Persistent Depressive Disorder Technology & Digital Applications 3

Question 1

A patient with PDD reports that using a light therapy lamp for 30 minutes each morning has improved their mood. Which neurobiological mechanism explains this benefit?

Accepted Answer

Bright light suppresses melatonin and resets circadian rhythms

Answer

Bright light therapy suppresses melatonin production and resets disrupted circadian rhythms, which are commonly dysregulated in PDD.

Question 2

Which practice is recommended when integrating a mental health app into formal PDD treatment?

Accepted Answer

Selecting apps validated by clinical research or professional organizations

Answer

Clinicians should recommend apps with evidence of clinical validation to ensure they provide safe, effective support for PDD.

Question 3

A person with PDD sets a digital 'screen time limit' on social media apps. This strategy most directly addresses which symptom?

Accepted Answer

Ruminative negative thinking amplified by passive scrolling

Answer

Limiting passive social media scrolling reduces exposure to content that fuels ruminative negative thinking, a core PDD feature.

Question 4

A clinician uses a validated e-PHQ-9 delivered via smartphone to monitor a PDD patient between appointments. What is the primary advantage of this approach?

Accepted Answer

It provides real-time symptom tracking enabling timely clinical response

Answer

Electronic ecological momentary assessment provides real-time data that allows clinicians to identify symptom worsening and intervene before the next appointment.

Question 5

Wearable devices that track heart rate variability (HRV) are being studied in PDD because low HRV correlates with what?

Accepted Answer

Reduced autonomic nervous system flexibility and emotional regulation capacity

Answer

Low HRV reflects reduced autonomic nervous system flexibility, which is associated with impaired emotional regulation seen in persistent depressive states.

Persistent Depressive Disorder Practice Test

Persistent Depressive Disorder Practice Test

Persistent Depressive Disorder Technology & Digital Applications 3