Persistent Depressive Disorder Persistent Depressive Disorder MCQ 4

Question 1

A clinician notices a patient has had depressed mood for 2.5 years but also experienced a 10-week period of full euthymia. Can PDD still be diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

No, because the symptom-free period exceeded 2 months

Answer

DSM-5 excludes PDD when the patient has been symptom-free for 2 or more consecutive months during the required 2-year period.

Question 2

Which of the following medical conditions is most important to rule out when a patient presents with chronic low mood, fatigue, and cognitive slowing?

Accepted Answer

Hypothyroidism

Answer

Hypothyroidism closely mimics the presentation of PDD and must be excluded with thyroid function tests before assigning a psychiatric diagnosis.

Question 3

A patient with PDD reports that their mood briefly improves after receiving good news. What does this indicate about mood reactivity?

Accepted Answer

This suggests the atypical features specifier may apply

Answer

Mood reactivity—brightening in response to positive events—is a hallmark of atypical features, which can be a PDD specifier.

Question 4

Which of the following is a DSM-5 B-criterion symptom of Persistent Depressive Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Feelings of hopelessness

Answer

Hopelessness is one of the six B-criterion symptoms of PDD listed in DSM-5, along with poor appetite, insomnia, low energy, low self-esteem, and poor concentration.

Question 5

How does the rate of full recovery from PDD compare to that of major depressive disorder?

Accepted Answer

PDD has a lower full recovery rate and is more treatment-resistant

Answer

PDD is associated with a lower rate of full recovery, greater treatment resistance, and higher relapse rates compared to episodic MDD.

Persistent Depressive Disorder Practice Test

Persistent Depressive Disorder Practice Test

Persistent Depressive Disorder Persistent Depressive Disorder MCQ 4