Meera, a patient with schizophrenia, keeps her arms twisted above her head in an odd, awkward position for long periods of time. Identify the symptom she shows and the group of symptoms it belongs to.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Catatonic posturing; a psychomotor symptom
Option (1) Catatonic posturing; a psychomotor symptom — Correct. Catatonic posturing is assuming awkward, bizarre positions for long periods of time. It is an extreme form of the psychomotor symptoms, so both parts fit Meera.
Option (2) Catatonic posturing; a positive symptom — Incorrect. The symptom is right but the group is wrong. Positive symptoms are pathological excesses such as delusions and hallucinations, while catatonia belongs to the psychomotor symptoms.
Option (3) Catatonic rigidity; a psychomotor symptom — Incorrect. The group is right but the symptom is wrong. Catatonic rigidity is keeping a rigid, upright posture for hours, while Meera holds a twisted, awkward position.
Option (4) Catatonic rigidity; a positive symptom — Incorrect. Both parts are wrong. Rigidity means a rigid, upright posture, and catatonia is a psychomotor symptom.
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