Psychotic disorders: DSM-5 criterion A: 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: DSM-5 criterion A

Sample item

According to DSM-5, schizophrenia needs two or more characteristic symptoms for a significant part of one month, and at least one must be from a specific group. Which pair satisfies this criterion?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Delusions and negative symptoms

DSM-5 criterion A lists five symptoms: delusions, hallucinations, disorganised speech, grossly disorganised or catatonic behaviour, and negative symptoms. At least two are needed and one of them must be delusions, hallucinations or disorganised speech.

Option by option

  • A. Grossly disorganised behaviour and negative symptoms

    Disorganised behaviour and negative symptoms are both outside the three required symptoms.

  • B. Catatonic behaviour and negative symptoms

    Catatonic behaviour and negative symptoms are both outside the three required symptoms.

  • C. Cognitive impairment and negative symptoms

    Cognitive impairment is not a criterion A symptom in DSM-5.

  • D. Delusions and negative symptoms (correct)

    Correct. Delusions are one of the three required core symptoms, and negative symptoms give the second.

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, Delusions and negative symptoms. DSM-5 criterion A lists five symptoms: delusions, hallucinations, disorganised speech, grossly disorganised or catatonic behaviour, and negative symptoms.

Why is "Grossly disorganised behaviour and negative symptoms" not the answer?

Disorganised behaviour and negative symptoms are both outside the three required symptoms.

Why is "Catatonic behaviour and negative symptoms" not the answer?

Catatonic behaviour and negative symptoms are both outside the three required symptoms.

Why is "Cognitive impairment and negative symptoms" not the answer?

Cognitive impairment is not a criterion A symptom in DSM-5.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychotic disorders: DSM-5 criterion A in Psychiatry. At least two are needed and one of them must be delusions, hallucinations or disorganised speech.

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: DSM-5 criterion A?

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.