Echopraxia is best defined as?

Echopraxia is accurately defined as the involuntary repetition or imitation of the movements of others. This phenomenon is often observed in certain neuropsychiatric conditions, such as autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. Individuals exhibiting echopraxia may mimic gestures, mannerisms, or physical movements, sometimes without conscious intent.

The other definitions provided do not align with the concept of echopraxia. Shortness of breath refers to a physical symptom that could stem from various medical conditions but is not related to movement imitation. A false belief not based in reality describes a delusion, which is a different psychological phenomenon than echopraxia. Difficulty in understanding social cues relates to challenges in social communication and interaction, but it does not involve the mimicking behavior characteristic of echopraxia. Thus, option B captures the essence of echopraxia accurately.