Depression: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Question 1

Which neurotransmitter is consistently found to be decreased in depression?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Glutamate

Question 2

The primary pharmacological treatment for depression is:

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Answer

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Answer

Antipsychotics

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter is most consistently implicated in the pathophysiology of depression?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 4

According to the DSM-5 criteria, a diagnosis of major depressive disorder requires the presence of depressed mood or loss of interest for at least how long?

Accepted Answer

4 weeks

Answer

1 week

Answer

2 weeks

Answer

6 weeks

Question 5

Which of the following is a common psychological symptom of depression?

Accepted Answer

Anhedonia

Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Hypersomnia

Answer

Hyperactivity

Question 6

Which type of psychotherapy is widely used and effective for treating depression?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Dialectical behavior therapy

Answer

Art therapy

Question 7

What is a potential side effect of antidepressant medication?

Accepted Answer

Sexual dysfunction

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Euphoria

Answer

Weight loss

Question 8

Which aspect is central to the cognitive model of depression?

Accepted Answer

Negative thinking patterns contribute to the disorder

Answer

Depression solely stems from biological factors

Answer

Behavioral activation is the primary intervention

Answer

Social support has no influence on depression

Question 9

Which type of depression is characterized by seasonal onset and remission?

Accepted Answer

Seasonal affective disorder

Answer

Major depressive disorder

Answer

Bipolar disorder

Answer

Dysthymia

Question 10

What is the primary goal of depression treatment?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced quality of life and restored functioning

Answer

Complete elimination of all depressive symptoms

Answer

Prevention of future depressive episodes

Answer

Permanent cure of the disorder

Question 11

Which step is most crucial in managing depression?

Accepted Answer

Seeking professional assistance

Answer

Self-medication with substances

Answer

Dismissing symptoms and hoping they subside

Answer

Attributing depression to external causes

Question 12

Which symptom is a core feature of major depressive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Persistent depressed mood

Answer

Elevated energy levels

Answer

Delusions

Answer

Hallucinations

Question 13

Which of the following is not considered a risk factor for depression?

Accepted Answer

Regular physical activity

Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Chronic stress

Answer

Obesity

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the primary role of the prefrontal cortex in depression?

Accepted Answer

Regulating mood and cognitive processes

Answer

Processing and storing memories

Answer

Receiving sensory input

Answer

Controlling motor function

Question 15

Which of the following is a relatively newer treatment approach for depression that involves electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve?

Accepted Answer

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Answer

Deep brain stimulation (DBS)

Answer

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT considered a core symptom of major depressive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Increased energy and motivation

Answer

Persistent low mood

Answer

Loss of interest or pleasure in activities

Answer

Changes in sleep patterns

Question 17

Which neurotransmitter system is primarily implicated in the pathophysiology of depression?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Glutamate

Question 18

What is the primary mechanism of action of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?

Accepted Answer

Blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the synaptic cleft

Answer

Increasing the release of serotonin from presynaptic neurons

Answer

Inhibiting the breakdown of serotonin

Answer

Stimulating the production of serotonin

Question 19

Which term describes the persistent low mood and loss of interest that characterizes depression?

Accepted Answer

Dysthymia

Answer

Seasonal affective disorder

Answer

Major depressive disorder

Answer

Bipolar disorder

Question 20

Which of the following terms describes the inability to experience pleasure or interest in activities that were once enjoyable?

Accepted Answer

Anhedonia

Answer

Apathy

Answer

Dysphoria

Answer

Abulia

Question 21

Which neurochemical change is commonly associated with both depression and anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Reduced norepinephrine levels

Answer

Elevated serotonin levels

Answer

Increased dopamine levels

Question 22

Which statement best describes the interaction of genetics and environment in causing depression?

Accepted Answer

Genetic predisposition increases the likelihood of developing depression when combined with environmental stressors.

Answer

Depression is solely caused by genetic factors.

Answer

Environmental factors alone can trigger depression, regardless of genetics.

Answer

Environmental stressors trigger depression only in individuals with a strong genetic predisposition.

Question 23

In the context of treating depression, which patient characteristic is paramount for ensuring valid informed consent?

Accepted Answer

Decision-making capacity

Answer

Age

Answer

Cultural background

Answer

Absence of delusions

Question 24

How do sociocultural factors impact the diagnosis and treatment of depression?

Accepted Answer

Cultural norms can shape how depressive symptoms are perceived and expressed, while stigma can hinder seeking professional help.

Answer

Sociocultural factors have no bearing on depression diagnosis or treatment.

Answer

Depression is a universal experience unaffected by sociocultural context.

Answer

Stigma associated with depression is limited to certain cultures.

Question 25

Which element is central to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression?

Accepted Answer

Identifying and challenging negative thought patterns

Answer

Prescribing antidepressants

Answer

Establishing social support systems

Answer

Administering electroconvulsive therapy

Question 26

Explain the role of mindfulness-based interventions in the prevention and treatment of depression, including evidence supporting their effectiveness.

Accepted Answer

Mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to reduce the risk of relapse in individuals with a history of depression.

Answer

Mindfulness-based interventions are ineffective in treating depression.

Answer

Mindfulness-based interventions are only effective when combined with medication.

Answer

There is no scientific evidence to support the use of mindfulness-based interventions in the treatment of depression.

Question 27

Which neurotransmitter is strongly linked to mood regulation, and its deficiency is associated with depression?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Glutamate

Answer

GABA

Question 28

Which neurotransmitter is most consistently implicated in the neurobiological basis of depression?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 29

A key diagnostic criterion for major depressive disorder (MDD) is:

Accepted Answer

Persistent sadness or anhedonia for at least two weeks

Answer

Delusions and hallucinations

Answer

Racing thoughts and psychomotor agitation

Answer

Increased appetite and weight gain

Question 30

Which of the following is NOT a first-line pharmacological treatment option for MDD?

Accepted Answer

Lithium

Answer

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Question 31

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for depression primarily focuses on:

Accepted Answer

Challenging negative thought patterns and developing coping mechanisms

Answer

Increasing self-esteem and reducing social isolation

Answer

Improving medication adherence and managing side effects

Question 32

Which of the following is a well-established risk factor for the development of depression?

Accepted Answer

Family history of depression

Answer

Adequate sleep

Answer

Regular exercise

Answer

High socioeconomic status

Question 33

Atypical depression is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Increased appetite and weight gain, mood reactivity, and hypersensitivity to interpersonal rejection

Answer

Delusions of guilt and worthlessness

Answer

Psychotic features and catatonia

Question 34

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is primarily used in the treatment of:

Accepted Answer

Severe, treatment-resistant depression

Answer

Bipolar disorder

Answer

Mild to moderate depression

Answer

Anxiety disorders

Question 35

Which of the following laboratory tests is most useful in the differential diagnosis of depression?

Accepted Answer

Thyroid function tests

Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Answer

Complete blood count (CBC)

Question 36

A patient with depression experiences hallucinations and delusions. Which diagnosis is most suitable?

Accepted Answer

Psychotic depression

Answer

Bipolar disorder

Answer

Major depressive disorder

Answer

Schizophrenia

Question 37

Which potential adverse effect is associated with the use of antidepressant medications?

Accepted Answer

Sexual dysfunction

Answer

Enhanced sleep quality

Answer

Elevated blood pressure

Answer

Weight reduction

Question 38

Evaluate the strengths and limitations of antidepressants in treating depression, considering their efficacy, side effects, and long-term implications.

Accepted Answer

Antidepressants can be effective in treating depression, but may have limitations such as side effects, varying efficacy, and the need for ongoing monitoring.

Answer

Antidepressants are universally effective for all types of depression.

Answer

Antidepressants are free from any side effects.

Answer

Antidepressants are a universal solution for depression, suitable for all patients.

Question 39

Which neurotransmitter has consistently been found to be decreased in individuals with depression?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Glutamate

Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 40

Which subtype of depression is characterized by persistent low mood that does not reach the severity of a major depressive episode?

Accepted Answer

Dysthymia

Answer

Major depressive disorder

Question 41

What is a core symptom of major depressive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Anhedonia

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Delusions

Answer

Cognitive impairments

Question 42

Which neuroimaging technique can show reduced volume in the hippocampus of individuals with depression?

Accepted Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Answer

Computed tomography (CT)

Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Answer

Positron emission tomography (PET)

Question 43

Which type of psychotherapy is considered the first-line treatment for mild to moderate depression?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Family therapy

Answer

Psychoanalysis

Answer

Client-centered therapy

Question 44

Which medication class acts by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and is commonly used as an antidepressant?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Question 45

In the context of depression, what term describes a distorted or irrational thought pattern?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive distortion

Answer

Delusion

Answer

Obsession

Answer

Hallucination

Question 46

Which treatment approach for depression aims to improve coping skills and problem-solving abilities?

Accepted Answer

Psychosocial therapy

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Answer

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

Answer

Deep brain stimulation (DBS)

Question 47

Which of the following is a potential complication of untreated depression?

Accepted Answer

Suicide

Answer

Diabetes

Answer

Heart disease

Answer

Arthritis

Question 48

Which of the following neurotransmitters is consistently decreased in depression?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Epinephrine

Question 49

The most common depressive disorder is:

Accepted Answer

Major depressive disorder

Answer

Bipolar disorder

Answer

Dysthymia

Answer

Seasonal affective disorder

Question 50

Which of the following is a hallmark symptom of depression?

Accepted Answer

Anhedonia

Answer

Grandiosity

Answer

Euphoria

Answer

Hallucinations

Question 51

The first-line treatment for moderate to severe depression is:

Accepted Answer

Antidepressant medication

Answer

Psychotherapy

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy

Answer

Lifestyle changes

Question 52

The neurotransmitter hypothesis of depression suggests that depression results from:

Accepted Answer

Imbalances in specific neurotransmitters

Answer

Hormonal imbalances

Answer

Genetic factors

Answer

Structural brain abnormalities

Question 53

Which of the following is a risk factor for developing depression?

Accepted Answer

Family history

Answer

Positive coping mechanisms

Answer

Strong social network

Answer

High self-esteem

Question 54

The most effective type of psychotherapy for depression is:

Accepted Answer

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Answer

Humanistic therapy

Answer

Behavioral activation

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Question 55

Which of the following is a possible complication of untreated depression?

Accepted Answer

Suicide

Answer

Parkinsonism

Answer

Mania

Answer

Delirium

Question 56

The diagnostic criteria for depression include:

Accepted Answer

Depressed mood or anhedonia for at least two weeks

Answer

Obsessions or compulsions

Answer

Hallucinations or delusions

Answer

Manic episodes