symptom. *Hallucinations* - **Hallucinations** (most commonly auditory, but can be visual, tactile, olfactory, or gustatory) are the **second core diagnostic criterion** in DSM-5. - At least **two of the five core symptoms** must be present, and hallucinations fulfill this requirement as a key **positive symptom**. *Disorganized speech* - **Disorganized speech** (formal thought disorder) is the **third core diagnostic criterion** for schizophrenia. - Characterized by **derailment, tangentiality, incoherence, or loose associations**, it reflects significant disruption in organized thinking and communication.

Q: Which of the following is NOT considered one of Bleuler's fundamental symptoms of schizophrenia?

Delusions. ***Delusions*** - **Delusions** are considered a **first-rank symptom** of schizophrenia according to Schneider, but not one of Bleuler's fundamental "4 A's". - Bleuler classified delusions as **accessory symptoms**, which are variable and not always present, unlike fundamental symptoms. *Loosening of associations* - This is one of Bleuler's **"4 A's"**, representing a disturbance in the logical flow of thought, leading to incoherent speech and fractured thinking. - Bleuler saw this as a core cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia. *Affect disturbances* - This refers to **inappropriate affect** (e.g., laughing at a funeral) or **blunted/flattened affect**, which is another of Bleuler's "4 A's." - It signifies a disruption in the normal experience and expression of emotions. *Autism* - Bleuler's term **"autism"** (or autismus) refers to a pathological self-preoccupation, withdrawal from social interaction, and an immersion in one's own internal world. - This is also one of Bleuler's **"4 A's"**, highlighting a foundational disturbance in social engagement.

Q: Which of the following is NOT a feature of neurosis?

Personality disturbances. ***Personality disturbances*** - While neurosis can cause significant distress and impact functioning, it does not typically involve **fundamental alterations in personality structure or identity**. - **Personality disorders**, not neuroses, are characterized by deeply ingrained, inflexible, and maladaptive patterns of perceiving, thinking, and behaving that deviate markedly from cultural expectations. *Symptoms cause subjective distress* - A core characteristic of neurosis is that the individual experiences significant **emotional suffering** and discomfort due to their symptoms, such as anxiety, phobias, or obsessions. - This **subjective distress** is often a primary motivator for seeking treatment. *Contact with reality preserved* - Individuals with neurosis maintain their ability to **distinguish between internal experiences and external reality**, unlike in psychosis where this distinction is lost. - They may understand that their fears or anxieties are irrational, but they are unable to control them. *Insight is maintained* - People with neurosis generally have some level of **awareness** that they have a problem or that their symptoms are unreasonable or excessive. - This **insight** allows them to recognize the need for help and engage in therapeutic processes.

Q: Which of the following is not a feature of psychosis?

Preserved contact with reality. ***Preserved contact with reality*** - Psychosis is fundamentally characterized by a **loss of contact with reality**, making this option a defining non-feature of the condition. - Individuals experiencing psychosis often have profound difficulties distinguishing between what is real and what is not. *Loss of insight* - **Lack of insight** into one's own mental illness is a hallmark feature of psychosis, meaning the affected individual may not recognize their thoughts or perceptions as abnormal. - This symptom contributes to the difficulty in engaging individuals with psychosis in treatment. *Presence of delusions* - **Delusions** are fixed, false beliefs that are resistant to reason or evidence, and they are a core positive symptom of psychosis. - These beliefs are often bizarre and can significantly impair an individual's functioning and perception of reality. *Personality disturbances* - While not a primary diagnostic criterion, **personality disturbances** can be associated with psychotic disorders. - Changes in personality, mood, and behavior may occur as a result of the psychotic experience or the underlying illness.

Q: Which of the following conditions does not typically involve delusions?

OCD. ***OCD*** - **Obsessive-compulsive disorder** is characterized by recurrent, intrusive **thoughts (obsessions)** and repetitive **behaviors (compulsions)**, which the individual typically recognizes as irrational. - While patients with severe OCD may have **poor insight**, they generally do not experience **delusions**, which are fixed, false beliefs held despite evidence to the contrary. *Delirium* - **Delirium** is an acute, fluctuating disturbance of consciousness resulting from medical conditions or substance intoxication/withdrawal, often accompanied by **psychotic symptoms** including **delusions** and **hallucinations**. - The rapid onset and global cognitive impairment make **delusions** a common feature. *Schizophrenia* - **Schizophrenia** is a severe mental disorder characterized by **psychotic symptoms**, with **delusions** being one of the hallmark positive symptoms. - These **delusions** often include **persecutory**, **grandiose**, or **somatic themes**, among others. *Alcohol withdrawal* - Severe **alcohol withdrawal** can lead to **delirium tremens (DTs)**, which is associated with **psychotic symptoms** such as **delusions** and vivid **hallucinations** (often visual or tactile). - These **delusions** are often **persecutory** or referential in nature and contribute to the patient's fear and agitation.

Q: Which of the following is NOT a symptom of nicotine withdrawal?

Increased heart rate. ***Increased heart rate*** - **Increased heart rate** is NOT a symptom of nicotine withdrawal; rather, it is associated with **active nicotine use** due to nicotine's stimulant effects on the sympathetic nervous system. - During **nicotine withdrawal**, the heart rate typically **decreases or normalizes** as the body adjusts to the absence of nicotine's cardiovascular stimulation. - Nicotine acts as a sympathomimetic agent, causing tachycardia during use, but withdrawal does not produce increased heart rate. *Anxiety* - **Anxiety** is one of the most common and prominent symptoms of **nicotine withdrawal**. - As nicotine affects neurotransmitter systems (particularly dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin), cessation leads to neurochemical imbalances manifesting as anxiety, irritability, and restlessness. - This symptom typically peaks within the first week of cessation. *Hyperhidrosis* - **Hyperhidrosis** (excessive sweating) is actually a recognized symptom of **nicotine withdrawal**. - Increased sweating can occur as part of the autonomic nervous system dysregulation during the withdrawal period. - This is included among the physical withdrawal symptoms in standard diagnostic criteria. *Weight gain* - **Weight gain** is a well-documented and common consequence of **nicotine withdrawal**. - This occurs due to increased appetite, decreased metabolic rate (as nicotine's metabolic-enhancing effects cease), and behavioral substitution of smoking with eating. - Average weight gain is approximately 4-5 kg in the months following cessation.

Q: Which of the following is true regarding the treatment of cocaine withdrawal symptoms?

No specific drug. ***No specific drug*** - Currently, there is **no FDA-approved pharmacotherapy** for the treatment of cocaine withdrawal symptoms or for preventing relapse in cocaine dependence. - Management primarily focuses on **supportive care**, **psychotherapy** (cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management), and addressing **co-occurring mental health disorders**. - Unlike alcohol or opioid withdrawal, cocaine withdrawal is not life-threatening and does not require specific medication. *Fluoxetine* - Fluoxetine is a **selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)** primarily used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. - While depression can be a symptom of cocaine withdrawal, fluoxetine has **not been shown to be effective** for reducing cocaine use or treating cocaine withdrawal specifically. - Multiple clinical trials have failed to demonstrate benefit for cocaine dependence treatment. *Antidepressants* - While various antidepressants (including desipramine, bupropion) have been investigated, there is **no strong evidence** to support their routine use as primary treatment for cocaine withdrawal or dependence. - Their effectiveness in this context is **limited and inconsistent** across studies. - They may be used to treat **co-occurring depressive disorders** but not as primary cocaine withdrawal treatment. *Benzodiazepines* - Benzodiazepines are primarily used to manage **acute anxiety and seizures** during withdrawal from GABAergic substances like **alcohol and sedatives**. - They are generally **not recommended** for cocaine withdrawal as cocaine withdrawal does not cause seizures or dangerous autonomic instability. - May be used only for **severe agitation** or **co-occurring alcohol withdrawal**, but carry their own dependence potential and do not address cocaine withdrawal itself.

Question 1

In which socioeconomic strata is schizophrenia most commonly observed?

Accepted Answer

Low

Answer

Middle

Answer

Upper

Answer

Upper middle

Question 2

Which of the following is considered a poor prognostic factor for schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Early onset

Answer

Presence of depression

Answer

Presence of stressor

Answer

Female sex

Question 3

Which of the following is considered a poor prognostic factor for schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Poor premorbid adjustment

Answer

Male sex

Answer

Presence of depression

Answer

Blunted affect

Question 4

Which of the following is not considered a core diagnostic criterion for schizophrenia according to DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Social withdrawal

Answer

Catatonia

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Disorganized speech

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT considered one of Bleuler's fundamental symptoms of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Delusions

Answer

Loosening of associations

Answer

Affect disturbances

Answer

Autism

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a feature of neurosis?

Accepted Answer

Personality disturbances

Answer

Symptoms cause subjective distress

Answer

Contact with reality preserved

Answer

Insight is maintained

Question 7

Which of the following is not a feature of psychosis?

Accepted Answer

Preserved contact with reality

Answer

Loss of insight

Answer

Personality disturbances

Answer

Presence of delusions

Question 8

Which of the following conditions does not typically involve delusions?

Accepted Answer

OCD

Answer

Delirium

Answer

Alcohol withdrawal

Answer

Schizophrenia

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of nicotine withdrawal?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate

Answer

Anxiety

Answer

Hyperhidrosis

Answer

Weight gain

Question 10

Which of the following is true regarding the treatment of cocaine withdrawal symptoms?

Accepted Answer

No specific drug

Answer

Fluoxetine

Answer

Antidepressants

Answer

Benzodiazepines

NEET-PG 2013

Psychiatry