Persistent Depressive Disorder Persistent Depressive Disorder Diagnosis & Assessment 2

Question 1

What specifier is used in DSM-5 when a full Major Depressive Episode occurs during the course of Persistent Depressive Disorder?

Accepted Answer

With intermittent major depressive episodes

Answer

DSM-5 uses the specifier 'with intermittent major depressive episodes' when full MDE criteria are met during PDD.

Question 2

Which of the following conditions must be ruled out before diagnosing Persistent Depressive Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar I Disorder with depressive episodes

Answer

A diagnosis of PDD cannot be made if the depressive symptoms are better explained by Bipolar Disorder or cyclothymia.

Question 3

Which medical condition is most important to exclude before diagnosing Persistent Depressive Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Hypothyroidism

Answer

Hypothyroidism can produce chronic low mood and fatigue that closely mimics PDD and must be ruled out via lab work.

Question 4

The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) is best suited for which purpose in the context of PDD?

Accepted Answer

Measuring treatment response severity over time

Answer

The HAM-D is a clinician-administered scale used to measure symptom severity and track response to treatment over time.

Question 5

What is the key DSM-5 criterion that distinguishes Persistent Depressive Disorder from Major Depressive Disorder in terms of symptom-free periods?

Accepted Answer

No symptom-free period longer than 2 months in 2 years

Answer

DSM-5 specifies that PDD symptoms must not be absent for more than 2 consecutive months over the 2-year period.

Persistent Depressive Disorder Practice Test