Question 1

Which person has the greatest risk for developing depression?

Accepted Answer

According to research, mothers with young children have a higher risk of developing depression due to the stress and demands of childrearing. Fathers with young children also have a risk, but it is not as high as mothers. Working men and women with no children have lower risk compared to parents.

Question 2

Which aspect of intimate relationships is most clearly associated with increased risk for depression?

Accepted Answer

Criticism, especially from a romantic partner, has been shown to be strongly associated with increased risk for depression in individuals. Other factors, such as interference from in-laws, spending a lot of time apart, and lack of support for career choices, may also contribute to relationship stress and negative emotions, but have not been as consistently linked to depression.

Question 3

Which of these individuals is most likely to experience depression?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of these individuals is most likely...

Question 4

Which of the following is not a factor in why women experience more depression than men?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is not a...

Question 5

Which of the following groups are at a higher risk for depression than others?

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that poor young women who are African American and Hispanic are at a higher risk for experiencing depression.

Question 6

How do men and women differ in coping with depression?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that women are more likely to use a cognitive coping style, such as trying to change their thoughts about the situation or seeking social support, while men are more likely to use an action-oriented coping style, such as trying to fix the problem or distracting themselves from it. However, it should be noted that both men and women can use a variety of coping strategies and that there is no one "best" way to cope with depression.

Question 7

Which of the following is not true regarding stressful life situations and depression?

Accepted Answer

The statement that is not true regarding stressful life situations and depression is that people's behavioral-interactive style can contribute to depression. This statement is misleading because it suggests a direct causation rather than acknowledging the complex interplay of factors that contribute to depression, including biological, psychological, and social aspects. While behavioral-interactive styles can influence one's social interactions and potentially lead to stressful situations, it is overly simplistic to state that they can directly contribute to depression without considering the broader context of an individual's life and mental health.

Question 8

What is the prevalence of dysthymia in the general population?

Accepted Answer

According to the DSM-5, the prevalence of dysthymia in the general population is approximately 6%.

Question 9

Which mood disorder has sometimes been considered a personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Dysthymia, also known as persistent depressive disorder, is characterized by chronic low mood and other symptoms of depression that persist for at least two years (or one year for children and adolescents). Dysthymia has been debated as a potential personality disorder due to its persistent nature and the belief that it may be indicative of an individual's underlying personality traits. However, it is currently classified as a mood disorder in the DSM-5.

Question 10

Maria has experienced chronic sadness, poor appetite, and insomnia nearly every day over the last 2 years. What is her most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Maria's symptoms of chronic sadness, poor appetite, and insomnia for the last 2 years are indicative of dysthymia, which is a persistent depressive disorder. Dysthymia is characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and low energy that can last for years, and these symptoms are typically less severe than major depressive disorder. Cyclothymia is a type of mood disorder that involves periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms that are not severe enough to meet the criteria for bipolar disorder. Bipolar I disorder involves cycles of manic and depressive episodes, which Maria does not report experiencing. Major depressive disorder is marked by similar symptoms to dysthymia, but these symptoms typically persist for a shorter period of time, usually a few months to a year.

Question 11

Marsha was seen last year at the Mental Health Center where she was diagnosed as having a major depressive episode. During the last six months, she has had five additional episodes. What is her present diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Marsha was seen last year at the...

Question 12

Which disorder is most likely to occur with dysthymic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Major depressive disorder is the most likely to occur with dysthymic disorder, as both are forms of depression. Cyclothymia, bipolar I disorder, and bipolar II disorder involve episodes of mania or hypomania, which are not typically present in dysthymic disorder.

Question 13

A psychiatrist wrote the following note on a patient's chart, "Classic case of double depression." A secretary was transcribing the psychiatrist's notes and asked what the term meant. What will the secretary be told?

Accepted Answer

"Double depression" refers to a diagnosis of both dysthymic disorder (a milder, but longer-lasting form of depression) and major depression. This means the patient is experiencing symptoms of both types of depression at the same time.

Question 14

What is "double depression"?

Accepted Answer

Double depression refers to the presence of both major depression and dysthymia, a chronic, low-grade form of depression. Individuals with double depression experience periods of intense depressive symptoms, as well as ongoing, persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. It is important to properly diagnose and treat both the major depression and dysthymia components in order to effectively manage this condition.

Question 15

How does dysthymia differ from major depression?

Accepted Answer

The main difference between dysthymia and major depression is that dysthymia tends to be chronic while major depression is time-limited. In addition, major depression rates increase in certain age groups while the rates of dysthymia remain stable from age 18 to 64.

Question 16

What characteristic must a person's symptoms exhibit in order to meet the criteria for major depressive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms must be present for at least two weeks to meet the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder.

Question 17

How does age affect the severity of dysthymia?

Accepted Answer

Dysthymia, also known as persistent depressive disorder, tends to be stable throughout adulthood, meaning its severity does not significantly increase or decrease with age.

Question 18

Loraine describes the following symptoms to her therapist: depression, loss of interest, weight gain, sleep problems, feelings of worthlessness and suicidal ideation. The symptoms have been present for at least 3 weeks. Loraine's diagnosis is:

Accepted Answer

Loraine's symptoms align with a major depressive episode, which includes depression, loss of interest, weight changes, sleep issues, feelings of worthlessness, and suicidal thoughts, lasting for at least two weeks.

Question 19

What is the most appropriate description for a person who loses a loved one to death and who shows depressive symptoms for two months?

Accepted Answer

Bereavement refers to the period of mourning and grief following the death of a loved one, during which it is normal for individuals to exhibit symptoms of depression.

Question 20

Which psychotic symptom often occurs with severe depression?

Accepted Answer

Delusions often occur with severe depression, particularly with psychotic depression. Hallucinations, incoherent affect, and incongruent affect may also occur, but they are not as commonly associated with severe depression as delusions.

Quiz 11: Mood Disorders and Suicide