Catatonia: lorazepam challenge: 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 · Catatonia: lorazepam challenge

Sample item

A mute, immobile patient shows posturing and negativism. A 2 mg IV lorazepam test produces marked improvement within minutes. This response

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Supports catatonia and indicates benzodiazepines as the first-line treatment

A dramatic response to a lorazepam challenge supports the diagnosis of catatonia of any cause, since it can complicate mood disorders, schizophrenia and medical illness. Benzodiazepines are first-line, with ECT for non-response or malignant forms. Response does not identify the underlying disorder.

Option by option

  • A. Rules out catatonia

    A positive response supports rather than excludes catatonia.

  • B. Proves schizophrenia as the cause

    Catatonia occurs in several conditions, so response does not prove schizophrenia.

  • C. Contraindicates ECT forever

    ECT remains an effective option if benzodiazepines fail.

  • D. Supports catatonia and indicates benzodiazepines as the first-line treatment (correct)

    Correct. Rapid improvement supports catatonia and guides first-line treatment.

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, Supports catatonia and indicates benzodiazepines as the first-line treatment. A dramatic response to a lorazepam challenge supports the diagnosis of catatonia of any cause, since it can complicate mood disorders, schizophrenia and medical illness.

Why is "Rules out catatonia" not the answer?

A positive response supports rather than excludes catatonia.

Why is "Proves schizophrenia as the cause" not the answer?

Catatonia occurs in several conditions, so response does not prove schizophrenia.

Why is "Contraindicates ECT forever" not the answer?

ECT remains an effective option if benzodiazepines fail.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Catatonia: lorazepam challenge in Psychiatry. Benzodiazepines are first-line, with ECT for non-response or malignant forms. Response does not identify the underlying disorder.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Catatonia: lorazepam challenge?

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.