Depression & Anxiety

What is the key difference between sadness and depression?

• AThere is no difference
• BSadness is a temporary emotion; depression is a persistent condition lasting weeks affecting daily functioning✓
• CDepression is caused by external events
• DSadness only occurs after loss

Answer: While sadness is a normal emotion in response to events, clinical depression is a sustained mental health condition that persists for at least 2 weeks and significantly impacts daily life.

Which of the following is a core symptom of depression according to diagnostic criteria?

• AExcessive happiness
• BPersistent low mood or loss of interest/pleasure in activities✓
• CIncreased energy levels
• DImproved concentration

Answer: Core symptoms of depression include persistent depressed mood and anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure in activities), along with symptoms like fatigue, sleep disturbance, and difficulty concentrating.

What is 'anhedonia' in the context of depression?

• AFear of leaving home
• BInability to feel pleasure in activities once enjoyed✓
• CExcessive worry about the future
• DLoss of appetite only

Answer: Anhedonia is the loss of ability to experience pleasure, so someone may lose interest in hobbies, socializing, or other activities they previously enjoyed.

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

• AFear of specific objects or situations
• BPersistent, excessive worry about multiple aspects of daily life lasting at least 6 months✓
• CAnxiety only before social situations
• DSudden onset of panic without warning

Answer: GAD involves persistent worry about various aspects of life (work, health, finances, etc.) that is difficult to control and lasts at least 6 months.

Which of the following is true about panic attacks?

• AThey indicate a serious physical health emergency
• BThey are dangerous and can cause a heart attack
• CThey feel terrifying but are not physically dangerous; symptoms peak and then subside✓
• DThey only occur in crowded places

Answer: Panic attacks involve intense anxiety symptoms that feel very frightening, but they are not physically dangerous. Symptoms typically peak within 10 minutes and gradually subside.

What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

• AShyness in all social situations
• BIntense fear of social situations where one might be judged, resulting in avoidance✓
• CDisliking parties
• DInability to make friends

Answer: Social Anxiety Disorder involves intense fear of social situations due to concern about being judged or embarrassed, leading to significant avoidance and distress.

What does OCD stand for?

• AObsessive Compulsive Obsession
• BObsessive-Compulsive Disorder✓
• CObsessive Concern Disorder
• DOrganized Compulsive Disorder

Answer: OCD stands for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, characterized by unwanted intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.

Which statement about OCD is accurate?

• APeople with OCD are just very organized
• BOCD obsessions and compulsions cause significant distress and take up considerable time✓
• COCD is a personality preference
• DOCD compulsions are always visible to others

Answer: OCD is a serious condition where obsessions and compulsions cause significant distress and can take hours daily. It's not about organization preferences.

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

• ANormal stress after a busy day
• BA condition developing after exposure to trauma, with symptoms like flashbacks, hypervigilance, and avoidance✓
• CFear of all stressful situations
• DAnxiety that lasts a few hours

Answer: PTSD develops after exposure to traumatic events and involves intrusive memories/flashbacks, avoidance, negative mood/cognition changes, and hyperarousal symptoms.

How long should depression symptoms persist before professional help should be considered?

• AAfter 2-3 days
• BAfter 2 weeks or more✓
• CAfter 6 months
• DIt's never necessary to seek help

Answer: Diagnostic criteria generally involve symptoms lasting at least 2 weeks. If someone's symptoms significantly impact their daily life, they should seek help regardless of duration.

What are physical symptoms of anxiety?

• AThey don't exist; anxiety is purely psychological
• BRacing heart, sweating, trembling, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness✓
• COnly high fever
• DOnly weight gain

Answer: Anxiety has significant physical symptoms including increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, dizziness, and gastrointestinal distress.

What is the relationship between depression and anxiety?

• AThey never occur together
• BThey often co-occur; someone can experience depression with anxiety features✓
• CAnxiety causes depression
• DDepression causes anxiety

Answer: Depression and anxiety frequently occur together. Many people experience comorbid depression and anxiety, which may require integrated treatment approaches.