Question
Which of the following is more a feature of an organic disorder and not depression
| A. |
Decrease in grooming |
| B. |
Extreme slowness of thought |
| C. |
Fluctuating sensorium |
| D. |
Slow monotonous speech |
Show Answer
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Correct Answer » C Explanation |
 |
Patients presenting with altered behavior, psychomotor slowing, or cognitive impairment may have either a primary psychiatric disorder (such as depression) or an organic mental disorder (such as delirium, metabolic encephalopathy, or other neurological illnesses).
A key distinguishing feature is the level of consciousness (sensorium):
- In depression, the sensorium is usually clear.
- In organic disorders, particularly delirium, there is fluctuation in the level of consciousness and attention, resulting in a fluctuating sensorium.
Explanation of the Correct Answer
Option C. Fluctuating sensorium
- Fluctuating sensorium is the hallmark feature of delirium, an acute organic brain syndrome.
- Patients exhibit:
- Fluctuating level of consciousness.
- Impaired attention.
- Disorientation.
- Altered cognition.
- Symptoms that typically worsen during the evening (“sundowning”).
- Depression does not cause fluctuations in consciousness or sensorium.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect
Option A. Decreased grooming
- Poor personal hygiene and decreased grooming are common features of major depressive disorder due to reduced motivation, psychomotor retardation, and loss of interest.
Option B. Extreme slowness of thought
- Psychomotor retardation with marked slowing of thinking (bradyphrenia) is a characteristic feature of severe depression.
Option D. Slow, monotonous speech
- Slow, monotonous speech reflects psychomotor retardation and is commonly seen in patients with major depressive disorder.