MCAT Behavioral Sciences Question 94: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 94

4. Which of the following is true with regard to a major depressive episode?

  • A. It may last less than two weeks.
  • B. It must involve thoughts of suicide or a suicide attempt.
  • C. It may involve a decrease in sleep.
  • D. It must involve feelings of sadness.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

Depression is marked by a period of at least two weeks in which the patient has five of nine cardinal symptoms, one of which must be depressed mood or lack of interest (anhedonia). While decreased need for sleep is commonly seen in manic episodes, it may also appear in depression as sleep disturbance is one of the nine cardinal symptoms. Not all depressed individuals are suicidal, as in choice (B). In older men, depression may often manifest as anhedonia without feelings of sadness, invalidating choice (D).

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