What is the main difference between major depression and ...

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What is the main difference between major depression and dysthymic depression?
 
  A.
  Dysthymia is a short-term depression and major depression lasts for years.
  B.
  Dysthymia is a chronic, low-level depression that lasts for years, while major depression is more severe.
  C.
  Dysthymia is more likely to be caused by psychological factors and major depression is caused by neurological dysfunction.
  D.
  Dysthymia is normally treated with psychotherapy only, while major depression is treated with antidepressants and psychotherapy.

Question 2

You are doing patient teaching for Margaret, who has been prescribed amitriptyline (Elavil) for treatment of depression. Which of the following statements suggests that Margaret needs further instruction?
 
  A.
  I know I might not start feeling better for a few weeks, but I'll keep taking the medication just as the doctor prescribed.
  B.
  I'll keep some hard candies in my purse in case my mouth gets dry from the medicine.
  C.
  Once I start feeling better, I'm looking forward to cutting down on this medication.
  D.
  I'm worried I may gain some weight, but that's a small price to pay for feeling better.

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Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Dysthymia is depressed mood for most of the day, for more days than not, as indicated either by subjective account or observation by others, for at least 2 years. The level of depression is less than in major depression. Major depression is more severe and affects all areas of one's life.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Antidepressants need to be taken consistently, including when the patient starts feeling better. Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline can cause dry mouth.

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Correct answers!

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