National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) Practice Exam

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What is the time duration difference between Major Depressive Disorder and Persistent Depressive Disorder?

  1. 1 week vs 1 year

  2. 2 weeks vs 2 years

  3. 3 weeks vs 3 years

  4. 4 weeks vs 4 years

The correct answer is: 2 weeks vs 2 years

The correct answer is based on the specific diagnostic criteria established for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), which directly relate to the duration of symptoms required for diagnosis. Major Depressive Disorder is characterized by the presence of a major depressive episode that lasts for at least two weeks. During this time, an individual experiences a marked change in mood, along with other symptoms such as changes in sleep, appetite, energy levels, and difficulty concentrating. On the other hand, Persistent Depressive Disorder, which was previously known as dysthymia, is characterized by a chronic depression that persists for at least two years in adults (or one year in children and adolescents). This condition involves a less severe but more enduring form of depression, where symptoms may not necessarily meet the full criteria for a major depressive episode but still impair daily functioning. This distinction in the duration of symptoms is crucial for diagnosing these two disorders and highlights the chronic nature of Persistent Depressive Disorder compared to the episodic nature of Major Depressive Disorder. Therefore, the answer reflects the required durations for each disorder: two weeks for MDD versus two years for PDD.