Forensic Psychiatry is part of the Forensic Psychiatry section of Psychiatry. Practise 6 exam-style MCQs for NEET PG, FMGE, INI-CET and NEET SS, each with the correct answer and a detailed explanation.
Forensic Psychiatry MCQs sit at the psychiatry-law boundary — testamentary capacity, mandatory reporting of child abuse, seclusion and restraint rules, and the Mental Healthcare Act 2017's decriminalisation of suicide attempts — high-yield NEET PG revision.
Sample Forensic Psychiatry MCQs with answers
Sample MCQ #1
A 12-year-old girl complains of feeling depressed frequently and having nightmares since last 4 months. On delving deeper, she revealed to the psychiatrist that she has been having these symptoms after one of her uncles molested her in an isolated place. She has not talked about this event to anyone (including her parents) due to shame and requests the psychiatrist too not to reveal it to anyone. What should be the role of psychiatrist in this case?
AConfidentiality in this case can't be breached as the patient has denied revealing
BConfidentiality should be breached as this is a matter of child sexual abuse
CConfidentiality can be breached only after taking consent of the patient in this case
DConfidentiality should only be breached if the matter involves legal court
Show Answer & Explanation ▾
✓ Correct Answer: B. Confidentiality should be breached as this is a matter of child sexual abuse
If a child has been the victim of physical or sexual abuse, then psychiatrists are required to make an immediate report to an appropriate agency . ( Option B is CORRECT ) In this situation, confidentiality is decisively limited by legal statute on the grounds that potential or actual harm to vulnerable children outweighs the value of confidentiality in a psychiatric setting. Reference : Kaplan and Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 11th edition, Chapter 36.1 Forensic Psychiatry, Page number 1383.
Sample MCQ #2
An expert psychiatrist has been called upon to assess testamentary capacity for a 65-year-old male contemplating on making a written will of his properties. Which of the following symptoms if present in this testator can suggest of testamentary incapacity?
ASeverely depressed mood
BParanoid delusions regarding his family members
CDelusion of poverty
DAll of the above
Show Answer & Explanation ▾
✓ Correct Answer: D. All of the above
Symptoms of testamentary incapacity Difficulties in attention and information processing Language difficulties Memory difficulties Impairment of higher executive functions Persecutory delusions ( Option B ) Delusions of poverty( Option C ) Reference : https://www.lawyersclubindia.com/experts/files/61400_184055_article_on_wills.pdf
Sample MCQ #3
Which statements are correct with respect to Mental Healthcare Act 2017 ? 1. Suicidal act has been decriminalised 2. Advanced directive and Nominated representative are concepts newly introduced 3. ECT has been approved for use in minors 4. No restrictions on performing Psychosurgery 5. Chaining in any manner or form is prohibited 6. ECT can be used as a form of emergency treatment
AStatements 1, 4, 6 are correct
BStatements 2, 4, 5 are correct
CStatements 1, 2, 5 are correct
DStatements 2, 3, 4 are correct
Show Answer & Explanation ▾
✓ Correct Answer: C. Statements 1, 2, 5 are correct
According to Mental healthcare Act 2017, Section 309 suicide attempt is decriminalised , considering the fact that those attempting suicide undergo lot of stress ( Statement 1 is Correct ) Advanced directive which allows a person to modify one’s treatment options and Nominated representative can be appointed. ( Statement 2 is Correct ) Use of ECT in minors is restricted; if needed, permission from Mental Health Review Board is essential. Also, ECT cannot be used as emergency treatment. (Statement 3 & 6 are Wrong) Similarly, performing psychosurgeries like lobotomies or cingulotomy is restricted without permission from Mental Health Review Board. (Statement 4 is Wrong) Chaining (physical restraint) is prohibited procedure under this act. (Statement 5 is Correct) Reference : https://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/Mental%20Health/Mental%20Healthcare%20Act,%202017.pdf
Sample MCQ #4
All of the following are indications for seclusion/restraint of a psychiatric patient except:
ATo decrease sensory overstimulation
BFor punishment or convenience of staff
CTo prevent clear imminent harm to patient and others
DAs a part of behaviour therapy
Show Answer & Explanation ▾
✓ Correct Answer: B. For punishment or convenience of staff
Indications for seclusion and restraint: Prevent clear, imminent harm to the patient or others ( Option C ) Prevent significant disruption to treatment program or physical surroundings Assist in treatment as part of ongoing behaviour therapy ( Option D ) Decrease sensory overstimulation ( Option A ) Patient's voluntary reasonable request Contraindications for seclusion and restraint: Extremely unstable medical and psychiatric conditions Delirious or demented patients who are unable to tolerate decreased stimulation Overtly suicidal patients Patients with severe drug reactions or overdoses or who require close monitoring of drug dosages For punishment or convenience of staff ( Option B ) Reference : Kaplan and Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 11th edition, Chapter 36.1 Forensic Psychiatry, Page number 1387.
Sample MCQ #5
A patient diagnosed with Bipolar-I disorder; current episode Manic, severe has been admitted. After admission, he exhibits extremely violent behaviour, in form of destruction of hospital properties and trying to hit the medical staff as well as his relatives. Which of the following statement is false regarding his management (keeping in mind Mental Healthcare Act 2017)?
AThe patient can be secluded in a separate facility under proper observation and monitoring
BThe patient can be physically restrained using ropes and chains as he is at risk of harm to others
CThe patient can be chemically restrained using neuroleptics
DAll of the above
Show Answer & Explanation ▾
✓ Correct Answer: B. The patient can be physically restrained using ropes and chains as he is at risk of harm to others
Chaining in any form or manner is a prohibited using Mental Health Care Act 2017. Reference : https://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/Mental%20Health/Mental%20Healthcare%20Act,%202017.pdf
Sample MCQ #6
What is the legal status of statements made during a narcoanalysis test in India?
AStatements are fully admissible in court
BStatements are admissible only if recorded under supervision
CStatements have no legal validity
DStatements can be used to convict the accused
Show Answer & Explanation ▾
✓ Correct Answer: C. Statements have no legal validity
Explanation: Narcoanalysis is primarily a deception detection technique, also known as the "truth serum" test. Initially used in military settings, it is now employed in forensic investigations. Uses barbiturates (e.g., Sodium Pentothal) to induce a semi-conscious state, lowering inhibitions and making it harder to lie. The Supreme Court of India (Selvi vs. The state of Karnataka, 2010) held that involuntary administration of Narcoanalysis Polygraph test Brain-mapping as unconstitutional and inadmissible as evidence in the court of law. Reference: Selvi vs. State of Karnataka
What you can practise in Forensic Psychiatry
6 Forensic Psychiatry MCQs on Psychiatry — each with detailed explanations
Previous-year question practice across NEET PG, FMGE, INI-CET and NEET SS
Progress and performance tracking to measure retention
Forensic Psychiatry MCQs sit at the psychiatry-law boundary — testamentary capacity, mandatory reporting of child abuse, seclusion and restraint rules, and the Mental Healthcare Act 2017's decriminalisation of suicide attempts — high-yield NEET PG revision.
How many Forensic Psychiatry questions are there, and which exams do they cover?
MedLadder includes 6 curated MCQs for Forensic Psychiatry under Psychiatry (Forensic Psychiatry), covering NEET PG, FMGE, INI-CET and NEET SS preparation.
