Psychology Chapter: Major Depressive Disorders

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Questions and Answers

Which symptom is NOT a criterion for a major depressive episode?

Psychotic episodes (correct)

Persistent feelings of worthlessness

Fatigue or loss of energy

Significant weight loss or gain

Which statement is true regarding the symptoms required for diagnosing a major depressive episode?

Symptoms must be solely based on subjective feelings.

Symptoms must cause clinically significant distress. (correct)

Symptoms must be present for at least two weeks.

At least one symptom must involve psychomotor agitation.

In children, which symptom should be considered for diagnosing a major depressive episode?

Persistent sadness or hopelessness

Insomnia or hypersomnia

Excessive or inappropriate guilt

Failure to make expected weight gain (correct)

What is one way to observe psychomotor agitation or retardation in individuals with major depressive episode?

Observation of their movements and behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is a necessary condition to conclude that an episode is a major depressive episode?

The episode must not be attributed to a substance or another medical condition. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes individuals with persistent depression compared to those with major depressive episodes?

They present a slower rate of improvement over time. Signup and view all the answers

What defines double depression in patients?

Having persistent depression with fewer symptoms followed by major depressive episodes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a specifier for major depressive disorder?

With premenstrual onset Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes major depressive disorder from other psychotic disorders?

At least one major depressive episode must occur. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of episode must a patient have to meet the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder?

One or more major depressive episodes. Signup and view all the answers

Which feature indicates more severe depression in patients?

Higher rates of comorbidity with other disorders. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about the specifiers of major depressive disorder?

Some apply to both major depressive and persistent depressive disorders. Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary feature of psychotic features specifier in major depressive disorder?

Involvement of hallucinations and delusions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of major depressive disorder?

Presence of depression without manic or hypomanic episodes Signup and view all the answers

How is persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) differentiated from major depressive disorder?

It features a relatively unchanged depressed mood lasting for years Signup and view all the answers

What duration must symptoms persist to qualify for persistent depressive disorder?

At least 2 years Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding a major depressive episode?

It must not be accompanied by any prior manic episodes Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes a recurrent major depressive disorder?

Two or more major depressive episodes with a minimum gap of two months Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum duration of symptoms for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder?

At least 2 weeks Signup and view all the answers

In which condition might a full manic episode occur during antidepressant treatment?

Bipolar I disorder Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following descriptions best describes mood disturbances in individuals with bipolar I disorder?

Sufficiently severe impairments requiring hospitalization or presenting psychotic features Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Major Depressive Episode Criteria

Depressed mood for most of the day, nearly every day, characterized by sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness.
Markedly decreased interest or pleasure in most activities.
Significant weight loss or gain, or appetite changes.
Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day.
Psychomotor agitation or retardation, observable by others.
Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day.
Feelings of worthlessness, excessive guilt, or suicidal thoughts.
Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness.
Symptoms cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning.
Symptoms are not attributable to the effects of a substance or another medical condition.

Major Depressive Disorder Criteria

At least one major depressive episode (as defined by criteria for a major depressive episode).
Not better explained by schizoaffective disorder.
No history of manic or hypomanic episodes, unless substance-induced or related to another medical condition.

Types of Depressive Disorders

Major Depressive Disorder: Characterized by the presence of depression without manic or hypomanic episodes.
- Recurrent Major Depressive Disorder: Two or more major depressive episodes separated by at least two months without depression.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): Characterized by a depressed mood persisting for at least two years with fewer symptoms than major depressive disorder.
- Individuals may not experience all of the symptoms of a major depressive episode, but the depression remains relatively unchanged over long periods.

Specifiers for Depressive Disorders

Psychotic Features: Hallucinations and delusions during major depressive or manic episodes.
Severity: Mild, moderate, or severe.
Other Specifiers:
- With anxious distress
- With mixed features
- With melancholic features
- With atypical features
- With mood-congruent psychotic features
- With mood-incongruent psychotic features
- With catatonia
- With peripartum onset
- With seasonal pattern (recurrent episode only)
- In partial remission
- In full remission

Double Depression

Individuals with both major depressive episodes and persistent depression with fewer symptoms.
Typically, milder depressive symptoms develop first, followed by one or more major depressive episodes.
After a major depressive episode, individuals may revert to the underlying pattern of depression.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the criteria for Major Depressive Episodes and Major Depressive Disorder. This quiz covers essential symptoms and characteristics, helping you understand the complexities of depression in psychology. It is vital for students studying mental health and psychological disorders.