Anxiety and related disorders: structural changes in PTSD: 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 · Anxiety and related disorders: structural changes in PTSD

Sample item

Which finding is most consistently reported in the brains of patients with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Reduced hippocampal volume with an overactive amygdala

In PTSD, imaging shows reduced hippocampal volume and heightened amygdala reactivity, with reduced medial prefrontal control. These changes are linked with impaired contextual memory and exaggerated fear responses.

Option by option

  • A. Atrophy of the occipital cortex

    Occipital atrophy is not characteristic of PTSD.

  • B. Reduced hippocampal volume with an overactive amygdala (correct)

    Correct. Smaller hippocampus and hyperreactive amygdala are the classic PTSD findings.

  • C. Reduced caudate volume with enlarged cerebellum

    Caudate and cerebellar changes are not the typical PTSD findings.

  • D. Enlarged hippocampus with an underactive amygdala

    This reverses the pattern, which is a smaller hippocampus and overactive amygdala.

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 B, Reduced hippocampal volume with an overactive amygdala. In PTSD, imaging shows reduced hippocampal volume and heightened amygdala reactivity, with reduced medial prefrontal control.

Why is "Atrophy of the occipital cortex" not the answer?

Occipital atrophy is not characteristic of PTSD.

Why is "Reduced caudate volume with enlarged cerebellum" not the answer?

Caudate and cerebellar changes are not the typical PTSD findings.

Why is "Enlarged hippocampus with an underactive amygdala" not the answer?

This reverses the pattern, which is a smaller hippocampus and overactive amygdala.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Anxiety and related disorders: structural changes in PTSD in Psychiatry. These changes are linked with impaired contextual memory and exaggerated fear responses.

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 Anxiety and related disorders: structural changes in PTSD?

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.