Persistent Depressive Disorder General 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is NOT one of the six criterion B symptoms for Persistent Depressive Disorder in the DSM-5?
- Low self-esteem
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Recurrent thoughts of death (Correct answer)
- Poor concentration
Correct answer: Recurrent thoughts of death
Recurrent thoughts of death are a criterion A symptom of Major Depressive Episode, not one of the six PDD criterion B symptoms.
Question 2: A clinician is evaluating a 10-year-old child for possible PDD. How is the duration criterion modified for children and adolescents?
- The duration remains 2 years, same as adults
- Duration is reduced to 6 months
- Duration is reduced to 1 year (Correct answer)
- Duration is extended to 3 years
Correct answer: Duration is reduced to 1 year
In children and adolescents, the DSM-5 requires only 1 year of depressed or irritable mood rather than the 2 years required for adults.
Question 3: Which comorbid condition is most commonly found alongside Persistent Depressive Disorder?
- Schizophrenia
- Anxiety disorders (Correct answer)
- Bipolar I Disorder
- Antisocial Personality Disorder
Correct answer: Anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders are the most common comorbidity with PDD, occurring in the majority of affected individuals.
Question 4: What is the approximate lifetime prevalence of Persistent Depressive Disorder in the United States?
- 0.5%
- 2.5% (Correct answer)
- 6%
- 12%
Correct answer: 2.5%
The lifetime prevalence of PDD (including dysthymia) in the US is approximately 2.5% in community samples.
Question 5: A patient with PDD who has never met criteria for a Major Depressive Episode would receive which specifier?
- With intermittent major depressive episodes, without current episode
- With persistent major depressive episode
- With pure dysthymic syndrome (Correct answer)
- With anxious distress
Correct answer: With pure dysthymic syndrome
'With pure dysthymic syndrome' is the specifier for PDD when full MDE criteria have never been met during the disorder's course.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes the typical onset pattern of Persistent Depressive Disorder?
- Sudden onset following a clear precipitant
- Gradual insidious onset, often in childhood or adolescence (Correct answer)
- Onset exclusively in late adulthood
- Onset immediately following a manic episode
Correct answer: Gradual insidious onset, often in childhood or adolescence
PDD typically has a gradual, insidious onset that often begins in childhood or adolescence, making it feel ego-syntonic to many patients.
Question 7: Which of the following exclusions is required before diagnosing Persistent Depressive Disorder?
- The symptoms must not be better explained by a hypomanic episode
- There must have been at least one prior Major Depressive Episode
- The symptoms must not be attributable to a substance or medical condition (Correct answer)
- The patient must have failed a trial of antidepressants
Correct answer: The symptoms must not be attributable to a substance or medical condition
DSM-5 requires ruling out substance use or a general medical condition as the cause of the depressive symptoms before diagnosing PDD.
Persistent Depressive Disorder General 3
Which of the following is NOT one of the six criterion B symptoms for Persistent Depressive Disorder in the DSM-5?