Question 1

The most important difficulty in using depression assessment measures with older adults is that most measures have been developed on younger individuals and they include items assessing

Accepted Answer

Many depression assessment measures have been developed on younger individuals, and they often include items assessing physical symptoms that may be less relevant for older adults. Older adults may have more physical health problems that could influence their responses, and physical symptoms of depression may overlap with symptoms of other medical conditions. Therefore, it is important to use measures that have been specifically validated for use with older adults or to modify existing measures to ensure that they are appropriate for this population.

Question 2

For which group is ECT not recommended?

Accepted Answer

ECT is typically reserved for people with severe depression who have not responded to other treatments or who have severe symptoms, such as suicidal thoughts. It is not recommended for people with mild depression.

Question 3

Many older adults admitted to the hospital for depressive symptoms turn out to have previously undiagnosed

Accepted Answer

Many older adults may have undiagnosed medical problems which can lead to depressive symptoms, including chronic pain, neurological issues, and endocrine disorders. It is important for healthcare providers to complete a thorough assessment for medical problems as well as mental health conditions.

Question 4

The drug(s) of choice to treat bipolar disorder is/are

Accepted Answer

Lithium is considered the drug of choice for treating bipolar disorder as it has been shown to be effective in regulating mood swings and preventing relapse. Other medications, such as antipsychotics and mood stabilizers, may also be used in conjunction with lithium depending on individual patient needs. Heterocyclic antidepressants and MAO inhibitors are not commonly used for bipolar disorder and ECT may be considered in severe cases that have not responded to medication, but it is not a first-line treatment.

Question 5

A major theme of psychosocial theories of depression is

Accepted Answer

Loss, whether it be the loss of a loved one, a job, or other significant life changes, is a common trigger for depression in psychosocial theories. Other factors such as interpersonal conflict and lack of social support may also play a role. Self-esteem, ego, and growth may be important factors in overall psychological well-being, but they are not major themes specifically related to depression in psychosocial theories.

Question 6

The drug(s) used to treat depression that may produce dangerous interactions with food, such as cheddar cheese, is/are

Accepted Answer

MAO inhibitors can produce dangerous interactions with certain foods that contain tyramine, such as aged cheese, wine, and beer. This can lead to a sudden and dangerous increase in blood pressure known as a hypertensive crisis. It is important for patients taking MAO inhibitors to follow strict dietary restrictions and avoid these foods.

Question 7

Withdrawing, not speaking to others, confining oneself to one's bed, and not taking care of bodily functions is more common in __________ who are depressed.

Accepted Answer

Older adults who are depressed are more likely to exhibit symptoms such as withdrawing, not speaking to others, confining themselves to their bed, and neglecting personal care, compared to younger adults, men, or women. This pattern of behavior is often associated with depression in the elderly, who may not exhibit the classic signs of sadness or crying that are more commonly associated with depression in younger individuals.

Question 8

The most common drug(s) used to treat depression are

Accepted Answer

SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants due to their effectiveness and lower risk of side effects compared to other options such as MAO inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants. Lithium is also sometimes used for bipolar disorder, not depression, and ECTs (electroconvulsive therapy) are a treatment for severe depression but used less frequently due to potential risks and stigma.

Question 9

Because lithium is a salt, it raises blood pressure.Thus, it is dangerous for people who

Accepted Answer

Lithium can cause an increase in blood pressure, which can be dangerous for individuals who already have hypertension or kidney disease.

Question 10

Which disorder is characterized by periods of depression and mania?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of both depression and mania, often cycling between the two. It used to be known as manic depression. The other disorders listed do not involve both depression and mania.

Question 11

The most obvious sign of clinical depression is

Accepted Answer

Dysphoria, or a persistent feeling of sadness, hopelessness or loss of interest, is a key symptom of clinical depression. While apathy and lack of expression can also be present, dysphoria is the most obvious and defining characteristic of the condition. Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is not typically associated with clinical depression.

Question 12

Which of the following is not used in diagnosing depression?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry is not a diagnostic criterion for depression according to the DSM-5. The other choices, including dysphoria, length of time symptoms have been present, and physical symptoms, are all factors used in diagnosing depression.

Question 13

To be diagnosed with clinical depression, the symptoms must be present for at least

Accepted Answer

Clinical depression, also known as major depressive disorder, requires symptoms to be present for at least two weeks for a diagnosis according to standard diagnostic criteria.

Question 14

Approximately_________ of older adults living in the community show signs of depression.However, this number rises to more than__________ for those adults who require home health care.

Accepted Answer

Older adults living in the community show signs of depression at a rate of 3%, while those who require home health care have a rate of 30%.

Question 15

Insomnia, diffuse pain, changes in appetite, headaches, and fatigue are common physical symptoms that can accompany

Accepted Answer

These are common physical symptoms of clinical depression. Delirium and substance abuse problems may also have physical symptoms, but insomnia, diffuse pain, changes in appetite, headaches, and fatigue are specifically associated with depression. Excessive worry may have physical symptoms such as tension and restlessness but is not a specific diagnosis.

Question 16

If there are higher rates of depression in the relatives of depressed people than would be expected given the base rates in the population, then this argues for a __________cause of depression.

Accepted Answer

The higher rates of depression in the relatives of depressed people suggest that there is a biological component to the cause of depression. This is because biological factors, such as genetics, can be passed down through families and contribute to the development of depression. While social, cultural, and psychological factors can also play a role, the evidence of familial clustering of depression points more strongly to a biological cause.

Question 17

A major problem in assessing depression in older adults is

Accepted Answer

Most depression tests were developed on young and middle-aged adults and may not accurately assess depression in older adults due to physical and cognitive changes that occur with aging. Therefore, choosing an appropriate test for older adults can be a major problem.

Question 18

Tina is demonstrating dysphoria, a common symptom of depression.Dysphoria is characterized as

Accepted Answer

Dysphoria is characterized by a profound state of unease or dissatisfaction, often presenting as a severe feeling of depression or unhappiness, which aligns with feeling down or blue.

Question 19

Compared with younger adults, the rate of clinical depression in older adults is

Accepted Answer

According to multiple studies, the rate of clinical depression in older adults is lower than in younger adults. This may be due to a number of factors, including increased resilience and wisdom gained over time, as well as a decrease in stressors such as work and family responsibilities. However, it is important to note that depression in older adults often goes undiagnosed and untreated, so the actual rate may be higher than reported.

Question 20

Believing that depression involves internal belief systems characterizes

Accepted Answer

Cognitive theories are centered around the concept that depression involves internal belief systems and negative thought patterns. Biological theories focus on physiological factors such as neurotransmitter imbalances, psychoanalytic theories focus on past experiences and unconscious conflicts, and biosocial theories view depression as a result of both biological and environmental factors.

Quiz 10: Clinical Assessment, Mental Health, and Mental Disorders