Depression (including Suicidality) MCQ Quiz | General Psychiatry

Welcome to this multiple-choice quiz on Depression and Suicidality, designed for MBBS students. This quiz will test your understanding of core concepts in General Psychiatry, including diagnostic criteria, neurobiology, pharmacology, and clinical management of depressive disorders and suicide risk. The 25 questions cover high-yield topics essential for your curriculum and clinical practice. After submitting your answers, you will receive your score and a detailed review of each question with the correct answers highlighted. You can also download a PDF copy of all questions and their correct answers for future revision. Good luck!

1. According to DSM-5, which of the following is a mandatory core symptom for the diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

2. The monoamine hypothesis of depression primarily suggests a functional deficiency in which group of neurotransmitters?

3. A patient newly prescribed an SSRI like Fluoxetine should be counseled about which common initial side effect?

4. Which of the following is considered the strongest single predictor of a future suicide attempt?

5. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is considered a first-line treatment for which clinical presentation?

6. A key feature that distinguishes atypical depression from melancholic depression is:

7. A patient on Amitriptyline complains of dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation. These side effects are due to the drug’s action on which receptors?

8. A patient on an SSRI is prescribed Tramadol and presents with confusion, hyperthermia, and myoclonus. This is most consistent with:

9. For a diagnosis of Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) in an adult, depressed mood must be present for at least:

10. Aaron Beck’s cognitive theory of depression describes a “cognitive triad” of negative views about:

11. An actively suicidal patient with a clear plan and intent is in the ED. The most appropriate immediate management is:

12. A patient on an MAOI like Phenelzine must avoid tyramine-rich foods to prevent which complication?

13. The typical onset of postpartum depression (PPD), as distinct from “postpartum blues,” is usually within:

14. The most evidence-based first-line treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is:

15. A patient presents with depressed mood, anergia, weight gain, and hypersomnia. A key medical condition to rule out is:

16. Venlafaxine is an antidepressant that primarily acts by inhibiting the reuptake of:

17. Which of the following is considered a protective factor against suicide?

18. Mirtazapine’s common side effect profile, which can be therapeutically useful, includes:

19. Which feature is more characteristic of Major Depressive Disorder than a normal grief reaction?

20. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is often dysregulated in depression, leading to elevated levels of:

21. A widely used, two-question screening tool for depression in primary care is the:

22. Which antidepressant is a suitable choice for a patient with depression who also wants to quit smoking and is concerned about sexual side effects?

23. Regarding suicide epidemiology, which statement is generally true?

24. After a patient’s first episode of MDD achieves remission with an SSRI, the recommended duration for continuation therapy is typically:

25. When assessing a patient’s suicidal ideation, which question is most crucial to evaluate immediate risk?