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

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Positive life events, although beneficial, are not typically considered contributors to the development of depression. Positive events generally have a positive impact on mental health and may even serve as protective factors against depression.

Choice B rationale:

High income is not commonly recognized as a direct contributor to depression. In fact, higher income can provide access to better resources and opportunities that might contribute to better mental health outcomes.

Choice C rationale:

Lack of social support is a well-established factor contributing to the development of depression. Social support plays a crucial role in buffering against stress and providing individuals with a sense of belonging and emotional connection. A lack of strong social ties can lead to feelings of isolation and increase vulnerability to depression.

Choice D rationale:

Optimistic thinking is typically considered a protective factor against depression rather than a contributor to its development. Optimistic thinking involves a positive outlook on life and the expectation of positive outcomes, which can act as a resilience factor against depressive symptoms.

A. Symptoms must cause mild distress. B. At least one symptom must be insomnia. C. Symptoms must not be due to a medical condition. D. Presence of a manic or hypomanic episode. E. Five or more symptoms present during a 2-week period.

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.

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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?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

(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

(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 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 providing care for a client with suspected major depressive disorder (MDD). Which of the following are risk factors for developing MDD? Select all that apply.

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 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?

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?

(Select All That Apply): A nurse is discussing the psychosocial factors that can affect or be affected by depression with a client. Which of the following factors are considered psychosocial factors related to depression? Select all that apply.