Psychology Chapter: Persistent Depressive Disorder

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Questions and Answers

What is the minimum duration for which a depressed mood must be present for a diagnosis of persistent depressive disorder in adults?

6 months

1 month

2 years (correct)

1 year

Which of the following is NOT one of the symptoms that must be present during a persistent depressive disorder?

Hallucinations (correct)

Feelings of hopelessness

Low energy or fatigue

Poor appetite or overeating

How long must an individual be free from symptoms to avoid diagnosis of persistent depressive disorder?

2 months (correct)

6 months

1 month

3 months

Which of the following specifies the onset age for early onset of persistent depressive disorder?

Before age 21 years Signup and view all the answers

Which condition must be ruled out to correctly diagnose persistent depressive disorder?

Schizophrenia spectrum psychotic disorders Signup and view all the answers

What is the probability that an individual will experience a second episode of major depressive disorder in the second year following the first episode?

40% Signup and view all the answers

How many major depressive episodes are typically experienced over a lifetime according to the median findings?

4 to 7 episodes Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinguishing feature of persistent depressive disorder compared to major depressive disorder?

It remains relatively unchanged over long periods. Signup and view all the answers

Which one of the following is specifically not a diagnostic criterion for major depressive disorder according to DSM-5?

At least two depressive symptoms Signup and view all the answers

In the context of recurrent major depressive episodes, what is the median duration of these episodes?

4 to 5 months Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of individuals with major depressive disorder may experience six or more episodes over their lifetime?

25% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can be specified for episodes of major depressive disorder?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the median recurrence rate of major depressive disorder in the first year following the initial episode?

20% Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant psychological effect seen after 6 months to a year of severe grief?

Substantial increase in suicidal thoughts Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter system is associated with the strong yearning in complicated grief?

Dopamine Signup and view all the answers

How do individuals experiencing prolonged grief typically react emotionally?

Their emotions become rigid and inflexible. Signup and view all the answers

What new diagnostic category was included in the DSM-5 related to grief?

Prolonged grief disorder Signup and view all the answers

What impact does the loss of a parent have on children and young adults concerning severe depression?

It increases their vulnerability to severe depression. Signup and view all the answers

What area of the brain is active in individuals experiencing grief, related to close relationships and attachment?

Limbic system Signup and view all the answers

What is a common psychological characteristic associated with mood disorders that also predicts complications in grief recovery?

History of past depressive episodes Signup and view all the answers

What long-term effect did Queen Victoria experience after the death of Prince Albert?

Deep mourning that affected her reign Signup and view all the answers

Which type of panic attack is directly related to known triggers?

Cued panic attacks Signup and view all the answers

What behavior does the social learning theorist's choice of drink reflect?

Need for social acceptance Signup and view all the answers

Panic disorder is most associated with which type of panic attack?

Unexpected panic attacks Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does the cognitive psychologist emphasize by choosing a drink that stimulates neural pathways?

Cognitive function enhancement Signup and view all the answers

In which context would expected panic attacks most likely occur?

Upon encountering a known phobia Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant factor in Jack's chronic depression?

His history of pessimism and worrying Signup and view all the answers

What changed in Jack’s self-esteem following his major depressive episode?

It became non-existent Signup and view all the answers

How long was the longest period Jack felt 'normal' during his adult life?

4 to 5 days Signup and view all the answers

What was Jack's professional background before his major depressive episode?

He worked as a low-level clerk for 20 years. Signup and view all the answers

What consequence did Jack face due to his depression that affected his professional life?

He was fired after years of poor performance. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Jack's wife become discouraged in their marriage?

Jack's ongoing pessimism and lack of self-confidence Signup and view all the answers

What led Jack to consider suicide during his severe depressive episode?

His overwhelming exhaustion and lack of hope Signup and view all the answers

What realization did Jack come to after years of struggling with his depression?

He required professional help to overcome his depression. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) play in anxiety disorders?

It influences activation of the hypothalamic pituitary-adrenocortical axis. Signup and view all the answers

Which brain structures are primarily associated with the emotional responses in anxiety?

Limbic system and amygdala Signup and view all the answers

What genetic factor may increase the risk of panic disorders?

A specific single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in CRF receptors Signup and view all the answers

What physiological system is activated during a panic attack that relates to anxiety?

Noradrenergic system activation Signup and view all the answers

How can panic attacks be experimentally induced in healthy individuals?

Through inhalation of CO2-enriched air Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter system is indirectly affected by the CRF system in relation to anxiety?

Serotonergic system Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about genetic contributions to panic disorders?

Genetic predisposition may be influenced by family observation. Signup and view all the answers

What physiological response accompanies the emotional state of fear during panic attacks?

Increased autonomic nervous system activity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mood and Anxiety Disorders

Barlow, Durand, & Hofmann (2022), Psychopathology: An Integrative Approach to Mental Disorders is a required reading, focusing on anxiety, trauma, stressor-related, and obsessive-compulsive disorders (just the anxiety section). Chapter 7 covers mood disorders and suicide.
LeDoux (2016), Anxious: Using the Brain to Understand and Treat Fear and Anxiety, is a recommended reading, focusing on Chapter 1, "The Tangled Web of Anxiety and Fear."
DSM-5 characterizes two types of mood disorders: unipolar depression (only depressive symptoms) and bipolar disorders (involving manic symptoms). Three types of mood deviations are suggestive of a mood disorder: major depressive episodes, manic episodes, and hypomanic episodes.
Major depressive disorder (DSM-5 criteria): A persistent, low mood (or loss of pleasure) for most of the day over two weeks, along with at least four other symptoms (e.g., sleep disturbance, changes in appetite, loss of energy, etc.).
Bipolar I disorder: Experience with manic episodes (no requirement for a depressive episode though it frequently co-occurs).
Bipolar II disorder: Experience with hypomanic episodes and at least one depressive episode.
Persistent depressive disorder: A chronically depressed mood (lasting for at least two years in adults or one year in children/adolescents), accompanied by at least 2 other depressive symptoms.
Cyclothymic disorder: Characterized by numerous periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that do not qualify as full episodes.
Suicide is a serious concern associated with mood disorders. There is a higher risk for men than women, and First Nations people in Australia have significantly higher rates.
Specific phobia: Marked fear/anxiety about a specific object or situation (e.g., flying, heights, animals) that elicits immediate fear and avoidance; the fear is disproportionate to actual danger.
Social anxiety disorder: Marked fear/anxiety about social situations where scrutiny by others is possible. The individual fears negative evaluation and avoids these situations, experiencing considerable distress.
Panic disorder: Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks with persistent worry about additional attacks or their consequences.
Agoraphobia: Marked fear/anxiety of 2 or more situations (e.g., public transportation, open spaces, enclosed spaces, crowds, lines, being alone outside home). The situations are avoided because of thoughts about escape being difficult or help not readily available.
Generalized anxiety disorder: Excessive anxiety and worry (occurring more days than not for at least 6 months) about a number of events or activities. It is difficult to control the worry and associated with additional physical or behavioral symptoms.
There are other types of anxiety disorders; separation anxiety disorder, selective mutism, etc.
Psychoeducation is important in bipolar disorder treatment, it aims to give the client knowledge about the condition, relapse, symptoms and treatments.
Pharmacotherapy is important for mood disorders but it is not always the only way. Antidepressants are sometimes used for milder cases of depressive disorder but are generally not as effective as they are for severe cases.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) can be used as a last resort for severe depression in situations when other treatments have not worked.
Several therapies are helpful in treating different types of mood and anxiety disorders (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, mindfulness-based therapy).
Psychologists often consider a person's early experiences (Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACEs) as a possible factor in mood and anxiety disorders. Genetics as well as environmental factors may be influential.
Some symptoms are considered 'mixed features', in that a patient might experience symptoms of mania concurrently with depression.

Safety Planning

A safety plan is important for preventing suicide.
Risk assessment, specificity of plan, lethality of means, access to means are important considerations.
Protective factors like family and friends, activities that the person enjoys are also beneficial.

Psychological Interventions

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is frequently used and can be effective for a range of mood and anxiety disorders, including for children.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) can be helpful, and has comparable effectiveness to CBT.
Mindfulness-based interventions can be an effective treatment option.

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Test your knowledge of persistent depressive disorder with this quiz focused on its diagnosis, symptoms, and characteristics. Explore questions regarding its criteria, duration, and relation to major depressive disorder. Perfect for psychology students or those interested in mental health.