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.".

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is ["C","E"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) are characterized by causing significant distress, not mild distress. The distress associated with MDD is usually severe and impairs daily functioning.

Choice B rationale:

While insomnia is a common symptom of major depressive disorder (MDD), it is not necessary for the diagnosis. Other symptoms, such as changes in appetite, psychomotor agitation or retardation, fatigue, and diminished interest or pleasure, can also contribute to the diagnosis.

Choice C rationale:

The correct answer. Symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) must not be due to a medical condition. It's crucial to rule out medical conditions that can mimic depressive symptoms, such as hypothyroidism or certain neurological disorders.

Choice D rationale:

The presence of a manic or hypomanic episode would indicate a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, not major depressive disorder (MDD). Bipolar disorder involves distinct periods of both elevated mood and depressive episodes.

Choice E rationale:

The correct answer. To meet the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD) according to DSM-5, an individual must experience five or more symptoms of depression during a continuous two-week period. These symptoms must include either depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure. The scenario did not specify all the symptoms, but the persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, worthlessness, weight loss, and insomnia described align with the criteria.

A. Depression is solely caused by genetic factors, with no influence from environmental factors. B. Genetic factors play a minor role in depression, with environmental factors being the primary cause. C. Genetic theory suggests that specific genes are responsible for causing depression, independent of environmental factors. D. Genetic factors make some individuals more vulnerable to developing depression, but environmental factors also play a significant role in its expression.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Depression is not solely caused by genetic factors. While genetics do play a role in predisposing individuals to depression, it's a complex interplay between genetic susceptibility and environmental influences that contribute to the development of the disorder.

Choice B rationale:

Genetic factors are not minor players in depression. Research suggests that genetics can significantly influence a person's susceptibility to depression. However, environmental factors, such as trauma, stress, and life experiences, also contribute substantially to the onset and course of depression.

Choice C rationale:

The relationship between genetics and depression is not as straightforward as specific genes causing depression independently of environmental factors. Depression is a multifactorial disorder influenced by a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

Choice D rationale:

This is the correct answer. Genetic factors do contribute to an individual's vulnerability to depression. Studies of families, twins, and heritability have demonstrated a genetic component to depression. However, it's crucial to recognize that genetic predisposition interacts with environmental factors. Trauma, loss, chronic stress, and other environmental triggers can precipitate depressive episodes in genetically susceptible individuals.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

(Select All That Apply): A nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD) according to DSM-5. Which of the following are part of the diagnostic criteria? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["C","E"]

Explanation

A client is wondering about the genetic factors that contribute to depression. What is the relationship between genetic factors and depression according to the text?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who has been experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. The client denies any history of manic episodes. Which of the following conditions should the nurse consider as a possible differential diagnosis for this client?

(Select All That Apply): A nurse is educating a client about the psychosocial factors that can influence or be influenced by depression. Which of the following factors are associated with depression and its effects on cognitive processes? Select all that apply.

(Select All That Apply): A nurse is assessing a client for major depressive disorder (MDD). Which of the following signs and symptoms are consistent with the clinical presentation of MDD? Select all that apply.

A nurse is explaining the role of neurotransmitters in the pathophysiology of MDD to a group of nursing students. Which neurotransmitters are mentioned in the text as being involved in regulating mood, motivation, reward, cognition, and stress response?

A client wants to understand the factors that contribute to the development of depression. Which of the following factors are mentioned in the text as potential contributors to depression?

A client is concerned about the potential side effects of antidepressant medications. Which of the following side effects is commonly associated with antidepressant use?

A nurse is administering a depression assessment tool to a client. The tool evaluates mood, anxiety, insomnia, somatic symptoms, and other aspects of depression. Which assessment tool is the nurse most likely using?

A client is curious about the impact of chronic stress on the development of depression. Which statement accurately reflects the relationship between chronic stress and depression according to the text?