Persistent Depressive Disorder Persistent Depressive Disorder Treatment & Therapeutic Interventions

Question 1

Which class of antidepressant is considered a first-line pharmacological treatment for Persistent Depressive Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

SSRIs are recommended as first-line pharmacotherapy for PDD due to their favorable safety and tolerability profile.

Question 2

Which psychotherapy has the strongest evidence base for treating Persistent Depressive Disorder specifically, compared to general depression therapies?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP)

Answer

CBASP was developed specifically for chronic depression/PDD and has the strongest evidence for this population.

Question 3

A patient with PDD has had an inadequate response to a therapeutic dose of an SSRI for 8 weeks. What is the recommended next step?

Accepted Answer

Augment with an atypical antipsychotic or switch to an SNRI

Answer

After an adequate SSRI trial without sufficient response, augmentation or switching to an SNRI is the evidence-based next step.

Question 4

How long should pharmacotherapy typically be continued in a patient with Persistent Depressive Disorder after achieving remission?

Accepted Answer

At least 2 years or long-term

Answer

Due to the high relapse rate in PDD, guidelines recommend at least 2 years of maintenance therapy, often long-term.

Question 5

Which therapeutic approach is most effective when combined with antidepressant medication for Persistent Depressive Disorder, according to major clinical trials?

Accepted Answer

Combined pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy

Answer

Research consistently shows that combining antidepressant medication with psychotherapy produces superior outcomes versus either alone in chronic depression.

Persistent Depressive Disorder Practice Test

Persistent Depressive Disorder Practice Test

Persistent Depressive Disorder Persistent Depressive Disorder Treatment & Therapeutic Interventions