Mood Disorders: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Question 1

Which symptom is NOT a core diagnostic criterion for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

Accepted Answer

Absence of a specific triggering event

Answer

Sustained low mood or diminished interest in activities

Answer

Changes in appetite or weight

Answer

Suicidal ideation or behavior

Question 2

Which of the following is a hallmark symptom of Major Depressive Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Loss of interest in activities

Answer

Elevated mood

Answer

Racing thoughts

Answer

Increased energy levels

Question 3

What is a key symptom of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

Accepted Answer

Feeling sad and losing interest in things you used to enjoy

Answer

Feeling very happy and energetic

Answer

Quickly switching between feeling very happy and very sad

Answer

Having false beliefs and seeing things that aren't real

Question 4

What is the first-line treatment for an acute manic episode?

Accepted Answer

Antipsychotics

Answer

Mood stabilizers

Answer

Antidepressants

Answer

Psychotherapy

Question 5

What is the primary goal of cognitive restructuring in the treatment of mood disorders?

Accepted Answer

To identify and challenge negative thoughts

Answer

To enhance self-esteem

Answer

To develop coping mechanisms for stress

Answer

To alleviate depressive symptoms directly

Question 6

Which medication class is considered a first-line treatment option for depression?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Antipsychotics

Answer

Mood stabilizers

Question 7

What is the fundamental distinction between unipolar and bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Unipolar disorder involves alternating episodes of mania and depression, while bipolar disorder involves only depression.

Answer

Unipolar disorder is more common than bipolar disorder.

Answer

Bipolar disorder typically has a later onset than unipolar disorder.

Answer

Unipolar and bipolar disorder are essentially the same condition, just with different names.

Question 8

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with mood regulation?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Glutamate

Question 9

For most individuals with MDD, what is the recommended primary treatment approach?

Accepted Answer

A combination of medication and psychotherapy

Answer

Medication alone

Answer

Psychotherapy alone

Answer

Hospitalization

Question 10

What is the term for depressive episodes that occur seasonally, typically during the fall and winter months?

Accepted Answer

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Answer

Winter blues

Answer

Major depression with seasonal pattern

Answer

Endogenous depression

Question 11

Which class of medications is frequently used to stabilize mood in bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Mood stabilizers

Answer

Antidepressants

Answer

Antipsychotics

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Question 12

What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes bipolar I disorder from bipolar II disorder, according to the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Duration of manic episodes

Answer

Severity of depressive episodes

Answer

Presence of psychotic features

Answer

Number of mood episodes

Question 13

What is the first-line treatment approach for severe major depressive episodes, as recommended by clinical guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Medication

Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy

Answer

Lifestyle modifications

Question 14

What is the main focus of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression, as described by leading mental health organizations?

Accepted Answer

Challenging negative thoughts and behaviors

Answer

Improving social skills

Answer

Developing coping mechanisms

Answer

Increasing self-esteem

Question 15

Which type of medication is commonly used as a mood stabilizer in the treatment of bipolar disorder, according to clinical practice guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Lithium

Answer

Antidepressants

Answer

Antipsychotics

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Question 16

What is the primary goal of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the treatment of depression, as per its established clinical applications?

Accepted Answer

To induce seizures that disrupt abnormal brain activity, potentially alleviating depressive symptoms

Answer

To enhance neurotransmitter release

Answer

To improve mood regulation

Answer

To reduce anxiety levels

Question 17

Which neurotransmitter reuptake inhibition is primarily responsible for the mood-elevating effects of certain antidepressants?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 18

Which of the following is a hallmark symptom of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

Accepted Answer

Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness

Answer

Elevated mood and increased energy levels

Answer

Racing thoughts and grandiose ideas

Answer

Delusions and hallucinations

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a first-line treatment option for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

Accepted Answer

Sleep deprivation

Answer

Light therapy

Answer

Antidepressants

Answer

Psychotherapy

Question 20

Differentiate between a mood episode and a mood disorder.

Accepted Answer

A mood episode is a short-term, temporary change in mood, while a mood disorder is a chronic, long-lasting condition.

Answer

A mood episode is a severe change in mood that meets specific diagnostic criteria, while a mood disorder is a milder form of mood change.

Answer

There is no distinction between a mood episode and a mood disorder.

Answer

A mood episode is always accompanied by psychotic symptoms, while a mood disorder is not.

Question 21

Which of the following is the most common comorbid condition associated with mood disorders?

Accepted Answer

Anxiety disorders

Answer

Personality disorders

Answer

Substance use disorders

Answer

Eating disorders

Question 22

Which of the following is a protective factor against the development of mood disorders?

Accepted Answer

Strong social support

Answer

High levels of chronic stress

Answer

Early exposure to traumatic events

Answer

Family history of mental illness

Question 23

What is the primary aim of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for mood disorders?

Accepted Answer

To challenge and change negative thought patterns and behaviors

Answer

To increase levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain

Answer

To provide emotional support and validation

Answer

To facilitate insight and self-awareness

Question 24

Explain the difference between psychotherapy and medication for mood disorders.

Accepted Answer

Psychotherapy focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors, while medication focuses on changing brain chemistry.

Answer

Medication is more effective than psychotherapy for all types of mood disorders.

Answer

Psychotherapy is more cost-effective than medication.

Answer

There is no difference between psychotherapy and medication.

Question 25

Which of the following is a common symptom of depression?

Accepted Answer

Persistent sadness

Answer

Increased energy levels

Answer

Enhanced concentration

Answer

Improved mood

Question 26

Which type of mood disorder is characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar I disorder

Answer

Dysthymia

Answer

Major depressive disorder

Answer

Seasonal affective disorder

Question 27

Which therapeutic approach for depression involves challenging negative thought patterns?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Answer

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Answer

Psychoanalysis

Answer

Medication Management

Question 28

Which of the following is a primary symptom of major depressive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Persistent and intense feelings of sadness or emptiness

Answer

Elevated mood and increased energy

Answer

Fluctuating thoughts and ideas

Answer

Hallucinations

Question 29

What is a hallmark characteristic of bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Alternating episodes of mania and depression

Answer

Prolonged feelings of hopelessness

Answer

Seasonal variations in depressive episodes

Answer

Delusions of grandeur

Question 30

Which of the following neurotransmitter systems has been linked to the development of depression?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Glutamate

Answer

GABA

Question 31

What is the main objective of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) when treating mood disorders?

Accepted Answer

To help individuals identify and change negative thinking patterns and behaviors

Answer

To prescribe medications to alleviate symptoms

Answer

To provide emotional support and validation

Answer

To analyze past experiences to uncover unconscious conflicts

Question 32

Which neurotransmitter system is implicated in the etiology of bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine and norepinephrine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

GABA

Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 33

What is the primary treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?

Accepted Answer

Light therapy and/or antidepressants

Answer

Medication

Answer

Psychotherapy

Question 34

Which type of mood disorder involves alternating periods of mania or hypomania and depression?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar I disorder

Answer

Cyclothymic disorder

Answer

Major depressive disorder

Answer

Dysthymia

Question 35

Which type of psychotherapy is specifically designed for bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy for bipolar disorder (CBT-BP)

Answer

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Answer

Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT)

Question 36

Bipolar disorder is distinguished by alternating periods of:

Accepted Answer

Mania or hypomania and depression

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive symptoms and anxiety

Answer

Panic attacks and flashbacks

Answer

Mood swings and irritability

Question 37

What is a primary etiological factor in seasonal affective disorder?

Accepted Answer

Reduced exposure to sunlight during winter months

Answer

Hereditary predisposition

Answer

Significant life stressors

Answer

Neurochemical imbalances

Question 38

Which factor is generally considered a protective factor against suicide risk?

Accepted Answer

Strong social support and a stable living environment

Answer

Substance abuse

Answer

History of psychiatric hospitalization

Answer

Access to firearms

Question 39

According to the DSM-5, the diagnostic criteria for a major depressive episode require experiencing:

Accepted Answer

At least five symptoms nearly every day for at least two weeks

Answer

Two symptoms for at least one week

Answer

Three symptoms for at least six months

Answer

Seven symptoms for at least one month

Question 40

Which is a symptom characteristic of hypomania?

Accepted Answer

Elevated mood with increased goal-directed activity

Answer

Delusions of grandeur or persecution

Answer

Persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness

Question 41

In which cases are antidepressants typically prescribed?

Accepted Answer

Moderate to severe depression

Answer

Psychotic disorders as a primary treatment

Answer

Mild anxiety without depressive symptoms

Question 42

What is a potential long-term consequence of untreated mood disorders?

Accepted Answer

Increased vulnerability to suicide, substance abuse, and chronic health conditions

Answer

Enhanced intellectual functioning

Answer

Improved social relationships

Answer

Positive impact on academic or occupational performance

Question 43

Mood disorders can have a profound impact on an individual's:

Accepted Answer

Mood, thoughts, behavior, and physical well-being

Answer

Behavior only

Answer

Social skills exclusively

Answer

Genetics alone