Mental state examination: 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 · Mental state examination

Sample item

What term describes a patient's observable emotional expression?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Affect

Affect is the clinician-observed expression of emotion, described by range, reactivity, stability, and congruence with stated mood.

Option by option

  • A. Insight

    Insight is awareness of illness and need for treatment.

  • B. Mood

    Mood is the patient's sustained subjective emotional state.

  • C. Affect (correct)

    Correct: affect is the observed expression of emotion.

  • D. Thought form

    Thought form describes organization and flow of ideas.

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, Affect. Affect is the clinician-observed expression of emotion, described by range, reactivity, stability, and congruence with stated mood.

Why is "Insight" not the answer?

Insight is awareness of illness and need for treatment.

Why is "Mood" not the answer?

Mood is the patient's sustained subjective emotional state.

Why is "Thought form" not the answer?

Thought form describes organization and flow of ideas.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Mental state examination in Psychiatry. The correct option holds because: Correct: affect is the observed expression of emotion.

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 Mental state examination?

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.