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Everyone experiences this:
clinical depression
major depressive disorder
sadness
Sadness is an emotion felt by everyone at some point but major depressive disorder -- also known as clinical depression -- is experienced by a smaller, though significant, portion of the population.
Bieber Fever
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People with major depressive disorder will:
feel normal again if they get the proper treatment
One of the myths associated with major depressive disorder is that those who experience it will never feel normal again. That's not true. With help, they can be 100 percent again.
have no hope
ride a roller coaster of emotions on regular occasions
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True or False: There is no difference between sadness and major depressive disorder. Major depressive disorder is just a fancy name.
TRUE
FALSE
Sadness and major depressive disorder share some common traits but also have some clear distinctions.
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Researchers believe the percentage of the population dealing with major depressive disorder ranges from:
30 to 50 percent
5 to 20 percent
Some researchers estimate that 5 to 8 percent of the population battles major depressive disorder, while others say it may be as high as 20 percent.
4 to 6 percent
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A simple blood test will reveal whether or not you have major depressive disorder.
TRUE
FALSE
A doctor can make an evaluation based on a variety of factors, but there is no laboratory test for major depressive disorder.
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If you have major depressive disorder you will experience:
only physical changes
potentially both physical changes and changes in mood
You may gain or lose weight, become sleepless or sleep excessively and become sullen or angry. It's also possible to experience combinations of all the above.
only changes in mood
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The duration of the symptoms has no bearing on whether or not you have major depressive disorder.
TRUE
FALSE
One of the key distinctions between sadness and major depressive disorder is the length of time a person feels depressed. Major depressive disorder lasts for more than two weeks.
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This is NOT another name for major depressive disorder:
unipolar depression
clinical depression
bipolar depression
Bipolar depression is not the same thing as major depressive disorder. MDD may also be referred to as unipolar or clinical depression.
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People with major depressive disorder often experience manic periods in which they're extremely confident and energetic and then suddenly sullen and morose.
TRUE
FALSE
Mania is not a component of major depressive disorder but is a characteristic of bipolar depression.
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If you're a woman, the odds of you having major depressive disorder are:
lower than men
the same as men
higher than men
Research indicates that females are more likely to experience major depressive disorder.
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True or False: Major depressive disorder has nothing to do with your character or will power.
TRUE
Regardless of what societal stigmas suggest, people who have strong character and will power are just as likely to have major depressive disorder as anyone else.
FALSE
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What physical condition can lead to major depressive disorder?
swollen tonsils
a malfunctioning thyroid gland
Corns or swollen tonsils may be aggravating, but it's a malfunctioning thyroid gland that can cause major depressive disorder.
corns
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This type of abuse can lead to major depressive disorder:
drug and alcohol abuse or physical, emotional and sexual abuse
Abuse of any kind can eventually lead to major depressive disorder.
only physical, emotional and sexual abuse
only alcohol and drug abuse
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This is NOT a brain chemical associated with major depressive disorder:
dopamine
methyl tertiary butyl ether
Methyl tertiary butyl ether should never be found on or near your brain.
serotonin
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How much research has been done in the field of depression?
very little
a moderate amount
a lot of research
Much research has been done, but there is still much to learn.
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A job loss can make you sad, but it can't lead to major depressive disorder.
TRUE
FALSE
A layoff can trigger major depressive disorder. A death or divorce can also lead to the condition.
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This is NOT one of the treatments for major depressive disorder:
talk therapy
stomach pumping
If a doctor wants to pump your stomach because you're dealing with major depressive disorder, you'll want to get a different doctor.
electro convulsive therapy
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This nerve is stimulated using a battery as part of a treatment for major depressive disorder:
Vaves nerve
Vegas nerve
Vagus nerve
During surgery a battery is implanted to stimulate the Vagus nerve.
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Major depressive disorder will make you sad, but it will never make you angry.
TRUE
FALSE
People with major depressive disorder may become easily agitated, as well as particularly sad.
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The good thing about major depressive disorder is that you can shake it off if you simply concentrate hard enough.
TRUE
FALSE
Major depressive disorder is a serious condition, and anyone who says you should shake it off doesn't understand MDD.
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