Psychotic disorders: first-episode antipsychotic duration: 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 · Psychotic disorders: first-episode antipsychotic duration

Sample item

After a first episode of schizophrenia with good remission, antipsychotic treatment is usually continued for at least

AOne monthBUntil the patient feels betterCOne weekDOne to two years

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. One to two years

Antipsychotics should be continued for at least one to two years after the first episode, and indefinite maintenance is advised after multiple relapses. Stopping earlier carries a high relapse risk. Long-acting injectables help when adherence is poor.

Option by option

A. One month
One month is too short to prevent relapse.
B. Until the patient feels better
Stopping when better is the commonest cause of relapse.
C. One week
One week is far too short for maintenance.
D. One to two years (correct)
Correct. At least one to two years after a first episode is the standard advice.

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.

Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is D, One to two years. Antipsychotics should be continued for at least one to two years after the first episode, and indefinite maintenance is advised after multiple relapses.

Why is "One month" not the answer?

One month is too short to prevent relapse.

Why is "Until the patient feels better" not the answer?

Stopping when better is the commonest cause of relapse.

Why is "One week" not the answer?

One week is far too short for maintenance.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychotic disorders: first-episode antipsychotic duration in Psychiatry. Stopping earlier carries a high relapse risk. Long-acting injectables help when adherence is poor.

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 Psychotic disorders: first-episode antipsychotic duration?

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.