An 18-year-old woman presents with sudden mutism and unresponsiveness following an acute family conflict. She opens her eyes to sound and resists eye opening passively but does not speak. Neurological examination is otherwise normal. In Indian examination convention, which technique is classically described to uncover and relieve such acute dissociative states?

• A Sleep deprivation therapy
• B Electroconvulsive therapy
• C High-potency antipsychotic loading
• D Abreaction using intravenous lorazepam or methohexitone ✓

Explanation

Abreaction under intravenous sedation, traditionally with lorazepam or methohexitone titrated to drowsiness, allows retrieval and catharsis of traumatic material and is classically described in Indian textbooks and NIMHANS practice for acute conversion and dissociative reactions including stupor and mutism. It must be followed by supportive psychotherapy to prevent relapse. ECT and antipsychotics have no role in uncomplicated dissociative states.

Reference: Shorter Oxford Textbook of Psychiatry, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.