psychology beginner 10 sample questions

Mood Disorders MCQ Practice Test

Depression, bipolar, and emotional disruption

Q1. Which of the following is a characteristic of the depressive episode in Bipolar II Disorder?

A. The depressive episode is typically longer than the manic or hypomanic episode. ✓
B. The depressive episode is often accompanied by psychotic features.
C. The depressive episode is usually milder than the manic or hypomanic episode.
D. The depressive episode is always preceded by a manic or hypomanic episode.

Explanation: In Bipolar II Disorder, depressive episodes are typically longer and more disabling than the hypomanic episodes — and by definition Bipolar II involves hypomania only, never full mania. Depressive episodes need not include psychotic features and are not 'milder' than hypomania.

Q2. Which of the following is a characteristic of the depressive episode in Bipolar Disorder?

A. The depressive episode is typically longer than the manic episode. ✓
B. The depressive episode is often accompanied by psychotic symptoms.
C. The depressive episode is usually preceded by a clear-cut manic episode.
D. The depressive episode is characterized by a significant weight gain.

Explanation: In bipolar disorder, depressive episodes are typically longer and more frequent than manic episodes — a key contrast with unipolar depression being the history of mania or hypomania. The previously keyed option ("usually preceded by a clear-cut manic episode") is not a reliable feature, and the old explanation about "mood-incongruent" episodes was incoherent.

Q3. Which of the following is a characteristic of individuals with bipolar II disorder?

A. They experience only depressive episodes without any manic or hypomanic episodes
B. They experience at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but no full-blown manic episodes ✓
C. They experience at least one major depressive episode and at least one full-blown manic episode
D. They experience only hypomanic episodes without any depressive episodes

Explanation: Bipolar II disorder is characterized by the presence of at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but not full-blown manic episodes.

Q4. A patient with major depressive disorder is being treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Which of the following is a common side effect of SSRIs that can be used as an indicator of treatment response?

A. Increased appetite and weight gain
B. Improved sleep quality and increased sleep duration
C. Reduced appetite and weight loss ✓
D. Increased energy and reduced fatigue

Explanation: Reduced appetite and weight loss are common side effects of SSRIs, and a decrease in appetite can be an indicator of treatment response in patients with major depressive disorder.

Q5. Which of the following statements is a characteristic of a major depressive episode in individuals with Bipolar II Disorder?

A. The episode lasts at least two weeks and can cause clinically significant distress or impairment. ✓
B. The episode always requires hospitalization.
C. The episodes never involve changes in sleep, appetite or energy.
D. The episode always resolves within one week.

Explanation: A major depressive episode in Bipolar II disorder — two weeks or more of depressed mood or anhedonia with symptoms such as sleep, appetite and energy changes — can be just as severe and impairing as in Bipolar I; what distinguishes Bipolar II is the absence of full mania (hypomania instead). The old keyed option wrongly claimed these episodes never cause marked impairment.

Q6. Which of the following is a characteristic of atypical depression?

A. Increased appetite and weight gain ✓
B. Increased appetite and weight loss
C. Social withdrawal and anhedonia
D. Rapid cycling and psychotic features

Explanation: Atypical depression is a subtype of major depressive disorder characterized by increased appetite and weight gain, in addition to other symptoms such as improved mood in response to positive events and increased sensitivity to rejection.

Q7. Which of the following statements is a characteristic of atypical depression?

A. Increased appetite is a hallmark symptom of atypical depression. ✓
B. Hypersomnia is a common feature of atypical depression.
C. Weight loss is a common feature of atypical depression.
D. Social withdrawal is a common feature of atypical depression.

Explanation: Atypical depression is a subtype of major depressive disorder characterized by mood reactivity, increased appetite, and excessive sleepiness, among other symptoms.

Q8. Which of the following is a common comorbidity in individuals with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) that is associated with a poorer treatment outcome?

A. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
B. Substance Use Disorder (SUD) ✓
C. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
D. Bipolar II Disorder

Explanation: Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a common comorbidity in individuals with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and is associated with a poorer treatment outcome. This is because SUD can exacerbate depressive symptoms, reduce adherence to treatment, and increase the risk of suicidal behavior.

Q9. Which of the following is a characteristic of a depressive episode in major depressive disorder?

A. The individual experiences a significant weight gain.
B. The individual experiences a marked decrease in appetite. ✓
C. The individual experiences a significant increase in appetite.
D. The individual experiences a marked increase in sexual desire.

Explanation: A depressive episode in major depressive disorder is characterized by a persistent and profound feeling of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and marked changes in appetite, among other symptoms. A marked decrease in appetite is a common symptom of depression, whereas the other options are not typical characteristics of a depressive episode.

Q10. Which of the following is a characteristic of the depressive episode in Major Depressive Disorder that differentiates it from a normal grief reaction?

A. The depressive episode is briefer in duration than a normal grief reaction.
B. The depressive episode is less severe in intensity than a normal grief reaction.
C. The depressive episode is accompanied by significant weight loss or loss of appetite. ✓
D. The depressive episode is triggered by a significant life event.

Explanation: A key criterion for differentiating a depressive episode in Major Depressive Disorder from a normal grief reaction is the presence of significant weight loss or loss of appetite. This is because normal grief reactions are typically not accompanied by these physical symptoms.

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