Persistent Depressive Disorder Professional Standards & Competencies 2

Question 1

Under DSM-5 criteria, what is the minimum duration of depressed mood required for a diagnosis of Persistent Depressive Disorder in adults?

Accepted Answer

2 years

Answer

DSM-5 requires depressed mood for most of the day, more days than not, for at least 2 years in adults.

Question 2

A clinician discovers a client with PDD is also meeting criteria for a major depressive episode. According to DSM-5, the appropriate diagnosis is:

Accepted Answer

Both PDD and MDD (double depression)

Answer

DSM-5 allows concurrent diagnosis of PDD and MDD, a presentation commonly referred to as 'double depression.'

Question 3

Which standardized tool is most commonly recommended for ongoing symptom monitoring in clients with Persistent Depressive Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)

Answer

The PHQ-9 is a validated, brief self-report measure widely recommended for tracking depressive symptom severity over time.

Question 4

What professional standard requires a clinician to inform a client about the nature of PDD, treatment options, and expected outcomes before beginning treatment?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Informed consent requires that clients receive sufficient information to make autonomous decisions about their care.

Question 5

A social worker treating a client with PDD realizes the case complexity exceeds their training. The most professionally appropriate action is to:

Accepted Answer

Seek supervision or consultation before proceeding

Answer

Ethical codes across disciplines require practitioners to seek supervision or consultation when a case exceeds their current competence.

Persistent Depressive Disorder Practice Test

Persistent Depressive Disorder Practice Test

Persistent Depressive Disorder Professional Standards & Competencies 2