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?

Choice A rationale:

A manic episode is characterized by a distinct period of abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, often accompanied by increased energy, decreased need for sleep, and impulsive behavior. The client's description does not align with a manic episode.

Choice B rationale:

Bipolar disorder involves cycling between periods of mania or hypomania and depression. The client's statement does not provide evidence of mood cycling, which is characteristic of bipolar disorder.

Choice C rationale:

The client's statement directly describes anhedonia, which is a key characteristic of major depressive disorder (MDD). Anhedonia involves the inability to derive pleasure from activities that were previously enjoyable, and it is a central diagnostic criterion for MDD.

Choice D rationale:

Adjustment disorder is a condition characterized by emotional or behavioral symptoms that develop in response to a specific stressor. The client's statement is more indicative of a pervasive and ongoing lack of enjoyment, which aligns with the concept of anhedonia in MDD rather than the time-limited nature of adjustment disorder.

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.