Question 1

Over the past three months, Ivana's feelings of despondency have intensified for no apparent reason. Although her friends have tried to be encouraging and supportive, Ivana says that she feels completely detached from people and worthless, and she has even thought about killing herself. Ivana's symptoms would suggest that she is probably suffering from:

Accepted Answer

Ivana's symptoms indicate a prolonged period of despondency, worthlessness, and suicidal ideation, which are characteristic symptoms of major depressive disorder.

Question 2

Which of the following statements about major depressive disorder is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

The statement that "the vast majority of people with major depressive disorder experience a sense of physical restlessness, demonstrated by fidgeting or aimless pacing" is false. Restlessness is a symptom that some individuals with depression may experience, but it is not a defining characteristic of the disorder.

Question 3

A disruption in the normal patterns of sleep is one of the main characteristics of major depressive disorder. How are normal sleep patterns disrupted?

Accepted Answer

Depressed individuals often experience early morning awakenings and have difficulty returning to sleep. This disruption in sleep can lead to fatigue, which can exacerbate symptoms of depression. Options A, C, and D are not correct. People with major depressive disorder typically have less deep sleep and fewer periods of dream sleep compared to those without depression. They also do not sleep excessively for long periods of time. Additionally, while REM sleep does occur in regular 90-minute cycles, this is normal and not specific to depression.

Question 4

Chronic, low-grade depressed feelings are to _____ disorder as moderate, recurring mood swings are to _____ disorder.

Accepted Answer

Persistent depressive disorder is characterized by chronic, low-grade depression, while cyclothymic disorder involves moderate, recurring mood swings.

Question 5

One aspect of major depressive disorder is that thinking becomes globally pessimistic and negative about the self. This pervasive negativity and pessimism are often manifested in:

Accepted Answer

Suicidal thoughts or preoccupations with death are common in individuals with major depressive disorder due to their highly negative and pessimistic thinking patterns. This can lead to a sense of hopelessness and a belief that death is the only way to escape their pain. Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors are more commonly associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder, while manic episodes and flight of ideas are more commonly associated with bipolar disorder. Catatonia states and rapid cycling are also more commonly associated with bipolar disorder.

Question 6

Severe, debilitating depression is to _____ as chronic, low-grade depression is to _____.

Accepted Answer

Severe, debilitating depression is characteristic of major depressive disorder, while chronic, low-grade depression is characteristic of persistent depressive disorder. Choice A is incorrect because cyclothymic disorder is a form of bipolar disorder that involves periods of both hypomania and depressive symptoms, rather than severe, debilitating depression. Choice B is incorrect because while persistent depressive disorder is the correct descriptor for chronic, low-grade depression, cyclothymic disorder does not fit with severe, debilitating depression. Choice D is incorrect because bipolar disorder involves periods of both depression and mania or hypomania, rather than chronic, low-grade depression.

Question 7

According to the DSM-5, if feelings of worthlessness, self-loathing, and the inability to anticipate happiness occur after the death of a loved one , major depressive disorder is suspected. The reason for this is that:

Accepted Answer

Bereavement can act as a significant stressor that may trigger a depressive episode, similar to other psychosocial events.

Question 8

Jason has periods when he feels extremely despondent for no apparent reason. During these periods, he finds it very difficult to be productive in his college classes or at his job. Jason's symptoms are characteristics of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, category of:

Accepted Answer

Jason's symptoms suggest he may be experiencing a depressive disorder, which is characterized by periods of persistent sadness, low mood, and loss of interest or pleasure in activities. He may benefit from seeking professional help and receiving a formal diagnosis from a mental health practitioner.

Question 9

After working in Austin, Texas, for five years, Rebecca's company transferred her to an upper management position in Minneapolis. Since moving to Minnesota, Rebecca is bothered by strong feelings of despondency during the long, dark winter. When spring arrives in late April or May, her mood improves and she is back to normal. Rebecca's symptoms suggest:

Accepted Answer

Rebecca's strong feelings of despondency during the long, dark winter and improvement when spring arrives are consistent with seasonal affective disorder, which is a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons. The other options (B-D) don't fully match Rebecca's symptoms.

Question 10

Wilma lives in the northwest part of the country. Every autumn and winter, as daylight hours get shorter and the weather gets wet and cloudy, she experiences more intense symptoms of major depressive disorder. Wilma most likely suffers from:

Accepted Answer

Wilma's symptoms are highly correlated with seasonal changes, which suggests that she may have seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This type of depression is commonly associated with decreased exposure to sunlight during the fall and winter months. Cyclothymic disorder and bipolar disorder involve recurrent episodes of mania or hypomania, which are not mentioned in Wilma's symptoms. Rapid cycling involves frequent episodes of depression and mania within a year, which is not mentioned in the case.

Question 11

Anita is suffering from major depressive disorder. Compared with people who are not depressed, Anita is more likely to:

Accepted Answer

People with major depressive disorder often experience difficulty in thinking, concentrating, and remembering due to the impact of the disorder on their cognitive abilities. This symptom is known as cognitive impairment and is one of the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder. Therefore, Anita is more likely to have a diminished ability to think, concentrate, and remember than people who are not depressed.

Question 12

Ever since her mother died about a month ago, Kerri has felt despondent and sad. Although outwardly Kerri behaves normally, privately she still feels very sad about her loss. Kerri's behavior following the death of her mother is:

Accepted Answer

It is normal for individuals to feel sad and despondent following the death of a loved one, particularly a parent. Kerri's behavior is not indicative of a major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or dysthymic disorder as the symptoms of these disorders are more persistent and severe over a longer period of time. However, if Kerri's feelings of sadness persist for more than a few months or begin to affect her daily functioning, she may consider seeking support from a mental health professional.

Question 13

Depression that repeatedly occurs with the onset of autumn and winter is to _____ as chronic, low-grade depression is to _____.

Accepted Answer

Seasonal affective disorder is characterized by the onset of depressive symptoms during the fall and winter months, while dysthymic disorder is a chronic, low-grade form of depression that lasts for at least two years.

Question 14

Charlie suffers from major depressive disorder, and so he may experience:

Accepted Answer

Major depressive disorder is often characterized by a persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt. One of the most common symptoms of this disorder is suicidal thoughts or preoccupation with death.

Question 15

A disruption in the normal patterns of sleep is one of the main characteristics of major depressive disorder. Which of the following is NOT typical of the sleep patterns of people with major depressive disorder?

Accepted Answer

The statement in option D is not true. In major depressive disorder, the periods of dreaming REM sleep tend to occur early in the night and become more fragmented as the night progresses, leading to an overall reduction in REM sleep compared to normal individuals. The other options (A, B, and C) are typical sleep patterns observed in people with major depressive disorder.

Question 16

Rita, who lives in Alaska, has been diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder. She is most likely to:

Accepted Answer

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs during the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight. People with SAD typically experience symptoms of major depressive disorder, including sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, and low energy. Rapid cycling (B) is a pattern of mood swings in bipolar disorder, not SAD. Intense and fluctuating moods (C) may be symptoms of borderline personality disorder, but are not specific to SAD. Extensive amnesia and confusion about identity (D) are not typical symptoms of SAD.

Question 17

Neil and Bonnie are married. Neil is not depressed, but Bonnie is suffering from major depressive disorder. Bonnie is more likely than Neil to:

Accepted Answer

One of the hallmark symptoms of major depressive disorder is anhedonia, which is characterized by a significant decrease in interest or pleasure in most activities. Therefore, Bonnie is more likely to have very low interest or pleasure in most activities compared to Neil or individuals who do not have major depressive disorder. Option B, suffering from gamophobia (fear of getting married) is not a characteristic of major depressive disorder. Option C, frequent manic episodes characterized by euphoria, high energy, and flight of ideas is a characteristic of bipolar disorder, not major depressive disorder. Option D, sleeping soundly is not a characteristic of major depressive disorder, as individuals with depression may experience sleep disturbances such as insomnia or oversleeping.

Question 18

After his wife died, Roland was deeply despondent and sad. He attempted to resume work a week or so after the funeral but was unable to function at his job and was unable to attend to the routine duties of life. Now, three months later, he is still in despair and has not resumed work. According to your textbook, Roland would likely be diagnosed:

Accepted Answer

Roland's persistent sadness and inability to resume work for several months after his wife's death suggest symptoms of major depression. The loss of a spouse is a significant life stressor and it is normal to experience grief, but Roland's symptoms appear to go beyond a typical response to grief.

Question 19

Carla has worked as a human resources specialist for several years, but she doesn't really like the job. Although her work performance is adequate, Carla almost always feels slightly down and sad. Carla's chronic case of the blues is characteristic of:

Accepted Answer

Persistent depressive disorder, also known as dysthymia, is a type of depression that is chronic and lasts for at least two years. It is characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness or low mood, along with other symptoms such as decreased energy, difficulty with concentration, and feelings of hopelessness. Unlike major depressive disorder, the symptoms of persistent depressive disorder may be less severe but can last for a much longer period of time, often leading to feelings of dissatisfaction with life. This is consistent with Carla's situation, where she feels down and sad despite her ability to perform her job adequately.

Question 20

Approximately _____ percent of those suffering from major depressive disorder attempt suicide.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Approximately _____ percent of those suffering from...

Quiz 13: Psychological Disorders