A client asks a nurse about the differences between major depressive disorder (MDD) and dysthymia. Which of the following responses by the nurse is accurate?
"MDD is less severe than dysthymia but lasts for at least 2 years.".
"Dysthymia is characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression.".
"Unlike MDD, dysthymia does not impair social or occupational functioning.".
"Dysthymia is chronic and lasts for at least 2 years, but is less severe than MDD.".
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
"MDD is less severe than dysthymia but lasts for at least 2 years." This statement is incorrect. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is characterized by the presence of a major depressive episode, which can be severe and persistent, lasting for at least two weeks. Dysthymia, on the other hand, is a chronic but milder form of depression that lasts for at least two years, not MDD.
Choice B rationale:
"Dysthymia is characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression." This statement is incorrect. Dysthymia is a chronic mood disorder characterized by a persistent low mood and other depressive symptoms. It does not involve alternating episodes of mania and depression. Alternating episodes of mania and depression are characteristic of bipolar disorder, not dysthymia.
Choice C rationale:
"Unlike MDD, dysthymia does not impair social or occupational functioning." This statement is incorrect. Both Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and dysthymia can significantly impair social, occupational, and other areas of functioning. In fact, dysthymia's chronic nature often leads to long-term impairment in various aspects of an individual's life, similar to MDD.
Choice D rationale:
"Dysthymia is chronic and lasts for at least 2 years, but is less severe than MDD." This statement is accurate. Dysthymia is a chronic form of depression that persists for at least two years. While it may not exhibit the same level of severity as a major depressive episode, its long-term nature can still have a substantial impact on an individual's quality of life. This distinguishes it from MDD, which can have episodic occurrences.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Social support refers to the network of family, friends, and community that provide emotional and practical assistance. Depression can be influenced by inadequate social support, as having a strong support system can buffer against the development and exacerbation of depressive symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
Personalization involves attributing external events to oneself, often in a negative manner. While this cognitive distortion is relevant to depression, it is not mentioned in the question stem and does not directly relate to cognitive processes influenced by depression.
Choice C rationale:
Cognitive distortions are irrational and negative thought patterns that are common in depression. These distortions contribute to the maintenance of depressive symptoms. Examples include all-or-nothing thinking, overgeneralization, and catastrophizing.
Choice D rationale:
Catastrophizing involves magnifying the negative significance of events. While it can contribute to depressive thought patterns, it is not as central to cognitive processes influenced by depression as cognitive distortions are.
Choice E rationale:
Interpersonal relationships are affected by depression and can also contribute to its development. The question does not focus on the effects of depression on relationships, but rather on the factors that can influence or be influenced by depression.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choicea. MDD is more prevalent in older adults.
Choice A rationale:
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is indeed more prevalent in older adults.This demographic often faces unique stressors such as chronic illness, loss of loved ones, and social isolation, which can contribute to higher rates of depression.
Choice B rationale:
MDD is not primarily caused by a single factor.It is a complex disorder with multiple contributing factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, environmental influences, and psychological factors.
Choice C rationale:
Anhedonia refers to the loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable, not excessive sleeping.Excessive sleeping is known as hypersomnia.
Choice D rationale:
MDD cannot be diagnosed if only one symptom is present.The diagnosis requires the presence of multiple symptoms, including depressed mood or anhedonia, for at least two weeks.
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