Which of the following statements with regard to fi rst-rank symptoms is incorrect?
A. Kurt Schneider proposed an empirical cluster of symptoms, one or more of which, in the absence of evidence of organic processes, can be used as positive evidence for schizophrenia. These symptoms are not comprehensive features of schizophrenia; they are clearly identifiable, frequently occurring, and occur more often in schizophrenia than any other disorder. First-rank symptoms emphasize form rather than content, for example the fact that one’s thoughts are heard as echo of voices is more important than the actual content of the voices; this increases cross-cultural reliability, although variations exist. First-rank symptoms have some diagnostic but no prognostic importance in schizophrenia.
Reference:
A patient suffers from an osteoarthritic knee pain, but he believes it is caused by ‘the leader of a cybernetic extermination gang’ in an attempt to robotize him.
Which of the following symptoms is he exhibiting?
B. Somatic passivity refers to experience of sensations in one’s body believed to be caused by some external agency. It can follow a normal sensation, such an osteoarthritic knee pain, ascribed to be caused by an external agency, as in this case.
Various dimensions of delusional experience include all EXCEPT:
E. Kendler (1983) has listed the dimensions of delusional experiences (also incorporated in the Maudsley Assessment of Delusions Scale) – conviction, extension (to various spheres of life), disorganization (or organization–internal consistency and systematization), bizarreness (especially in schizophrenia), and pressure (includes preoccupation and distress). Acting on delusion, seeking evidence, and lack of insight can be added as other qualities. These various dimensions exist in a continuum with normal beliefs.
References:
Which of the following is NOT a primary delusion?
E. Primary delusions are defined in two different ways:
Often both of these are true – primary delusions are not only irreducible but also precede other mental phenomena. The four types of primary delusions are:
A 44-year-old man is taken into police custody for harassing his wife. He is convinced that she is having an affair but in fact, she isn’t.
Which of the following disorders cannot explain the above presentation?
B. Morbid jealousy can occur in various forms – delusion, overvalued idea, in depression, and in anxiety states; it is not a misidentification syndrome. It was first described by Ey. It is common in alcoholics. It has a potential for violence, especially against the perceived rival for one’s partner, and can occur among cohabitants and homosexual couples too.
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