This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: Basics of Psychiatry, Subject name: Psychiatry
Perseveration is: 
Select and explain. 
A. Persistent and inappropriate repetition of the same thoughts, B. Feeling of distress in a patient with schizophrenia, C. Characteristic of schizophrenia, D. Characteristic of obsessive compulsive disorder
A: Persistent and inappropriate repetition of the same thoughts
Answer: A: Persistent and inappropriate repetition of the same thoughts 
Explanation: Perseveration is the repetition of the same response, beyond the point of relevance. It is in response to a question and is not spontaneous. It can be a feature of schizophrenia but isn't characteristic. It can also be seen in organic mental disorders