Neurobiological basis of depression — MCQs

A 28-year-old woman presents with depressed mood lasting for most days of the week for the past month. She also mentions that she has lost her appetite for the past 3 weeks. She adds that her job performance has significantly deteriorated because of these symptoms, and she feels like she will have to quit her job soon. Upon asking about her hobbies, she says that she used to enjoy dancing and music but does not have any desire to do them anymore. The patient’s husband says that she has had many sleepless nights last month. The patient denies any history of smoking, alcohol intake, or use of illicit substances. No significant past medical history. Physical examination is unremarkable. Routine laboratory tests are all within normal limits. Which of the following clinical features must be present, in addition to this patient’s current symptoms, to confirm the diagnosis of a major depressive episode?

A mental health volunteer is interviewing locals as part of a community outreach program. A 46-year-old man discloses that he has felt sad for as long as he can remember. He feels as though his life is cursed and if something terrible can happen to him, it usually will. He has difficulty making decisions and feels hopeless. He also feels that he has had worsening suicidal ideations, guilt from past problems, decreased energy, and poor concentration over the past 2 weeks. He is otherwise getting enough sleep and able to hold a job. Which of the following statement best describes this patient's condition?

A 46-year-old male presents with his wife to his primary care provider for depression and strange movements. His wife reports that her husband has not been himself for the last two months. Whereas he was previously outgoing and “the life of the party,” the patient is now irritable and withdrawn. He is a partner at an accounting firm, but his colleagues are threatening his job if he continues to perform poorly at work. The patient cannot explain the recent changes to his mood and tearfully admits he fears there is something seriously wrong with him. His wife says that she thinks he is getting worse. The patient’s past medical history is significant for hypertension, for which he takes lisinopril. His family history is unknown as he was adopted. The patient met his mother once, and never knew his father but was told he died in his 50's. He drinks a few glasses of wine per week and has never smoked. On physical exam, the patient has a flat affect with facial grimace and sudden jerky movements of his upper extremities. Which of the following is most likely to be seen on further workup?

A 73-year-old woman is brought in by her daughter stating that her mom has become increasingly forgetful and has trouble remembering recent events. Her memory for remote events is remarkably intact. The patient is no longer able to cook for herself as she frequently leaves the stove on unattended. She has recently been getting lost in her neighborhood even though she has lived there for 30 years. Her mood is not depressed. Decreased activity in which of the following areas of the brain is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease?

A 24-year-old woman comes to the physician because she feels sad and has had frequent, brief episodes of crying for the last month. During this period, she sleeps in every morning and spends most of her time in bed playing video games or reading. She has not been spending time with friends but still attends a weekly book club and continues to plan her annual family reunion. She stopped going to the gym, eats more, and has gained 4 kg (8.8 lb) over the past 4 weeks. Three weeks ago, she also started to smoke marijuana a few times a week. She drinks one glass of wine daily and does not smoke cigarettes. She is currently unemployed; she lost her job as a physical therapist 3 months ago. Her vital signs are within normal limits. On mental status examination, she is calm, alert, and oriented to person, place, and time. Her mood is depressed; her speech is organized, logical, and coherent. She denies suicidal thoughts. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A 29-year-old man presents to his primary care provider complaining of not being able to get enough rest at night. He goes to bed early enough and has otherwise good sleep hygiene but feels drained the next day. He feels he is unable to perform optimally at work, but he is still a valued employee and able to complete his share of the work. About a month ago his wife of 5 years asked for a divorce and quickly moved out. He has cut out coffee after 12 pm and stopped drinking alcohol. He also exercises 3 days per week. Today, his blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg, heart rate is 95/min, respiratory rate is 25/min, and temperature is 37.0°C (98.6°F ). On physical exam, his heart has a regular rate and rhythm and his lungs are clear to auscultation bilaterally. A CMP, CBC, and thyroid test are negative. Which of the following statements best describes this patient’s condition?

A 42-year-old female presents to her primary care provider for an annual checkup. She reports feeling sad over the past few months for no apparent reason. She has lost interest in swimming, which she previously found enjoyable. Additionally, she has had trouble getting a full night’s sleep and has had trouble concentrating during the day. She has lost 15 pounds since her last visit one year prior. Which of the following sets of neurotransmitter levels is associated with this patient’s condition?

A 33-year-old man visits his psychiatrist with feelings of sadness on most days of the week for the past 4 weeks. He says that he is unable to participate in his daily activities and finds it hard to get out of bed on most days. If he has nothing scheduled for the day, he sometimes sleeps for 10–12 hours at a stretch. He has also noticed that on certain days, his legs feel heavy and he finds it difficult to walk, as though there are bricks tied to his feet. However, he is still able to attend social events and also enjoys playing with his children when he comes home from work. Other than these simple pleasures, he has lost interest in most of the activities he previously enjoyed. Another troubling fact is that he had gained weight over the past month, mainly because he eats so much when overcome by these feelings of depression. His is prescribed a medication to treat his symptoms. Which of the following is the mechanism of action of the drug he was most likely prescribed?

A 27-year-old woman visits a psychiatrist expressing her feelings of sadness which are present on most days of the week. She says that she has been feeling this way for about 2 to 3 years. During her first pregnancy 3 years ago, the fetus died in utero, and the pregnancy was terminated at 21 weeks. Ever since then, she hasn’t been able to sleep well at night and has difficulty concentrating on her tasks most of the time. However, for the past month, she has found it more difficult to cope. She says she has no will to have another child as she still feels guilty and responsible for the previous pregnancy. Over the past few days, she has completely lost her appetite and only eats once or twice a day. She doesn’t recall a single day in the last 3 years where she has not felt this way. The patient denies any past or current smoking, alcohol, or recreational drug use. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis in this patient?

A 52-year-old man presents with a 1-month history of a depressed mood. He says that he has been “feeling low” on most days of the week. He also says he has been having difficulty sleeping, feelings of being worthless, difficulty performing at work, and decreased interest in reading books (his hobby). He has no significant past medical history. The patient denies any history of smoking, alcohol use, or recreational drug use. A review of systems is significant for a 7% unintentional weight gain over the past month. The patient is afebrile and his vital signs are within normal limits. A physical examination is unremarkable. The patient is prescribed sertraline 50 mg daily. On follow-up 4 weeks later, the patient says he is slightly improved but is still not feeling 100%. Which of the following is the best next step in the management of this patient?