Formal thought disorder: circumstantiality: 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 · Formal thought disorder: circumstantiality

Sample item

Asked what time he reached the clinic, a patient describes his bus route, the weather, the shop he passed and his neighbour's illness before finally answering. This is:

ACircumstantialityBThought blockCPerseverationDDerailment

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Circumstantiality

In circumstantiality the patient includes excessive trivial detail but ultimately reaches the goal. It is seen in anankastic personality, epilepsy and some other conditions.

Option by option

A. Circumstantiality (correct)
Correct. Excessive detail with the final answer reached is circumstantiality.
B. Thought block
Thought block is a sudden stop in speech with an empty mind.
C. Perseveration
Perseveration is persistent repetition of the same response to different questions.
D. Derailment
Derailment loses the goal completely.

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, Circumstantiality. In circumstantiality the patient includes excessive trivial detail but ultimately reaches the goal.

Why is "Thought block" not the answer?

Thought block is a sudden stop in speech with an empty mind.

Why is "Perseveration" not the answer?

Perseveration is persistent repetition of the same response to different questions.

Why is "Derailment" not the answer?

Derailment loses the goal completely.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Formal thought disorder: circumstantiality in Psychiatry. It is seen in anankastic personality, epilepsy and some other conditions.

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 Formal thought disorder: circumstantiality?

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.