Depression and Other Mood Disorders Practice Exam Quiz

Depression and Other Mood Disorders Practice Exam Quiz

Mental health professionals, students, and trainees can benefit immensely from immersive, practical assessments—and the Depression and Other Mood Disorders Practice Exam Quiz is designed precisely for that. Whether you’re preparing for licensing exams, reinforcing your coursework, or sharpening your clinical understanding, this quiz offers an interactive bridge between theoretical knowledge and real-life application.

Mood disorders are nuanced, often involving overlapping symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and treatment approaches. This practice exam helps you confidently distinguish between depression, bipolar disorders, dysthymia, cyclothymia, seasonal affective disorder, and other related conditions. Each question sets a realistic clinical tone, prompting you to interpret symptoms, time frames, intensity, and functional impact.

Key areas covered in the Depression and Other Mood Disorders Practice Exam Quiz include:

• Differentiating major depressive episodes from persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)
• Recognizing the hallmarks of bipolar I vs. bipolar II disorders, including manic, hypomanic, and mixed episodes
• Identifying symptoms and triggers of seasonal affective disorder and mood disturbances related to medical or substance-induced causes
• Applying correct criteria for mood disorder subtypes and specifiers like melancholic, psychotic, or atypical features
• Understanding diagnostic thresholds versus subclinical presentations

What makes this tool truly effective is its complementary format of practice quiz questions paired with clear, application-driven explanations for each correct answer. These justifications are crafted to deepen your clinical reasoning—highlighting key diagnostic distinctions, symptom patterns, and clinical judgment strategies that reflect real-world diagnostic work.

Whether you’re studying for exams such as counseling licensure, psychology curricula, or continuing education, this quiz helps you:

• Reinforce diagnostic frameworks for major mood disorders
• Enhance clinical insight through scenario-based learning
• Build precision in recognizing and interpreting diagnostic features
• Strengthen retention by linking explanations with applied reasoning

This resource is equally valuable for clinicians honing their diagnostic skills, educators evaluating understanding, or students seeking clarity in a challenging topic. By presenting realistic clinical vignettes instead of memorization-only formats, the Depression and Other Mood Disorders Practice Exam Quiz turns abstract knowledge into reliable clinical application.

Engagement with this quiz invites you to better understand patient presentations with nuance and confidence—whether in academic settings, supervision, or real-world clinical practice. You’ll emerge with greater clarity, sharper clinical insight, and improved preparedness for diagnostic assessments.

FAQs

What disorders does the Depression and Other Mood Disorders Practice Exam Quiz cover?
It covers major depressive disorder, dysthymia, bipolar I & II, seasonal affective disorder, and related mood disturbance subtypes.

Who should use this practice exam quiz?
This tool is ideal for mental health trainees, psychology students, licensure candidates, or professionals refining diagnostic skills.

Are detailed explanations provided with answers?
Yes. Each answer includes insightful, rationale-driven explanations grounded in diagnostic reasoning—not just recall of criteria.

Does this quiz use real-life style scenarios?
Absolutely. It presents clinical vignettes to encourage contextual understanding rather than rote memorization.

How will this help in clinical or exam settings?
By reinforcing diagnostic accuracy and improving pattern recognition, this quiz enhances your preparedness for exams and real-world clinical judgment.

Questions

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of major depressive disorder (MDD)?

Depressed mood most of the day
B. Increased energy levels
C. Feelings of worthlessness
D. Diminished ability to concentrate

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) is characterized by a depressed mood lasting for at least:

6 months
B. 1 year
C. 2 years
D. 5 years

Which neurotransmitter imbalance is most commonly associated with depression?

Dopamine
B. Serotonin
C. Acetylcholine
D. Glutamate

A manic episode is characterized by all the following EXCEPT:

Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
B. Increased need for sleep
C. Excessive involvement in risky activities
D. Pressured speech

What is the primary distinction between Bipolar I and Bipolar II disorder?

Presence of major depressive episodes
B. Severity of mania
C. Frequency of mood swings
D. Duration of mood episodes

Cyclothymic disorder involves:

Alternating periods of mild depression and hypomania
B. Severe manic episodes without depression
C. Chronic severe depression
D. Rapid cycling between mania and depression

Which of the following medications is commonly prescribed for Bipolar Disorder?

Lithium
B. Fluoxetine
C. Bupropion
D. Buspirone

The term “double depression” refers to:

Co-occurrence of depression and anxiety
B. Persistent depressive disorder with superimposed major depressive episodes
C. A severe form of bipolar disorder
D. Depression that occurs twice in a lifetime

Which therapy is most evidence-based for treating depression?

Psychoanalysis
B. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
C. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
D. Gestalt therapy

A common side effect of SSRIs is:

Weight loss
B. Sexual dysfunction
C. Hypertension
D. Hyperactivity

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is primarily associated with:

Stressful life events
B. Changes in daylight exposure
C. Vitamin D deficiency
D. Hormonal imbalances

Which of the following is a hallmark of melancholic depression?

Overeating and hypersomnia
B. Lack of pleasure in all or almost all activities
C. Mood reactivity
D. Sensitivity to interpersonal rejection

Which brain structure is most associated with emotional regulation and mood disorders?

Hippocampus
B. Amygdala
C. Cerebellum
D. Occipital lobe

Postpartum depression typically occurs within how many weeks after childbirth?

2 weeks
B. 4 weeks
C. 6 weeks
D. 12 weeks

Which of the following is a risk factor for depression?

Low socioeconomic status
B. High educational attainment
C. Active social life
D. Regular physical activity

The difference between hypomania and mania is that hypomania:

Involves delusions or hallucinations
B. Lasts for less than 24 hours
C. Does not significantly impair social or occupational functioning
D. Is less frequent than mania

Which symptom is specific to atypical depression?

Weight loss
B. Insomnia
C. Mood reactivity
D. Psychomotor agitation

A common behavioral therapy technique for depression involves:

Exposure therapy
B. Behavioral activation
C. Thought suppression
D. Cognitive dissonance

Which of the following best describes dysthymia?

Severe, acute depression
B. Chronic, mild depression
C. Alternating periods of mania and depression
D. A psychotic form of depression

What is the primary goal of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

Cure mood disorders permanently
B. Reset neurotransmitter levels
C. Induce long-term memory loss
D. Provide rapid symptom relief for severe depression

Which is a core symptom of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)?

Excessive exercise
B. Emotional lability
C. Hyperactivity
D. Significant weight gain

Rapid cycling in Bipolar Disorder is defined as:

Four or more mood episodes in a year
B. Switching moods within a week
C. Alternating moods daily
D. Cycling between mania and depression every month

Which of the following is a protective factor against depression?

Poor sleep hygiene
B. Strong social support network
C. Sedentary lifestyle
D. Chronic medical illness

Which antidepressant class has the highest risk of hypertensive crisis when combined with tyramine-rich foods?

SSRIs
B. MAOIs
C. Tricyclic antidepressants
D. SNRIs

Psychotic features in depression include all EXCEPT:

Hallucinations
B. Delusions
C. Catatonia
D. Hyperactivity

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

Significant weight loss or gain
B. Psychomotor agitation or retardation
C. Chronic physical pain without a known cause
D. Recurrent thoughts of death

What is the term for a less severe but chronic form of depression?

Cyclothymia
B. Persistent Depressive Disorder
C. Seasonal Affective Disorder
D. Situational Depression

Depression with psychotic features often involves:

Flashbacks
B. Auditory hallucinations
C. Panic attacks
D. Compulsions

Which of the following best describes “anhedonia”?

A fear of social situations
B. A lack of pleasure in activities
C. Excessive worry about future events
D. Inability to concentrate

Which hormone is most commonly associated with mood regulation and depression?

Cortisol
B. Oxytocin
C. Estrogen
D. Insulin

In Bipolar II Disorder, hypomanic episodes are characterized by:

Severe impairment in social functioning
B. Episodes lasting at least 7 days
C. Elevated mood that is less severe than mania
D. Full psychotic features

The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is used to:

Diagnose bipolar disorder
B. Assess the severity of depression
C. Identify psychotic symptoms
D. Evaluate social phobia

Which therapy focuses on improving interpersonal relationships to alleviate depression?

Behavioral therapy
B. Psychoanalysis
C. Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
D. Cognitive restructuring

What distinguishes bipolar disorder with mixed features?

Presence of anxiety symptoms during manic episodes
B. Simultaneous symptoms of mania and depression
C. Rapid transitions between mood states
D. Psychotic symptoms in depressive episodes

Which of the following medications is primarily used to treat treatment-resistant depression?

Aripiprazole
B. Ketamine
C. Valproate
D. Lurasidone

What is the primary treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

Light therapy
B. Electroconvulsive therapy
C. Antipsychotic medication
D. Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Which population has the highest risk for suicide associated with depression?

Adolescents
B. Middle-aged men
C. Older adults
D. Pregnant women

Which specifier for major depressive disorder includes symptoms of immobility and rigidity?

Catatonic features
B. Melancholic features
C. Atypical features
D. Psychotic features

The “kindling hypothesis” in mood disorders suggests that:

Genetic predisposition plays no role in mood disorders
B. Stressful events can trigger depressive episodes over time
C. Medication response improves with repeated use
D. Mood disorders occur randomly

A hallmark of hypomania is:

Psychosis
B. Full impairment in daily functioning
C. Elevated mood lasting at least 4 days
D. Complete lack of insight

Which is a common symptom of atypical depression?

Excessive guilt
B. Weight gain and increased appetite
C. Insomnia
D. Loss of energy

Which of the following is NOT commonly associated with postpartum depression?

Intrusive thoughts of harming the baby
B. Excessive crying
C. Persistent joy and energy
D. Guilt about being a “bad parent”

Which therapy has shown the most evidence for effectiveness in preventing relapse in mood disorders?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
B. Psychoeducation
C. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
D. Hypnosis

A person experiencing rapid cycling in bipolar disorder will have:

Frequent mood swings without specific time criteria
B. At least 4 mood episodes per year
C. Episodes lasting less than 24 hours
D. Full recovery between episodes

Which is an example of an MAOI used in treating depression?

Fluoxetine
B. Phenelzine
C. Venlafaxine
D. Sertraline

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria for mania include all EXCEPT:

Distractibility
B. Increased goal-directed activity
C. Low self-esteem
D. Flight of ideas

What is the gold standard for diagnosing bipolar disorder?

Blood tests for neurotransmitter levels
B. Clinical interview and history
C. EEG findings
D. Psychological questionnaires

The primary purpose of mood stabilizers in bipolar disorder is to:

Reduce depressive episodes
B. Prevent the onset of manic and depressive episodes
C. Improve social functioning
D. Enhance sleep quality

In mood disorders, “rumination” refers to:

Avoidance of negative emotions
B. Repetitive focus on negative thoughts
C. Excessive physical activity
D. An inability to sleep

Which antidepressant is often used as a first-line treatment for depression in adolescents?

Sertraline
B. Amitriptyline
C. Bupropion
D. Escitalopram

Which brain region is most commonly implicated in depression due to its role in regulating mood?

Amygdala
B. Hippocampus
C. Prefrontal cortex
D. Hypothalamus

What type of depression is triggered by the change in seasons, typically during fall or winter?

Postpartum depression
B. Situational depression
C. Seasonal affective disorder
D. Psychotic depression

Which class of antidepressants works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain?

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
B. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
C. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
D. Atypical antipsychotics

A person with depression who experiences periods of elevated mood lasting a few days but without full mania might be diagnosed with:

Bipolar I disorder
B. Bipolar II disorder
C. Cyclothymia
D. Persistent depressive disorder

Which neurotransmitter is most commonly associated with feelings of pleasure and reward?

Serotonin
B. Dopamine
C. Norepinephrine
D. GABA

Which type of psychotherapy is most evidence-based for treating depression?

Hypnotherapy
B. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
C. Existential therapy
D. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Which symptom is required for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder?

Hallucinations
B. A history of trauma
C. Depressed mood or loss of interest/pleasure
D. Chronic anxiety

The “monoamine hypothesis” of depression suggests that depression results from:

Overactivity of the amygdala
B. Low levels of certain neurotransmitters
C. High cortisol levels
D. Structural abnormalities in the hippocampus

What is a primary risk factor for postpartum depression?

Increased age
B. Lack of social support
C. High socioeconomic status
D. Previous history of anxiety

Which medication is considered a first-line treatment for acute mania in bipolar disorder?

Lithium
B. Fluoxetine
C. Sertraline
D. Amitriptyline

Which of the following is a symptom of psychotic depression?

Hallucinations or delusions
B. Excessive energy
C. Compulsive behaviors
D. Mood swings

What is the recommended first step in managing suicidal thoughts in a patient with depression?

Immediate hospitalization
B. Initiating antidepressant therapy
C. Conducting a risk assessment
D. Referring to group therapy

Which type of bipolar disorder is associated with severe manic episodes?

Bipolar I disorder
B. Bipolar II disorder
C. Cyclothymic disorder
D. Unspecified bipolar disorder

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is most often used for:

Chronic anxiety disorders
B. Severe, treatment-resistant depression
C. Mild depressive episodes
D. Social phobia

Which test is commonly used to assess mood disorders in children?

PHQ-9
B. CDI (Children’s Depression Inventory)
C. Beck Anxiety Inventory
D. Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale

The term “double depression” refers to:

Co-occurring depression and anxiety
B. Persistent depressive disorder with major depressive episodes
C. Two depressive episodes within six months
D. Depression and mania occurring simultaneously

Which of the following is a characteristic of melancholic depression?

Increased appetite
B. Worsening symptoms in the morning
C. Overactivity
D. Mood improvement with positive events

Antidepressants are typically contraindicated in which condition without mood stabilizers?

Anxiety disorders
B. Bipolar disorder
C. Persistent depressive disorder
D. Situational depression

Which neurotransmitter is thought to play a role in the regulation of sleep and appetite in depression?

Dopamine
B. Norepinephrine
C. Serotonin
D. Acetylcholine

Which feature is characteristic of rapid cycling bipolar disorder?

Long periods of mood stability
B. Frequent, short depressive episodes only
C. Four or more mood episodes within a year
D. Mood swings exclusively triggered by external events

Which is an atypical feature of depression?

Insomnia
B. Increased appetite
C. Anhedonia
D. Early morning awakening

A patient with depression reports hearing voices telling them they are worthless. What diagnosis should be considered?

Psychotic depression
B. Persistent depressive disorder
C. Seasonal affective disorder
D. Situational depression

The term “euthymic mood” refers to:

Severe depression
B. A normal, stable mood
C. Elevated mood states
D. Mixed mood episodes

In mood disorders, what is the primary goal of cognitive restructuring?

Alter behavioral patterns
B. Identify and challenge negative thought patterns
C. Improve social functioning
D. Enhance physical fitness

Which demographic is at the highest risk of developing mood disorders?

Elderly males
B. Young adult females
C. Adolescent males
D. Middle-aged women

Which hormone is often associated with increased stress and may exacerbate symptoms of depression?

Dopamine
B. Cortisol
C. Serotonin
D. Oxytocin

A patient with atypical depression is most likely to exhibit which of the following symptoms?

Early morning awakening
B. Increased appetite and weight gain
C. Loss of appetite and weight loss
D. Lack of reactivity to positive events

Which mood disorder involves alternating periods of hypomania and mild depression over a two-year period?

Bipolar I disorder
B. Bipolar II disorder
C. Cyclothymic disorder
D. Persistent depressive disorder

Which medication is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) commonly used to treat depression?

Bupropion
B. Fluoxetine
C. Amitriptyline
D. Mirtazapine

What is the primary mechanism of action for tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)?

Blocking serotonin reuptake
B. Inhibiting norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake
C. Modulating dopamine release
D. Increasing GABA activity

Which population is at the highest risk for suicide among those with major depressive disorder?

Adolescents
B. Middle-aged adults
C. Elderly males
D. Pregnant women

Which of the following symptoms is least characteristic of manic episodes in bipolar disorder?

Increased self-esteem
B. Decreased need for sleep
C. Slowed thinking
D. Engaging in risky activities

Which therapy focuses on identifying distorted thinking patterns to improve mood and behavior in depressed patients?

Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
B. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
C. Psychoanalysis
D. Exposure therapy

Which symptom is common in persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)?

Psychotic features
B. Long-term low-level depression
C. Alternating manic and depressive episodes
D. Acute, severe depressive episodes

A patient experiencing postpartum depression might most benefit from:

Antipsychotic medication
B. Hormonal therapy and social support
C. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) only
D. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

What is the minimum duration of depressive symptoms required for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder?

One week
B. Two weeks
C. One month
D. Six months

Which disorder is characterized by alternating severe depression and hypomanic episodes without full-blown mania?

Bipolar I disorder
B. Bipolar II disorder
C. Seasonal affective disorder
D. Psychotic depression

Which class of drugs is commonly prescribed for anxiety but is not used as a first-line treatment for depression?

Benzodiazepines
B. SSRIs
C. SNRIs
D. TCAs

Which term describes a mood episode involving symptoms of both mania and depression?

Mixed features episode
B. Cyclothymia
C. Rapid cycling
D. Atypical depression

Which neurotransmitter imbalance is most associated with manic episodes?

Decreased GABA
B. Increased dopamine
C. Reduced serotonin
D. Elevated acetylcholine

Which treatment is considered most effective for depression with psychotic features?

SSRI monotherapy
B. Antidepressants combined with antipsychotics
C. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
D. Light therapy

A patient reports feeling overly energetic, talking excessively, and spending money recklessly for several days. Which diagnosis is most likely?

Cyclothymic disorder
B. Bipolar I disorder
C. Bipolar II disorder
D. Persistent depressive disorder

Which of the following is a somatic symptom of depression?

Low self-esteem
B. Insomnia or hypersomnia
C. Feelings of worthlessness
D. Loss of interest in activities

Which intervention is most appropriate for patients with treatment-resistant depression?

Increasing SSRI dosage
B. Switching to a TCA
C. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
D. Short-term benzodiazepine use

Which of the following is a hallmark feature of bipolar I disorder?

Hypomanic episodes
B. Full manic episodes
C. Persistent mild depression
D. Chronic low energy

Seasonal affective disorder is primarily treated with:

SSRIs
B. Psychodynamic therapy
C. Light therapy
D. Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Which of the following is NOT a diagnostic criterion for major depressive disorder?

Fatigue
B. Hallucinations
C. Loss of pleasure in activities
D. Changes in appetite

Which demographic is most likely to develop postpartum depression?

First-time mothers
B. Teen mothers
C. Mothers with a history of mental illness
D. Mothers with older children

Which psychological factor contributes significantly to the onset of depression?

Perfectionism
B. Social withdrawal
C. Genetic predisposition
D. Low self-esteem

Which physical condition is often comorbid with mood disorders?

Asthma
B. Diabetes
C. Osteoarthritis
D. Hypertension

Which subtype of major depressive disorder is characterized by delusions or hallucinations?

Atypical depression
B. Psychotic depression
C. Seasonal affective disorder
D. Catatonic depression

Which mood stabilizer is commonly prescribed for bipolar disorder?

Fluoxetine
B. Lithium
C. Bupropion
D. Sertraline

Rapid cycling in bipolar disorder is defined as:

Experiencing four or more mood episodes in a year
B. Alternating mood episodes within a single day
C. Experiencing hypomanic episodes exclusively
D. Alternating between mania and depression in a single month

The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is primarily used for:

Diagnosing bipolar disorder
B. Assessing the severity of depression
C. Identifying psychotic features
D. Evaluating mania

Which factor is NOT considered a biological contributor to depression?

Hormonal imbalances
B. Genetic predisposition
C. Neurotransmitter dysregulation
D. Life stressors

Which symptom is most likely to differentiate major depressive disorder from grief?

Loss of appetite
B. Persistent feelings of worthlessness
C. Insomnia
D. Fatigue

Which antidepressant class is most commonly associated with dietary restrictions due to the risk of hypertensive crisis?

SSRIs
B. MAOIs
C. SNRIs
D. TCAs

Which psychotherapy is specifically designed to address interpersonal issues related to depression?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
B. Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
C. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
D. Exposure therapy

Which form of bipolar disorder does NOT include full manic episodes?

Bipolar I disorder
B. Bipolar II disorder
C. Cyclothymic disorder
D. Mixed bipolar disorder

Which of the following is NOT a common side effect of SSRIs?

Weight gain
B. Sexual dysfunction
C. Sedation
D. Gastrointestinal upset

What is the most significant risk factor for postpartum depression?

First pregnancy
B. Previous episodes of depression
C. Age under 25
D. Lack of social support

Which brain region is most associated with emotional regulation and is implicated in mood disorders?

Hypothalamus
B. Amygdala
C. Cerebellum
D. Brainstem

Which type of depression is characterized by mood changes corresponding to seasonal patterns?

Persistent depressive disorder
B. Atypical depression
C. Seasonal affective disorder
D. Psychotic depression

Which neurotransmitter is most commonly targeted by antidepressants to alleviate symptoms of depression?

Glutamate
B. Acetylcholine
C. Serotonin
D. Dopamine

A patient experiences extreme irritability, distractibility, and hyperactivity for three consecutive days. This is characteristic of:

A manic episode
B. A hypomanic episode
C. A mixed features episode
D. Cyclothymic disorder

Persistent depressive disorder must persist for at least:

Six months
B. One year
C. Two years
D. Three years

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is most appropriate for which type of depression?

Mild depression
B. Treatment-resistant depression
C. Atypical depression
D. Seasonal affective disorder

Which psychological theory suggests that depression results from learned helplessness?

Behavioral theory
B. Cognitive theory
C. Psychoanalytic theory
D. Humanistic theory

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

Lamotrigine
B. Fluoxetine
C. Venlafaxine
D. Quetiapine

Which therapy is particularly effective for depression with a focus on changing negative thought patterns?

Psychoanalysis
B. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
C. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
D. Family therapy

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of depression?

Fatigue
B. Hyperactivity
C. Poor concentration
D. Feelings of guilt

Which symptom is most characteristic of catatonic depression?

Restlessness
B. Psychomotor retardation
C. Increased appetite
D. Seasonal mood changes

Which class of antidepressants is most likely to cause serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic agents?

SNRIs
B. TCAs
C. MAOIs
D. SSRIs

What distinguishes bipolar I disorder from bipolar II disorder?

Bipolar I involves full manic episodes, while bipolar II involves hypomania
B. Bipolar II involves rapid cycling, while bipolar I does not
C. Bipolar II includes psychotic features, while bipolar I does not
D. Bipolar I includes depressive episodes, while bipolar II does not

Which intervention is most appropriate for managing mild depression?

Immediate prescription of antidepressants
B. Psychotherapy alone
C. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
D. Hospitalization

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

A. Inflated self-esteem
B. Hyperactivity
C. Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness
D. Decreased need for sleep

What distinguishes bipolar I disorder from bipolar II disorder?

A. Bipolar I involves hypomanic episodes, while bipolar II involves manic episodes.
B. Bipolar I involves manic episodes, while bipolar II involves hypomanic episodes.
C. Both types include manic episodes.
D. Bipolar I has a more stable mood cycle compared to bipolar II.

Which neurotransmitter is most commonly associated with depression?

A. Dopamine
B. GABA
C. Serotonin
D. Acetylcholine

Which of the following therapies focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns?

A. Psychodynamic therapy
B. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
C. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
D. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

Postpartum depression differs from the “baby blues” in which of the following ways?

A. Postpartum depression resolves within two weeks.
B. Postpartum depression includes psychotic features in all cases.
C. Postpartum depression is more severe and lasts longer than the “baby blues.”
D. The “baby blues” require immediate medical treatment.

Which symptom is NOT typically associated with depression?

A. Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
B. Increased energy and activity
C. Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
D. Changes in appetite

Which type of antidepressant works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine?

A. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
B. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
C. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
D. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is most commonly treated with which intervention?

A. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
B. Light therapy
C. Antipsychotic medication
D. Transcranial magnetic stimulation

Which of the following is true about electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?

A. It is only used for patients with mild depression.
B. It induces a seizure under controlled conditions.
C. It permanently cures depression.
D. It is associated with severe long-term memory loss in all cases.

In bipolar disorder, rapid cycling is defined as:

A. Having four or more mood episodes in a year.
B. Shifting from mania to depression within one week.
C. Alternating between mood states every day.
D. Experiencing depressive episodes exclusively.

Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for depression?

A. Family history of mood disorders
B. Chronic medical conditions
C. Regular physical exercise
D. Significant life stressors

Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) differs from major depressive disorder in that it:

A. Involves manic episodes.
B. Has less severe but longer-lasting symptoms.
C. Does not interfere with daily functioning.
D. Requires hospitalization for treatment.

Which is a common side effect of SSRIs?

A. Weight loss
B. Drowsiness
C. Increased appetite
D. Reduced libido

The primary goal of interpersonal therapy (IPT) for depression is to:

A. Correct distorted thought patterns.
B. Identify and improve interpersonal relationships.
C. Increase serotonin levels.
D. Explore unconscious conflicts.

Answer: B. Identify and improve interpersonal relationships.

Which of the following is an example of a protective factor against depression?

A. A supportive social network
B. Chronic financial difficulties
C. Family history of mood disorders
D. High levels of stress

Answer: A. A supportive social network