Kathy informed her doctor that she has had three major depressive episodes, which were separated by a two-month period when she did not feel depressed.What is Kathy's most likely diagnosis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Kathy's history of three major depressive episodes separated by symptom-free periods indicates a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, recurrent. The fact that the episodes were separated by two months rules out persistent depressive disorder. The diagnosis of major depressive disorder, single episode would not account for the recurrence of the depressive episodes. Double depression refers to a combination of major depressive disorder and dysthymia, which is not indicated by Kathy's symptoms.

Kathy Informed Her Doctor That She Has Had Three Major