Mood Disorders: A Comprehensive Guide for Medical Students

Question 1

According to the DSM-5, which of these is a key diagnostic criterion for Major Depressive Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Loss of interest in enjoyable activities

Answer

Elevated mood for over two weeks

Answer

Hallucinations or delusions

Answer

Increased energy and reduced sleep need

Question 2

What is the primary characteristic of the classic symptoms of mania in bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Extreme mood elevation or irritability

Answer

Elevated mood

Answer

Flight of ideas

Answer

Increased energy

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter system is primarily implicated in the development of mood disorders when disrupted?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Glutamate

Question 4

Which of the following is a core symptom of a major depressive episode?

Accepted Answer

Persistent low mood and loss of interest

Answer

Elevated mood and increased energy

Answer

Delusions of grandeur and hallucinations

Answer

Marked irritability and aggression

Question 5

Which of the following is a defining characteristic that differentiates bipolar II disorder from bipolar I disorder?

Accepted Answer

The presence of hypomanic episodes only

Answer

The absence of psychotic features

Answer

The presence of rapid cycling

Answer

The younger age of onset

Question 6

Which psychotherapy has been proven most effective in preventing relapse in patients with mood disorders?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Answer

Interpersonal Therapy

Answer

Psychodynamic Therapy

Answer

Client-Centered Therapy

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT typically considered a symptom of mania?

Accepted Answer

Increased need for sleep

Answer

Elevated mood

Answer

Racing thoughts

Answer

Increased irritability

Question 8

What is the primary pharmacological treatment for bipolar I disorder?

Accepted Answer

Mood stabilizers

Answer

Antidepressants

Answer

Anticonvulsants

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Question 9

What is the fundamental goal of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for mood disorders?

Accepted Answer

To challenge and change negative thoughts and behaviors

Answer

To improve self-esteem

Answer

To develop coping mechanisms

Answer

To enhance social functioning

Question 10

Which of the following is not a diagnostic criterion for major depressive disorder (MDD)?

Accepted Answer

Normal sleep pattern without insomnia or hypersomnia

Answer

Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day

Answer

Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in most activities

Answer

Significant weight loss or gain (unintentional)

Question 11

What is a defining characteristic of bipolar I disorder?

Accepted Answer

Manic episodes lasting at least one week

Answer

Hypomanic episodes lasting at least four days

Answer

Depressive episodes lasting at least six months

Answer

Rapid cycling between mania and depression

Question 12

Which medication class is typically recommended as first-line treatment for moderate to severe depressive disorders?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Answer

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Answer

Atypical antipsychotics

Question 13

What is the primary focus of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for mood disorders?

Accepted Answer

Identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors

Answer

Improving coping mechanisms

Answer

Enhancing interpersonal skills

Answer

Managing medication side effects

Question 14

What is the name of the scale used to assess the severity of manic symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Hamilton Rating Scale for Manic Symptoms (HAM-M)

Answer

Beck Depression Inventory-II

Answer

Mood Disorder Questionnaire

Answer

Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5

Question 15

Which of the following is not a typical symptom of postpartum depression?

Accepted Answer

Increased energy and motivation

Answer

Persistent sadness or anxiety

Answer

Fatigue and difficulty sleeping

Answer

Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

Question 16

What is the most important consideration when developing a treatment plan for a patient with a mood disorder?

Accepted Answer

The patient's values, preferences, and goals

Answer

The severity of the symptoms

Answer

The diagnosis

Answer

The patient's insurance coverage

Question 17

Which of the following factors is known to increase the risk of developing mood disorders?

Accepted Answer

Experiencing traumatic events in childhood

Accepted Answer

Having a family history of mood disorders

Answer

Consuming excessive amounts of caffeine

Answer

Participating in regular physical activity

Question 18

Which type of mood disorder is characterized by alternating periods of elevated or irritable mood with periods of depression?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar I disorder

Answer

Unipolar depression

Answer

Cyclothymic disorder

Answer

Dysthymia

Question 19

In the treatment of acute bipolar depression, what is considered the recommended first-line approach?

Accepted Answer

A combination of antidepressant and mood stabilizer medications

Answer

Antidepressant medication alone

Answer

Mood stabilizer medication alone

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy

Question 20

Which neurotransmitter system is most strongly implicated in the pathophysiology of mood disorders?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

GABA

Answer

Glutamate

Question 21

Which type of mood disorder is the most prevalent in the adult population?

Accepted Answer

Major depressive disorder

Answer

Bipolar disorder

Answer

Dysthymia

Answer

Cyclothymic disorder

Question 22

What is the key difference between unipolar and bipolar mood disorders?

Accepted Answer

Unipolar disorders involve only depressive episodes, while bipolar disorders involve both depressive and manic episodes.

Answer

Unipolar disorders are more common than bipolar disorders.

Answer

Unipolar disorders are generally less severe than bipolar disorders.

Question 23

Which of the following is a cardinal symptom of major depressive disorder as per the DSM-5 criteria?

Accepted Answer

Persistent depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day

Answer

Elevated mood

Answer

Increased energy

Answer

Racing thoughts

Question 24

What is the cornerstone of treatment for bipolar I disorder?

Accepted Answer

Mood stabilizer, such as lithium or valproate

Answer

Benzodiazepine

Answer

Antidepressant

Answer

Antipsychotic

Question 25

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

Accepted Answer

A personal history of depression

Answer

Male gender

Answer

Low socioeconomic status

Answer

Advanced maternal age

Question 26

What is a frequent differential diagnosis for bipolar II disorder that may lead to misdiagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Borderline personality disorder

Answer

Schizophrenia

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Question 27

Among the following, which symptom is considered a hallmark of the cognitive triad of depression?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty concentrating

Answer

Agitation

Answer

Increased appetite

Answer

Insomnia

Question 28

What is the most prevalent mood disorder, affecting a substantial portion of the population?

Accepted Answer

Major depressive disorder

Answer

Bipolar I disorder

Answer

Bipolar II disorder

Answer

Cyclothymic disorder

Question 29

Which of the following characteristics defines cyclothymic disorder according to the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Numerous periods of both hypomania and depression that do not meet the full criteria for a major depressive or manic episode

Answer

Severe mood swings

Answer

Psychotic features

Answer

Catatonia

Question 30

In the treatment of dysthymia, which class of medication is typically employed?

Accepted Answer

Antidepressant

Answer

Mood stabilizer

Answer

Antipsychotic

Answer

Benzodiazepine

Question 31

What is considered the overarching objective of treatment for mood disorders?

Accepted Answer

To alleviate symptoms and improve overall functioning

Answer

To eliminate all negative thoughts and emotions

Answer

To prevent relapse

Answer

To cure the disorder completely

Question 32

In the management of bipolar disorder, which treatment option has the strongest evidence base for preventing future episodes?

Accepted Answer

Lithium maintenance

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Antidepressant medication

Question 33

Which subtype of bipolar disorder encompasses episodes of elevated mood (mania) and depressive episodes?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar I disorder

Answer

Cyclothymia

Answer

Bipolar II disorder

Answer

Dysthymia

Question 34

What is a frequently occurring cognitive symptom of depressive disorders?

Accepted Answer

Negative self-evaluation

Answer

Disorganized thinking

Answer

Delusions

Answer

Hallucinations

Question 35

What is the central goal of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for mood disorders?

Accepted Answer

To identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors

Answer

To prescribe medication

Answer

To provide emotional support

Question 36

Which of the following characterizes dysthymia?

Accepted Answer

A persistent, low-grade depressive state

Answer

Episodic mood swings between mania and depression

Answer

Psychotic features

Answer

Severe impairment in daily functioning

Question 37

What is a cornerstone in the prevention of mood disorders?

Accepted Answer

Early detection and timely intervention

Answer

Medication alone

Answer

Genetic screening

Answer

Lifestyle modifications alone

Question 38

What is a key goal of psychotherapy in the treatment of mood disorders?

Accepted Answer

To help patients modify maladaptive thoughts and behaviors

Answer

To offer unconditional support and reassurance

Answer

To provide ongoing medication management

Question 39

Which of the following is a risk factor for suicide in individuals with mood disorders?

Accepted Answer

Previous suicide attempts

Answer

High levels of self-esteem

Answer

Strong social support network

Answer

Current employment

Question 40

What is the recommended minimum duration of antidepressant medication treatment for major depressive disorder after the resolution of symptoms?

Accepted Answer

6 months

Answer

1 month

Answer

Indefinite

Answer

Until the patient feels better

Question 41

Which of the following is a potential physical health consequence of untreated bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Cardiovascular disease

Answer

Enhanced pain tolerance

Answer

Reduced risk of obesity

Answer

Improved immune function

Question 42

What is the type of bipolar disorder characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar I disorder

Answer

Rapid cycling bipolar disorder

Answer

Bipolar II disorder

Answer

Cyclothymic disorder

Question 43

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of a manic episode?

Accepted Answer

Persistent sadness

Answer

Racing thoughts

Answer

Grandiose delusions

Answer

Decreased need for sleep

Question 44

Identify the hallmark symptom of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD):

Accepted Answer

Prolonged feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness

Answer

Auditory hallucinations

Answer

Elevated mood and increased energy

Answer

Delusions of grandeur

Question 45

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

Accepted Answer

Bipolar disorder

Answer

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Answer

Persistent depressive disorder (Dysthymia)

Question 46

Which neurotransmitter deficiency is primarily implicated in the pathophysiology of MDD?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Glutamate

Answer

GABA

Answer

Dopamine

Question 47

Select the first-line pharmacological treatment for MDD:

Accepted Answer

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Antipsychotics

Answer

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

Answer

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Question 48

What is the rationale for using Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) in the treatment of severe MDD?

Accepted Answer

Rapidly alters neurotransmitter levels in the brain

Answer

Is highly effective for all types of mood disorders

Answer

Has minimal side effects

Question 49

Which of the following is NOT a known risk factor for developing mood disorders?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle

Answer

Experiencing traumatic events

Answer

Substance use

Answer

Family history of mood disorders

Question 50

What is the primary objective of psychotherapy for mood disorders?

Accepted Answer

To provide coping mechanisms and improve mood regulation

Answer

To reshape the patient's personality

Answer

To eliminate all symptoms of the disorder

Question 51

Why is it important to closely monitor patients taking antidepressants?

Accepted Answer

To assess treatment response and monitor for potential side effects

Answer

To ensure adherence to the medication regimen

Answer

To prevent drug interactions

Answer

To establish a strong therapeutic relationship