NEET-PG 2012 - Psychiatry Practice Questions

Q: Formication is primarily associated with which condition?

Chronic use of amphetamine. ***Chronic use of amphetamine*** - **Formication** (the sensation of insects crawling under the skin) is a classic symptom of **chronic amphetamine abuse**, often leading to excoriations due to scratching. - This **tactile hallucination** is part of the psychosis that can develop with prolonged high-dose amphetamine use. *Acute amphetamine intoxication* - While acute intoxication can cause psychosis and paranoia, **formication** is more strongly associated with the **chronic effects** and withdrawal of amphetamines. - Acute effects typically include euphoria, increased energy, and hypervigilance, rather than persistent tactile hallucinations. *Alcohol withdrawal* - **Alcohol withdrawal** can cause a range of symptoms including tremors, hallucinations (often visual or auditory), and seizures. - While some tactile disturbances can occur, **formication** is not a primary or characteristic symptom of alcohol withdrawal; **delirium tremens** often features visual or auditory hallucinations. *Cannabis poisoning* - **Cannabis poisoning** (or acute intoxication) typically presents with euphoria, altered perception of time, impaired coordination, and increased appetite. - It does not characteristically cause **formication** or other significant tactile hallucinations.

Q: What is the term for a persistent preoccupation with serious illness despite having no or only mild symptoms?

Illness anxiety disorder. ***Illness anxiety disorder*** - This condition is characterized by a **preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness** despite having few or no somatic symptoms. - Individuals with illness anxiety disorder engage in **excessive health-related behaviors** (e.g., repeated checking) or maladaptive avoidance (e.g., avoiding doctor appointments). *Somatic symptom disorder* - Involves **distressing somatic symptoms** that result in significant disruption of daily life, with excessive thoughts or behaviors related to the symptoms. - The focus is on the **symptoms themselves**, rather than the fear of a specific undiagnosed illness. *Conversion disorder* - Features neurological symptoms (e.g., weakness, paralysis, seizures) that are **incompatible with recognized neurological or medical conditions**. - There is a **lack of voluntary control** over the symptoms, and they are not intentionally feigned. *Body dysmorphic disorder* - Characterized by a **preoccupation with perceived flaws** or defects in physical appearance that are not observable or appear slight to others. - This preoccupation leads to **repetitive behaviors** (e.g., mirror checking) or mental acts (e.g., comparing oneself to others).

Q: Erotomania is seen in:

Delusional disorder. ***Delusional disorder*** - Erotomania (De Clérambault's syndrome) is **classically a subtype of delusional disorder** known as **erotomanic type** in DSM-5. - Characterized by a **non-bizarre delusion** that another person, usually of higher social status, is in love with the individual. - The delusion persists despite clear evidence to the contrary and is the **primary psychiatric diagnosis** for erotomania. - Patients may engage in behaviors like following, attempting contact, or surveillance of the object of their delusion. *Bipolar mania* - While **psychotic features can occur** in severe manic episodes, they typically involve **grandiose delusions** about one's own abilities, power, wealth, or special identity. - Erotomania is **not a characteristic or common psychotic feature** of bipolar mania. - Manic psychosis more commonly presents with mood-congruent grandiose delusions rather than erotomanic delusions. *Obsessive compulsive disorder* - Characterized by **obsessions** (intrusive, unwanted thoughts) and **compulsions** (repetitive behaviors performed to reduce anxiety). - These thoughts are **ego-dystonic** and recognized as excessive or irrational by the patient. - Erotomania is a **fixed delusional belief** without insight, fundamentally different from OCD phenomenology. *Mania without psychotic features* - By definition involves elevated mood, increased energy, and decreased need for sleep **without delusions or hallucinations**. - Erotomania is a **delusional belief**, indicating presence of psychotic features. - This diagnosis would exclude any presentation with erotomanic delusions.

Q: Type of schizophrenia with intellectual disability:

Pfropf schizophrenia. ***Pfropf schizophrenia*** - **Pfropf schizophrenia** is a historical term specifically used to describe a form of schizophrenia that develops in individuals with **pre-existing intellectual disability** (formerly termed mental retardation). - The term "Pfropf" is derived from German, meaning "grafted" or "engrafted," referring to schizophrenia being "grafted onto" pre-existing intellectual disability. - This term distinguishes it from other types of schizophrenia where intellectual disability is not a primary defining characteristic. - While this classification is largely historical (modern DSM-5 has removed schizophrenia subtypes), it remains relevant for older examination questions. *Catatonic schizophrenia* - Characterized primarily by prominent **psychomotor disturbances**, which can include stupor, catalepsy, waxy flexibility, mutism, and negativism. - While intellectual disability might coexist, it is not a defining feature of the catatonic subtype itself. *Paranoid schizophrenia* - Marked by the prominence of **delusions**, typically persecutory or grandiose, and **auditory hallucinations**. - Intellectual disability is not a core diagnostic criterion or a defining characteristic of this subtype. *Hebephrenic schizophrenia* - Also known as **disorganized schizophrenia**, this type is characterized by marked **disorganization of thought processes**, flat or inappropriate affect, and bizarre behavior. - While it often presents early and can lead to significant functional impairment, intellectual disability is not a defining feature; rather, the primary disturbance is in thought and emotion.

Question 1

Formication is primarily associated with which condition?

Accepted Answer

Chronic use of amphetamine

Answer

Acute amphetamine intoxication

Answer

Alcohol withdrawal

Answer

Cannabis poisoning

Question 2

What is the term for a persistent preoccupation with serious illness despite having no or only mild symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Illness anxiety disorder

Answer

Somatic symptom disorder

Answer

Conversion disorder

Answer

Body dysmorphic disorder

Question 3

Erotomania is seen in:

Accepted Answer

Delusional disorder

Answer

Obsessive compulsive disorder

Answer

Bipolar mania

Answer

Mania without psychotic features

Question 4

Type of schizophrenia with intellectual disability:

Accepted Answer

Pfropf schizophrenia

Answer

Catatonic schizophrenia

Answer

Paranoid schizophrenia

Answer

Hebephrenic schizophrenia

NEET-PG 2012 — Psychiatry