Persistent Depressive Disorder Research & Evidence-Based Practice 2

Question 1

Which rating scale is most commonly used in research studies to measure symptom severity in Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)?

Accepted Answer

Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D)

Answer

The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) is widely used in PDD research to assess symptom severity and treatment response.

Question 2

Research on PDD indicates that the condition is associated with what pattern of cortisol secretion compared to healthy controls?

Accepted Answer

Elevated basal cortisol and blunted cortisol awakening response

Answer

Studies show that individuals with PDD often exhibit elevated basal cortisol and a blunted cortisol awakening response, reflecting chronic HPA axis dysregulation.

Question 3

Evidence from longitudinal research suggests that early onset PDD (before age 21) is associated with which outcome compared to adult-onset PDD?

Accepted Answer

Greater chronicity, higher comorbidity rates, and poorer treatment response

Answer

Research consistently shows that early-onset PDD is associated with greater chronicity, higher rates of comorbid conditions, and generally poorer treatment outcomes.

Question 4

A meta-analysis of psychotherapy for PDD would most likely find which result regarding Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP)?

Accepted Answer

CBASP is more effective for chronic depression than generic CBT

Answer

CBASP was specifically designed for chronic depression and meta-analyses support its superior efficacy over generic CBT for PDD populations.

Question 5

In randomized controlled trials comparing antidepressant monotherapy to combination therapy (antidepressant + psychotherapy) for PDD, what does the evidence typically show?

Accepted Answer

Combination therapy produces superior outcomes to either treatment alone

Answer

RCTs consistently demonstrate that combining antidepressant medication with psychotherapy produces better outcomes for PDD than either treatment alone.

Persistent Depressive Disorder Practice Test

Persistent Depressive Disorder Practice Test

Persistent Depressive Disorder Research & Evidence-Based Practice 2