This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: None, Subject name: Psychiatry
What psychopathology does the term 'perseveration' describe? 
Select and explain. 
A. Patient feeling very distressed, B. Characteristic feature of schizophrenia, C. Characteristic of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), D. Persistent and inappropriate repetition of the same thoughts
D: Persistent and inappropriate repetition of the same thoughts
Answer: D: Persistent and inappropriate repetition of the same thoughts 
Explanation: Perseveration refers to inappropriate recurrence or continuance of a paicular behavior (in sucession). E.g. talk the same sentence many times and not able to move away from it. It is unintentional and the patient may or may not be aware of this disorder. Perseveration usually indicates an organic pathology like a brain injury, stroke etc. Ref: Linguistic Disorders and Pathologies: An International Handbook By Gerhard Blanken, page 230.; Medical-Legal and Forensic Aspects of Communication Disorders, By Dennis C. Tanner page 80.