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Major depressive disorder (MDD)


- Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mood disorder characterized by persistent and pervasive feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure in activities), and low self-esteem

- MDD affects about 7% of the population in a 1-year period, with higher rates in females, young adults, and people with low socioeconomic status

- MDD is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, disability, and reduced quality of life

- The etiology of MDD is multifactorial and complex, involving biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors

.- Some of the risk factors for developing MDD include family history of mood disorders, personal history of trauma or abuse, chronic medical conditions or pain, substance use disorders, stressful life events or losses, personality traits such as neuroticism or pessimism

Questions on Major depressive disorder (MDD)

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

<p>&nbsp;MDD cannot be diagnosed if only one symptom is present.&nbsp;The diagnosis requires the presence of multiple symptoms, including depressed mood or anhedonia, for at least two weeks.</p>

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

Explanation

Elevated mood and increased energy are actually more indicative of conditions like bipolar disorder or manic episodes, where there are distinct periods of abnormally elevated mood, known as mania or hypomania.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Criteria for diagnosing MDD according to DSM-5. The client's symptoms of extreme fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of worthlessness align with the criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These criteria include the presence of specific symptoms for a specified duration, causing significant impairment in functioning. The symptoms should not be better explained by other conditions or substances. In this case, the client's presentation closely matches the criteria for diagnosing MDD.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

"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.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is not an appropriate tool for assessing depression. Instead, it's a brief cognitive screening test used to assess cognitive impairment and cognitive decline in individuals, especially in older adults. It evaluates aspects such as orientation, memory, attention, language, and visuospatial skills. It is not designed to assess mood, anxiety, or other emotional aspects related to depression.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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).

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

Explanation

The correct answer. Chronic medical conditions are risk factors for developing major depressive disorder (MDD). The stress, emotional toll, and physiological effects of living with a chronic illness can contribute to the onset or exacerbation of depressive symptoms.

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

Explanation

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.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

<p>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&#39;s resolution. In the scenario, there is no indication of a recent stressor, and the client&#39;s symptoms seem to be chronic rather than time-limited, making adjustment disorder less likely.</p>

Environmental theory suggests that external factors, such as life events and stressors, contribute to the development of depression. While environment can indeed influence depression, it does not specifically address the neurotransmitter imbalances that are central to this question.

Interpersonal relationships are affected by depression and can also contribute to its development. The question does not focus on the effects of depression on relationships, but rather on the factors that can influence or be influenced by depression.

This statement is not accurate. Chronic stress tends to lead to hyperactivity of the HPA axis and elevated cortisol levels. Reduced cortisol levels, as suggested in this choice, are not commonly associated with chronic stress and its impact on depression.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a specific type of psychotherapeutic intervention that focuses on changing thought patterns and behaviors. While CBT can lead to changes in brain activity and neuroplasticity, it does not involve direct brain stimulation through electrical or magnetic means like

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.

Endorphins and oxytocin are important neurotransmitters, but they are not as directly related to the regulation of mood, motivation, reward, cognition, and stress response as the neurotransmitters mentioned in choice C. Endorphins are known for their role in pain modulation and feelings of pleasure,

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.

Neurotransmitter imbalances are not psychosocial factors. They are more related to the biological underpinnings of depression rather than the social and psychological influences explored in psychosocial factors.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a psychological approach that combines mindfulness meditation with cognitive behavioral techniques. While MBCT has shown promise in preventing relapse for individuals with recurrent depression, it's usually used as a psychotherapeutic adjunct to other ma

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 fact
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