Persistent Depressive Disorder Persistent Depressive Disorder Treatment & Therapeutic Approaches

Question 1

Which class of antidepressants is considered a first-line pharmacological treatment for Persistent Depressive Disorder in the US?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Answer

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Answer

Antipsychotics

Question 2

Which psychotherapy has the strongest evidence base for treating Persistent Depressive Disorder, specifically developed for chronic depression?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP)

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Answer

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Question 3

Research shows that the most effective treatment for PDD combines which two modalities?

Accepted Answer

Antidepressant medication plus psychotherapy

Answer

Two different SSRIs simultaneously

Answer

Cognitive therapy plus light therapy

Answer

MAOI plus TCA

Question 4

Which SNRI is commonly used as an alternative to SSRIs for treating PDD?

Accepted Answer

Venlafaxine

Answer

Bupropion

Answer

Mirtazapine

Answer

Trazodone

Question 5

How long should pharmacotherapy typically be continued in PDD to prevent relapse?

Accepted Answer

At least 1 year or indefinitely given chronicity

Answer

3-6 months after remission

Answer

Only until symptoms resolve

Answer

Maximum 2 years

Question 6

Which augmentation strategy is evidence-supported when an SSRI alone is insufficient for PDD?

Accepted Answer

Adding lithium or an atypical antipsychotic

Answer

Switching to a benzodiazepine

Answer

Adding a stimulant permanently

Answer

Stopping all medication and using therapy only