Major Depressive Disorder: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Question 1

What is the leading neurochemical hypothesis for the etiology of Major Depressive Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Monoamine deficiency hypothesis

Answer

Neuroinflammation hypothesis

Answer

Glutamatergic hypofunction hypothesis

Answer

Dopamine dysregulation hypothesis

Question 2

True or False: Major Depressive Disorder is typically a one-time occurrence, with no risk of recurrence in the future.

Accepted Answer

False

Answer

True

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a core diagnostic criterion for Major Depressive Disorder, as per the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Increased energy and talkativeness

Answer

Persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities

Answer

Changes in sleep or appetite

Question 4

Identify the core symptom of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

Accepted Answer

Persistent feelings of sadness or low mood

Answer

Loss of interest or pleasure in activities

Answer

Increased appetite or weight gain

Answer

Excessive energy or agitation

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for the development of MDD?

Accepted Answer

Positive self-esteem

Answer

Family history of depression

Answer

Exposure to significant stress

Answer

Substance use disorders

Question 6

Which type of psychotherapy is commonly used to treat MDD?

Accepted Answer

Any of the above

Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Answer

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

Answer

Psychodynamic Therapy

Question 7

Which of the following can be a warning sign of suicidal ideation in individuals with MDD?

Accepted Answer

Any of the above

Answer

Talking about death or dying

Answer

Giving away personal belongings

Answer

Saying goodbye to loved ones

Question 8

True or False: Major Depressive Disorder can have a significant impact on an individual's physical and mental health.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 9

For severe cases of MDD, what is generally considered the best course of treatment?

Accepted Answer

Combined medication and psychotherapy

Answer

Medication only

Answer

Psychotherapy only

Answer

Hospitalization

Question 10

Which of the following is a key symptom of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

Accepted Answer

Persistent sadness or loss of interest in activities for at least two weeks

Answer

Persistent hallucinations or delusions

Answer

Marked impaired social functioning

Answer

Recurrent episodes of mania or hypomania

Question 11

Which neurotransmitter system is predominantly implicated in the pathophysiology of MDD?

Accepted Answer

Serotonergic system

Answer

Dopaminergic system

Answer

Glutamatergic system

Answer

GABAergic system

Question 12

Which of the following symptoms may be particularly prominent in MDD among older adults?

Accepted Answer

Appetite changes

Answer

Psychomotor agitation

Answer

Anhedonia

Answer

Suicidal ideation

Question 13

Which of the following medication classes is commonly used in the pharmacological treatment of MDD?

Accepted Answer

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Answer

Antipsychotics

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Mood stabilizers

Question 14

In Major Depressive Disorder, which neurotransmitter systems are primarily affected?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine and serotonin

Answer

Norepinephrine and glutamate

Answer

Acetylcholine and GABA

Question 15

Which of the following is a characteristic symptom of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

Accepted Answer

Persistent sadness or depressed mood

Answer

Increased energy and activity

Answer

Positive outlook on life

Answer

Racing thoughts

Question 16

According to the DSM-5 criteria, a diagnosis of MDD requires:

Accepted Answer

Depressed mood for two weeks and at least four other symptoms

Answer

Loss of interest in activities for one week

Answer

History of psychotic features

Answer

Significant impairment in functioning

Question 17

What is the most common and well-researched type of psychotherapy used to treat MDD?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Humanistic therapy

Answer

Interpersonal therapy

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a potential risk factor for developing MDD?

Accepted Answer

Positive life experiences

Answer

Genetics

Answer

Chronic stress

Answer

Certain personality traits

Question 19

What is the primary goal of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for MDD?

Accepted Answer

To identify and change negative thinking patterns and behaviors

Answer

To improve social skills

Answer

To manage stress

Answer

To increase self-esteem

Question 20

Which of the following is **not** a symptom of Major Depressive Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Increased energy and activity

Answer

Persistent sadness

Answer

Loss of interest in activities

Answer

Changes in appetite or sleep

Question 21

Which type of psychotherapy is considered the first-line treatment for Major Depressive Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Answer

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

Answer

Psychodynamic Therapy

Answer

Humanistic Therapy

Question 22

Which medication class is commonly used as an antidepressant in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Answer

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Question 23

Which of the following is **not** a risk factor for the development of Major Depressive Disorder?

Accepted Answer

High socioeconomic status

Answer

Family history of depression

Answer

Childhood trauma

Answer

Chronic stress

Question 24

Which statement best describes the prognosis for individuals with Major Depressive Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Most individuals fully recover with treatment

Answer

The disorder is typically chronic and unremitting

Answer

The severity of symptoms decreases over time without treatment

Answer

Suicide is a common outcome

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT a core symptom of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

Accepted Answer

Increased energy and motivation

Answer

Persistent sadness

Answer

Loss of interest in activities

Answer

Difficulty concentrating

Question 26

According to the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, for how long must symptoms of depression be present to meet the diagnostic threshold for MDD?

Accepted Answer

4 weeks or more

Answer

1 week

Answer

2 weeks

Answer

3 weeks

Question 27

Which of the following is NOT a potential risk factor for developing MDD?

Accepted Answer

Strong social support system

Answer

Family history of depression

Answer

History of childhood trauma

Answer

Certain personality traits

Question 28

What is the primary goal of cognitive restructuring in CBT for MDD?

Accepted Answer

To challenge and modify negative thought patterns

Answer

To improve problem-solving skills

Answer

To enhance positive self-esteem

Answer

To develop coping mechanisms for stress

Question 29

What is the main distinction between unipolar and bipolar depression?

Accepted Answer

Unipolar depression involves only depressive episodes, while bipolar depression involves both depressive and manic episodes.

Answer

Unipolar depression is more severe than bipolar depression.

Answer

Unipolar depression is more common than bipolar depression.

Answer

There is no difference between unipolar and bipolar depression.

Question 30

Which symptom is unique to Bipolar Disorder and not typically seen in Major Depressive Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Grandiosity

Answer

Loss of appetite

Answer

Psychomotor retardation

Answer

Worthlessness

Question 31

Which of the following is NOT a core symptom of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

Accepted Answer

Increased energy levels

Answer

Persistent sadness

Answer

Feeling of hopelessness

Answer

Loss of interest in activities

Question 32

Which of the following is a modifiable risk factor for developing MDD?

Accepted Answer

Stressful life events

Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

History of trauma

Answer

Age

Question 33

What is a key difference between a major depressive episode and persistent depressive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Duration

Answer

Severity

Answer

Treatment options

Answer

Genetic risk

Question 34

Which of the following is NOT a common treatment approach for MDD?

Accepted Answer

Homeopathy

Answer

Antidepressant medication

Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy

Question 35

What is a primary goal of cognitive-behavioral therapy for MDD?

Accepted Answer

To identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors

Answer

To increase neurotransmitter levels in the brain

Answer

To prevent relapse

Answer

To reduce medication side effects

Question 36

How can cultural factors influence the presentation and diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Cultural factors can affect the expression of symptoms, such as leading to more somatic complaints in some cultures.

Answer

Cultural factors have no role in the diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder.

Answer

Cultural factors solely influence the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder, not its diagnosis.

Answer

There is no evidence supporting the influence of cultural factors on Major Depressive Disorder.

Question 37

How do sociocultural factors influence the understanding and treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

Accepted Answer

Sociocultural factors can affect the stigma and help-seeking behaviors associated with MDD.

Answer

MDD symptoms are the same in all cultures.

Answer

Cultural factors have no impact on the effectiveness of MDD treatments.

Question 38

Which neurotransmitter is believed to be deficient in individuals with MDD?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

GABA

Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Dopamine

Question 39

Which of the following is a common cognitive distortion observed in MDD?

Accepted Answer

Negative self-evaluation

Answer

Neutral self-evaluation

Answer

Realistic self-evaluation

Answer

Positive self-evaluation

Question 40

Which type of therapy has been empirically supported for the treatment of MDD?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Humanistic therapy

Answer

Dialectical behavior therapy

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Question 41

What is a risk factor for the development of MDD?

Accepted Answer

Family history of mood disorders

Answer

Adequate sleep

Answer

Regular exercise

Answer

High socioeconomic status

Question 42

Which medication class is frequently used as a first-line treatment for MDD?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)

Answer

Mood stabilizer

Answer

Benzodiazepine

Answer

Antipsychotic

Question 43

Which of the following is a self-help strategy recommended for individuals with MDD?

Accepted Answer

Exercise

Answer

Social isolation

Answer

Substance abuse

Answer

Excessive sleep

Question 44

What is a severe potential consequence of untreated MDD?

Accepted Answer

Suicidal ideation

Answer

Enhanced cognitive performance

Answer

Improved social relationships

Answer

Increased physical health

Question 45

Which of the following is a primary symptom for a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder according to the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Persistent depressed mood

Answer

Phobia

Answer

Mania

Answer

Anxiety

Question 46

Which of the following is considered a first-line pharmacological treatment approach for Major Depressive Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Antipsychotics

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Mood stabilizers

Question 47

Which type of psychotherapy is most commonly used in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Humanistic therapy

Question 48

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of Major Depressive Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Euphoria

Answer

Difficulty concentrating

Answer

Anhedonia

Answer

Fatigue

Question 49

Which of the following is an example of a maintenance phase treatment strategy for Major Depressive Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Regular psychotherapy sessions

Answer

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

Answer

Hospitalization

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)