Trauma: psychological debriefing: 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 · Trauma: psychological debriefing

Sample item

After a bus accident, survivors are offered single-session compulsory psychological debriefing to prevent PTSD. What does the evidence show?

AIt does not reduce PTSD and may be harmful, so it is not recommendedBIt is the preferred intervention for all survivorsCIt reduces PTSD by halfDIt replaces the need for trauma-focused CBT

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. It does not reduce PTSD and may be harmful, so it is not recommended

Systematic reviews show that single-session debriefing does not prevent PTSD and may increase symptoms in some. Psychological first aid, practical support and monitoring are recommended, with trauma-focused CBT for those who develop persistent symptoms. Debriefing is therefore not routinely advised.

Option by option

A. It does not reduce PTSD and may be harmful, so it is not recommended (correct)
Correct. Debriefing is not effective and may harm.
B. It is the preferred intervention for all survivors
It is not recommended for all survivors.
C. It reduces PTSD by half
No reduction of PTSD by half has been shown.
D. It replaces the need for trauma-focused CBT
Trauma-focused CBT remains the treatment for established PTSD.

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 A, It does not reduce PTSD and may be harmful, so it is not recommended. Systematic reviews show that single-session debriefing does not prevent PTSD and may increase symptoms in some.

Why is "It is the preferred intervention for all survivors" not the answer?

It is not recommended for all survivors.

Why is "It reduces PTSD by half" not the answer?

No reduction of PTSD by half has been shown.

Why is "It replaces the need for trauma-focused CBT" not the answer?

Trauma-focused CBT remains the treatment for established PTSD.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Trauma: psychological debriefing in Psychiatry. Psychological first aid, practical support and monitoring are recommended, with trauma-focused CBT for those who develop persistent symptoms. Debriefing is therefore not routinely advised.

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 Trauma: psychological debriefing?

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.