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?
MDD is more prevalent in older adults.
MDD is primarily caused by a single factor, such as genetics.
Anhedonia is a term that describes excessive sleeping.
MDD can be diagnosed if only one symptom is present.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice a. 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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Increased appetite is not a commonly associated side effect of antidepressant medications. In fact, some antidepressants can lead to decreased appetite or weight loss as side effects.
Choice B rationale:
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is generally not a common side effect of most antidepressant medications. However, there are specific cases where certain antidepressants might have an impact on blood pressure, but it's not a typical side effect across the board.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct statement. Insomnia, or difficulty sleeping, is a commonly reported side effect of many antidepressant medications. It can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to increased sleep difficulties, which might exacerbate existing sleep problems or contribute to new ones.
Choice D rationale:
Excessive energy is not a common side effect associated with antidepressant use. Antidepressants typically work to regulate mood and alleviate symptoms of depression, and excessive energy would not align with the expected effects of these medications.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Bipolar disorder involves both depressive episodes and manic episodes. The client in question denies any history of manic episodes, making bipolar disorder less likely as a diagnosis. Manic episodes are characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, impulsivity, and risky behavior.
Choice B rationale:
Dysthymia, also known as persistent depressive disorder, involves chronic feelings of sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. It is a milder form of depression that persists for at least two years in adults. The client's persistent feelings of sadness align more closely with the criteria for dysthymia.
Choice C rationale:
Substance-induced mood disorder occurs when the client's mood disturbances are a direct result of substance use or withdrawal. Since there is no mention of substance use or withdrawal in the client's history, this choice is less relevant to the scenario.
Choice D rationale:
Adjustment disorder is characterized by the development of emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor, and these symptoms typically resolve within six months of the stressor's resolution. In the scenario, there is no indication of a recent stressor, and the client's symptoms seem to be chronic rather than time-limited, making adjustment disorder less likely.
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