Persistent Depressive Disorder Persistent Depressive Disorder Comorbidities & Differential Diagnosis

Question 1

Which anxiety disorder most commonly co-occurs with Persistent Depressive Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Answer

Specific Phobia

Answer

Agoraphobia without Panic

Answer

Selective Mutism

Question 2

When a patient with PDD also meets criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, what treatment adjustment is commonly recommended?

Accepted Answer

Address both conditions simultaneously, often with SSRIs that treat both

Answer

Treat only the GAD and the PDD will resolve

Answer

Use benzodiazepines as first-line for both

Answer

Diagnose only the more severe condition

Question 3

Persistent Depressive Disorder has the highest differentiation challenge with which personality disorder?

Accepted Answer

Borderline Personality Disorder

Answer

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Answer

Avoidant Personality Disorder

Answer

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Question 4

In a patient with both PDD and Alcohol Use Disorder, which consideration is most clinically important?

Accepted Answer

Both conditions must be assessed and treated as they perpetuate each other

Answer

Alcohol use always causes PDD and must be treated first

Answer

PDD should be ignored until sobriety is achieved

Answer

Prescribe an MAOI immediately due to alcohol sedation risk

Question 5

Which feature most helps differentiate Persistent Depressive Disorder from Cyclothymic Disorder?

Accepted Answer

The absence of hypomanic periods in PDD

Answer

Duration of the mood disturbance

Answer

The presence of psychotic features

Answer

Age of onset before 18

Question 6

A patient with chronic low mood since childhood also exhibits persistent negative self-image and sensitivity to criticism. The clinician should assess for comorbid:

Accepted Answer

Depressive Personality Disorder traits

Answer

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Answer

Panic Disorder

Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder