Depression: Definition, Classification, Diagnosis, and Management

Question 1

Which neurotransmitter is central to depression's pathophysiology?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Glutamate

Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 2

Describe the core principles and techniques used in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for treating depression.

Accepted Answer

CBT involves identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression.

Answer

CBT primarily relies on medication to treat depression.

Answer

CBT is only conducted in one-on-one therapy sessions.

Answer

CBT is ineffective in treating severe depression.

Question 3

Describe the biopsychosocial model of depression, explaining how biological, psychological, and social factors interact to contribute to its development and persistence.

Accepted Answer

Biological, psychological, and social factors

Answer

Biological factors only

Answer

Psychological factors only

Answer

Social factors only

Question 4

What is the most prevalent type of depression?

Accepted Answer

Major depressive disorder

Answer

Dysthymia

Answer

Seasonal affective disorder

Answer

Bipolar disorder

Question 5

Which of the following symptoms is typically absent in depression?

Accepted Answer

Increased energy and activity

Answer

Persistent sadness or emptiness

Answer

Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities

Answer

Difficulty concentrating

Question 6

What is the initial treatment of choice for major depressive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Antidepressant medication

Answer

Psychotherapy

Answer

Lifestyle modifications

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Question 7

What is the most important factor in diagnosing depression?

Accepted Answer

Patient self-report of symptoms

Answer

Physical examination

Answer

Laboratory testing

Answer

Neuroimaging

Question 8

Which type of psychotherapy is specifically tailored for the treatment of depression?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Existential therapy

Answer

Client-centered therapy

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Question 9

Which psychiatric condition is the most prevalent comorbidity of depression, affecting up to 70% of individuals?

Accepted Answer

Anxiety disorders

Answer

Bipolar disorder

Answer

Substance use disorders

Answer

Comorbidities do not influence the prognosis of depression.

Question 10

Which type of depressive disorder is the most common?

Accepted Answer

Major depressive disorder

Answer

Bipolar disorder

Answer

Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)

Answer

Seasonal affective disorder

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a diagnostic criterion for major depressive disorder as defined by the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Increased self-esteem and feelings of grandiosity

Answer

Persistent feelings of sadness or loss of interest

Answer

Significant changes in weight or appetite

Answer

Excessive fatigue or loss of energy

Question 12

Which class of medication is considered a first-line pharmacological treatment for major depressive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Answer

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Answer

Antipsychotics

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a protective factor against depression?

Accepted Answer

Exposure to childhood trauma

Answer

Strong social support

Answer

Regular exercise

Answer

Healthy coping mechanisms

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a typical symptom of depression?

Accepted Answer

Weight gain

Answer

Loss of interest in pleasurable activities (anhedonia)

Answer

Fatigue

Question 15

Which symptom is NOT required for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder according to the DSM-5 criteria?

Accepted Answer

Significant weight loss or gain when not dieting

Answer

Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day

Answer

Anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure in activities)

Answer

Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

Question 16

Which of the following is the most prevalent symptom of major depressive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Sustained sadness

Answer

Heightened mood

Answer

Hallucinations

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Persistent low mood and loss of interest in activities

Answer

Elevated mood

Answer

Increased energy and activity levels

Question 18

The neurotransmitter system most consistently associated with the pathophysiology of depression and its pharmacological treatment is:

Accepted Answer

Monoamines (Serotonin, Norepinephrine, Dopamine)

Answer

Endorphin system

Answer

Glutamatergic system

Answer

GABAergic system

Question 19

Which of the following is a characteristic symptom of atypical depression?

Accepted Answer

Mood reactivity

Answer

Loss of appetite

Answer

Anhedonia

Answer

Early morning awakening

Question 20

In older adults, depression may frequently present with which of the following predominant symptom?

Accepted Answer

Pain complaints

Answer

Catatonic features

Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Delusions

Question 21

Which of the following is a first-line pharmacological treatment for moderate to severe depression and has the best side effect profile?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Answer

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Question 22

Which form of psychotherapy has the strongest evidence base for treating depression, addressing both symptoms and relapse prevention?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Interpersonal therapy (IPT)

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Motivational interviewing

Question 23

What is the most important initial step in managing the risk of suicide in patients with depression?

Accepted Answer

Directly asking patients about suicidal thoughts, plans, and intent

Answer

Prescribing antidepressants

Answer

Referring patients to a mental health professional

Question 24

Which of the following is a potential adverse effect of antidepressants, particularly SSRIs?

Accepted Answer

Sexual dysfunction

Answer

Cardiotoxicity

Answer

Hepatotoxicity

Answer

Neurotoxicity

Question 25

What is the primary purpose of psychotherapy in the management of depression?

Accepted Answer

To help patients identify, challenge, and change maladaptive or unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their depression

Answer

To prescribe medications

Answer

To provide support and validation

Question 26

Which of the following is a key component of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression?

Accepted Answer

Challenging negative thoughts and maladaptive behaviors

Answer

Free association

Answer

Dream analysis

Answer

Hypnosis

Question 27

Which of the following is a cardinal symptom of depression?

Accepted Answer

Persistent sadness and loss of interest

Answer

Insomnia

Answer

Fatigue

Question 28

As per DSM-5 criteria, how long must symptoms persist to meet the diagnostic threshold for a major depressive episode?

Accepted Answer

At least two weeks

Answer

At least three months

Answer

At least one month

Question 29

Which brain neurotransmitter has been most strongly linked to the pathophysiology of depression?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Glutamate

Answer

Dopamine

Question 30

Which class of medications is generally considered the first-line treatment for moderate-to-severe depression?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Question 31

Which of the following is a potentially life-threatening adverse effect of antidepressant medications?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin syndrome

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Hepatotoxicity

Answer

Constipation

Question 32

Which of the following is a warning sign that a person may be at imminent risk of suicide?

Accepted Answer

Hopelessness

Answer

Weight loss

Answer

Insomnia

Answer

Fatigue

Question 33

Which of the following is NOT a core diagnostic symptom of major depressive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Euphoria

Answer

Depressed mood

Answer

Anhedonia

Answer

Fatigue

Question 34

Which of the following is a well-established risk factor for developing depression?

Accepted Answer

Family history

Answer

High socioeconomic status

Answer

Adequate sleep

Answer

Regular physical activity

Question 35

Which type of psychotherapy is recommended as a first-line treatment for mild to moderate depression?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Humanistic therapy

Answer

Family therapy

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Question 36

Which of the following medications is a mood stabilizer commonly used in the treatment of bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Lithium

Answer

Alprazolam (Xanax)

Answer

Fluoxetine (Prozac)

Answer

Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

Question 37

Which of the following physical symptoms is commonly associated with depression?

Accepted Answer

Gastrointestinal problems

Answer

Neurological deficits

Answer

Cardiovascular disease

Answer

Skin rash

Question 38

Which of the following is considered a protective factor against the development of depression?

Accepted Answer

Strong social support

Answer

Childhood trauma

Answer

Genetic predisposition

Question 39

Which of the following is a potential consequence of untreated depression?

Accepted Answer

Suicide

Answer

Stroke

Answer

Cancer

Answer

Heart attack

Question 40

Which of the following is a characteristic symptom of major depressive disorder (MDD)?

Accepted Answer

Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day

Answer

Excessive worry and muscle tension

Answer

Persistent thoughts of death or worthlessness

Answer

Weight loss and increased appetite

Question 41

Which neurotransmitter is implicated in the pathophysiology of depression?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

GABA

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Glutamate

Question 42

Which of the following is a significant risk factor for developing depression?

Accepted Answer

Personal or family history of depression

Answer

High socioeconomic status

Answer

Male gender

Answer

Excellent physical health

Question 43

Which of the following is a common comorbid condition associated with depression?

Accepted Answer

Anxiety disorder

Answer

Diabetes

Answer

Hypertension

Question 44

Which of the following is a first-line pharmacological treatment option for depression?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)

Answer

Opioid

Answer

Antipsychotic

Answer

Benzodiazepine

Question 45

Which of the following is a potential adverse effect of SSRIs?

Accepted Answer

Sexual dysfunction

Answer

Hepatotoxicity

Answer

Neurotoxicity

Answer

Cardiotoxicity

Question 46

Which of the following is a non-pharmacological treatment option for depression?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Deep brain stimulation (DBS)

Answer

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Question 47

Which of the following is an essential aspect of managing depression in primary care?

Accepted Answer

Regular monitoring and follow-up to track progress and adjust treatment

Answer

Only treating patients with severe depression

Answer

Avoiding antidepressant use in favor of talk therapy alone

Answer

Prescribing medication without regular monitoring

Question 48

Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of major depressive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Euphoria

Answer

Significant weight loss or gain

Answer

Loss of interest or pleasure in activities

Answer

Fatigue or loss of energy

Question 49

Which neurotransmitter is strongly implicated in the pathophysiology of depression?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Glutamate

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

GABA

Question 50

Which of the following medication classes is commonly used as first-line treatment for depression?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Question 51

Which of the following is a key technique employed in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive reframing

Answer

Free association

Answer

Dream interpretation

Answer

Hypnosis

Question 52

Which of the following is a common indicator of treatment resistance in depression?

Accepted Answer

Failure to achieve a meaningful response to two or more adequate trials of antidepressant medication

Answer

Presence of co-occurring medical conditions

Answer

History of childhood trauma