Persistent Depressive Disorder Risk Assessment & Management 2

Question 1

A patient with PDD reports passive suicidal ideation without a specific plan. Which factor most significantly elevates their risk level?

Accepted Answer

Previous suicide attempt history

Answer

A prior suicide attempt is the single strongest predictor of future suicide risk in individuals with mood disorders including PDD.

Question 2

Which structured risk assessment tool is most validated for use in patients with chronic depressive conditions like PDD?

Accepted Answer

Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)

Answer

The C-SSRS is a validated, standardized tool for assessing suicide ideation and behavior severity, widely used in mood disorder populations.

Question 3

A PDD patient's risk is described as 'chronic low-level with acute exacerbation.' What management approach best addresses this profile?

Accepted Answer

Safety planning combined with increased therapy frequency during acute phases

Answer

Safety planning addresses chronic risk while increased contact during acute phases manages episodic elevations without unnecessary hospitalization.

Question 4

Which comorbidity in a PDD patient creates the highest compounded suicide risk?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol use disorder

Answer

Alcohol use disorder disinhibits impulse control and increases lethality of suicidal acts, making it the highest-risk comorbidity with PDD.

Question 5

When conducting a risk assessment for a PDD patient, 'means restriction counseling' primarily involves:

Accepted Answer

Advising on securing or removing lethal means such as firearms and medications

Answer

Means restriction counseling focuses on reducing access to lethal methods, which is one of the most evidence-based suicide prevention interventions.

Persistent Depressive Disorder Practice Test