Persistent Depressive Disorder Persistent Depressive Disorder 4

Question 1

What is the lifetime prevalence of Persistent Depressive Disorder in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 2–3%

Answer

Lifetime prevalence of PDD in the US is estimated at approximately 2–3% of the population.

Question 2

How does PDD typically affect social and occupational functioning compared to its symptomatic severity?

Accepted Answer

Significant impairment disproportionate to apparent symptom severity

Answer

Despite appearing less severe than MDD, PDD often causes significant functional impairment due to its chronic, unrelenting nature.

Question 3

Which finding differentiates PDD with pure dysthymic syndrome from PDD with intermittent major depressive episodes?

Accepted Answer

Pure dysthymic syndrome means full MDE criteria have never been met

Answer

The 'pure dysthymic syndrome' specifier applies when full MDE criteria have not been met during any part of the 2-year period.

Question 4

Which neurotransmitter system is most implicated in the pathophysiology of Persistent Depressive Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin and norepinephrine

Answer

Dysregulation of serotonin and norepinephrine systems is central to the neurobiological model of PDD, consistent with the efficacy of SSRIs and SNRIs.

Question 5

A patient reports feeling depressed most of the day, more days than not, for 2.5 years, with poor concentration and low self-esteem. There have been no symptom-free periods longer than 6 weeks. Which diagnosis is most consistent?

Accepted Answer

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Answer

Chronic low-grade depressed mood for over 2 years with associated PDD criteria and no prolonged remissions meets the DSM-5 criteria for PDD.

Persistent Depressive Disorder Practice Test

Persistent Depressive Disorder Practice Test

Persistent Depressive Disorder Persistent Depressive Disorder 4