Persistent Depressive Disorder Persistent Depressive Disorder Diagnosis & Assessment 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to the DSM-5, what is the minimum duration of depressed mood required to diagnose Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) in adults?
- 6 months
- 1 year
- 2 years (Correct answer)
- 3 years
Correct answer: 2 years
DSM-5 requires depressed mood for at least 2 years in adults for a PDD diagnosis.
Question 2: Which of the following symptoms is NOT listed among the six additional DSM-5 criteria for Persistent Depressive Disorder?
- Poor concentration
- Hopelessness
- Hypersomnia or insomnia
- Recurrent thoughts of death (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Recurrent thoughts of death
Recurrent thoughts of death are a criterion for Major Depressive Disorder, not among the six additional PDD criteria.
Question 3: What is the minimum number of the six additional symptoms required to meet the DSM-5 diagnosis for Persistent Depressive Disorder?
- One
- Two (Correct answer)
- Three
- Four
Correct answer: Two
DSM-5 requires at least two of the six additional symptoms alongside depressed mood for a PDD diagnosis.
Question 4: In children and adolescents, how does the required duration for Persistent Depressive Disorder differ from that in adults?
- It is the same: 2 years
- Only 6 months required
- Only 1 year required (Correct answer)
- Only 3 months required
Correct answer: Only 1 year required
For children and adolescents, DSM-5 requires only 1 year of depressed or irritable mood for a PDD diagnosis.
Question 5: Which assessment tool is commonly used to screen for the severity of depressive symptoms in adults being evaluated for Persistent Depressive Disorder?
- GAD-7
- PHQ-9 (Correct answer)
- AUDIT-C
- CAGE Questionnaire
Correct answer: PHQ-9
The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a widely validated tool for screening and measuring depressive symptom severity.
Question 6: A patient reports experiencing low mood 'more days than not' for 26 months with poor appetite and low self-esteem, with no symptom-free period exceeding 2 months. Which diagnosis is most appropriate?
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Cyclothymic Disorder
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (Correct answer)
- Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood
Correct answer: Persistent Depressive Disorder
The 26-month duration, core symptom pattern, and absence of a 2-month remission period are consistent with Persistent Depressive Disorder.
Persistent Depressive Disorder Persistent Depressive Disorder Diagnosis & Assessment 1
According to the DSM-5, what is the minimum duration of depressed mood required to diagnose Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) in adults?