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. Bipolar disorder. B. An adjustment disorder. C. Major depressive disorder (MDD). D. A normal response to stress.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Bipolar disorder involves distinct periods of both elevated mood (mania or hypomania) and depressive episodes. The scenario describes persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, worthlessness, weight loss, and insomnia, which are characteristic symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) but not necessarily indicative of bipolar disorder.

Choice B rationale:

An adjustment disorder is characterized by emotional or behavioral symptoms that arise within three months of experiencing a stressor (e.g., a major life change or event). The persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, worthlessness, weight loss, and insomnia described in the scenario are beyond the typical time frame for an adjustment disorder.

Choice C rationale:

The correct answer. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, changes in weight or appetite, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation or retardation, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, difficulty concentrating, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. The client's symptoms align closely with the diagnostic criteria for MDD.

Choice D rationale:

A normal response to stress usually involves transient feelings of sadness or anxiety in response to a stressor. However, the client's symptoms of persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, worthlessness, weight loss, and insomnia are indicative of a more serious and prolonged condition like major depressive disorder (MDD).

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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 experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, and worthlessness. They also report significant weight loss and insomnia. The nurse suspects the client may have:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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?

(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 educating a group of clients about the treatment approaches for MDD. Which of the following modalities are considered main treatment options for MDD according to the text? Select all that apply.

(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.

(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 nurse is providing education to a group of nursing students about major depressive disorder (MDD). Which of the following statements accurately describes a characteristic of MDD?

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?