Somatoform Disorders is part of the Specific Psychiatric Conditions section of Psychiatry. Practise 11 exam-style MCQs for NEET PG, FMGE, INI-CET and NEET SS, each with the correct answer and a detailed explanation.
Somatoform Disorders MCQs trace conversion disorder from its history as hysteria to its DSM-5 name, functional neurological symptom disorder — with repression and the conversion of anxiety into physical symptoms, high-yield NEET PG psychiatry.
Sample Somatoform Disorders MCQs with answers
Sample MCQ #1
Conversion disorder was earlier, termed as 'Hysteria' by Hippocrates due to the belief that:
AUterus wanders in the body and presses on different organs thus causing symptoms
BEmotionally charged behaviour is seen which seems out of control
CPhysical symptoms were found to have a psychological cause
DPhysical symptoms were attributed to demonic possession
Show Answer & Explanation ▾
✓ Correct Answer: A. Uterus wanders in the body and presses on different organs thus causing symptoms
In 1900 BC, Hippocrates coined the term hysteria to describe an illness in which the uterus (hystera) dries up and wanders the body in search of moisture Symptoms would then be caused by the uterus pressing on different organs Reference: Kaplan and Sadock’s Synopsis of Psychiatry, Eleventh edition, Chapter 13.4, Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (Conversion Disorder), Page 473
Sample MCQ #2
Terminology for which of the disorders has been modified in DSM-V?
AFactitious disorder
BConversion disorder
CChronic Fatigue Syndrome
DAll of the above
Show Answer & Explanation ▾
✓ Correct Answer: B. Conversion disorder
Term for Conversion disorder was modified to Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FNSD ) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) The term ' Factitious Disorder' has not been modified in DSM-V (Option A) Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is not an entity included in DSM-V (Option C) Reference: Kaplan and Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, Eleventh edition, Chapter 13.5, Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (Conversion Disorder), Page 473
Sample MCQ #3
Abnormal prion protein (PrPSc) is seen in all of the following conditions except:
ACreutzfeldt Jacob disease
BKuru
CHaemorrhagic fever
DFatal familial insomnia
Show Answer & Explanation ▾
✓ Correct Answer: C. Haemorrhagic fever
Prion diseases: Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease Kuru Gerstman-Straussler-Scheinker syndrome Fatal familial insomnia Prions are infective agents composed of protein. Prion are made of proteins called PrP. PrP exists in a normal form (PrPc) and an abnormal form (PrPSc). PrPSc is resistant to protease and therefore cannot be broken down in the body. PrPSc can change adjacent PrPc into PrPSc (this is how the 'infection' spreads). Reference: Kaplan and Sadock’s Comprehensive textbook of Psychiatry, 10 th edition, Chapter 2.10 Neuropsychiatric Aspects of Prion disease, Page number 1599.
Sample MCQ #4
What outcome may result from a failure to resolve the conflict between initiative and guilt in children?
ADevelopment of a strong sense of justice
BConversion disorder, inhibition, or phobia
CEnhanced curiosity and exploration
DEstablishment of healthy relationships
Show Answer & Explanation ▾
✓ Correct Answer: B. Conversion disorder, inhibition, or phobia
Explanation: Erikson notes that unresolved conflict between initiative and guilt can lead to psychological issues such as conversion disorders or phobias . This is because the internalized guilt can stifle the child's initiative and lead to anxiety. Explanation for the other options: Development of a strong sense of justice: A healthy resolution leads to a sense of justice, but failure results in negative outcomes. Enhanced curiosity and exploration: These traits would likely diminish due to the guilt and anxiety that result from unresolved conflicts. Establishment of healthy relationships: Poor resolution of guilt typically leads to challenges in forming healthy relationships. Key Takeaways: Unresolved conflict between initiative and guilt can lead to psychological issues such as conversion disorders or phobias .
Sample MCQ #5
Which of the following is false about Conversion disorder?
ASymptoms result due to repression of unconscious intrapsychic conflict and conversion of anxiety into a physical symptom
BConversion and repression are common defence mechanisms used
CResults due to fixation in second stage (anal phase) of psychosexual development
DResults due to non-resolution of Oedipal/ Electra complex
Show Answer & Explanation ▾
✓ Correct Answer: C. Results due to fixation in second stage (anal phase) of psychosexual development
THEORIES OF CONVERSION DISORDER: Caused by repression of unconscious intrapsychic conflict and conversion of anxiety into a physical symptom Conversion, repression and regression are common defence mechanisms used Fixation in third stage (phallic stage) of psychosexual development and non-resolution of Oedipal or Electra complex Childhood physical/ sexual abuse Learning theory states that conversion symptom can be seen as piece of classically conditioned learned behavior Reference: Kaplan and Sadock’s Synopsis of Psychiatry, Eleventh edition, Chapter 13.4, Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (Conversion Disorder), Page 474
What you can practise in Somatoform Disorders
11 Somatoform Disorders MCQs on Specific Psychiatric Conditions — each with detailed explanations
Previous-year question practice across NEET PG, FMGE, INI-CET and NEET SS
Progress and performance tracking to measure retention
Somatoform Disorders MCQs trace conversion disorder from its history as hysteria to its DSM-5 name, functional neurological symptom disorder — with repression and the conversion of anxiety into physical symptoms, high-yield NEET PG psychiatry.
How many Somatoform Disorders questions are there, and which exams do they cover?
MedLadder includes 11 curated MCQs for Somatoform Disorders under Psychiatry (Specific Psychiatric Conditions), covering NEET PG, FMGE, INI-CET and NEET SS preparation.
