DSM- Depressive Disorders

What is the high-yield picture of Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder?

Severe recurrent temper outbursts plus persistently irritable/angry mood between outbursts, across settings.

Timeline/onset: 12+ months; diagnosis ages 6-18; 3+ outbursts/week

Spectrum/severity: No

Important note: Do not diagnose with ODD or bipolar; onset before age 10.

What timeframe, age, or number is most important for Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder?

12+ months; diagnosis ages 6-18; 3+ outbursts/week

How do you differentiate Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder on an exam vignette?

Vs. pediatric bipolar: DMDD is chronic irritability, not episodic mania.

What is the high-yield picture of Major Depressive Disorder?

One or more major depressive episodes without a history of mania or hypomania.

Timeline/onset: 2+ weeks per episode

Spectrum/severity: No

Important note: Common specifiers: anxious distress, mixed features, melancholic, atypical, psychotic, seasonal, peripartum.

What timeframe, age, or number is most important for Major Depressive Disorder?

2+ weeks per episode

How do you differentiate Major Depressive Disorder on an exam vignette?

Vs. persistent depressive disorder: MDD is episodic and may be more severe; PDD is chronic.

What is the high-yield picture of Persistent Depressive Disorder?

Chronic depressed/irritable mood with additional depressive symptoms, more days than not.

Timeline/onset: 2+ years adults; 1+ year youth; no symptom-free period >2 months

Spectrum/severity: No

Important note: May include intermittent major depressive episodes.

What timeframe, age, or number is most important for Persistent Depressive Disorder?

2+ years adults; 1+ year youth; no symptom-free period >2 months

How do you differentiate Persistent Depressive Disorder on an exam vignette?

Vs. MDD: duration/chronicity is the key.

What is the high-yield picture of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder?

Marked mood symptoms tied consistently to the late luteal phase and improving shortly after menses begins.

Timeline/onset: Most cycles; week before menses, improves after onset

Spectrum/severity: No

Important note: Prospective daily ratings across at least two cycles are ideal for confirmation.

What timeframe, age, or number is most important for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder?

Most cycles; week before menses, improves after onset

How do you differentiate Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder on an exam vignette?

Vs. MDD: symptoms show a cyclical menstrual pattern rather than continuous episodes.