Psychodynamics: undoing and isolation: 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 · Psychodynamics: undoing and isolation

Sample item

A man who has aggressive thoughts about his wife recalls the thoughts calmly without any feeling, as if describing someone else. This defence is

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Isolation of affect

Isolation of affect separates an idea from its emotional charge, so the thought is remembered without feeling. It is characteristic of obsessional personalities and OCD. Undoing is a ritual that symbolically cancels an unacceptable act, such as handwashing after an aggressive thought.

Option by option

  • A. Undoing

    Undoing is a symbolic act that reverses an unacceptable impulse.

  • B. Regression

    Regression is a return to an earlier developmental level.

  • C. Isolation of affect (correct)

    Correct. Thought without associated feeling is isolation of affect.

  • D. Splitting

    Splitting divides objects into all good or all bad.

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 C, Isolation of affect. Isolation of affect separates an idea from its emotional charge, so the thought is remembered without feeling.

Why is "Undoing" not the answer?

Undoing is a symbolic act that reverses an unacceptable impulse.

Why is "Regression" not the answer?

Regression is a return to an earlier developmental level.

Why is "Splitting" not the answer?

Splitting divides objects into all good or all bad.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychodynamics: undoing and isolation in Psychiatry. It is characteristic of obsessional personalities and OCD. Undoing is a ritual that symbolically cancels an unacceptable act, such as handwashing after an aggressive thought.

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 Psychodynamics: undoing and isolation?

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.