Depressive disorders: premenstrual dysphoric disorder: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Psychiatry · Depressive disorders: premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Sample item

A woman has marked irritability, mood lability and depressed mood in the week before every menstrual period, which remit soon after menses begin. DSM-5 diagnosis is:

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

PMDD is a DSM-5 depressive disorder in which symptoms occur in the final week before menses and improve within a few days after, in most cycles. SSRIs given continuously or in the luteal phase are effective.

Option by option

  • A. Cyclothymia

    Cyclothymia is a fluctuating mood disorder not tied to menses.

  • B. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (correct)

    Correct. Cyclical luteal-phase mood symptoms define PMDD.

  • C. Persistent depressive disorder

    Persistent depressive disorder needs 2 years of continuous symptoms.

  • D. Bipolar II disorder

    Bipolar II needs hypomania.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is B, Premenstrual dysphoric disorder. PMDD is a DSM-5 depressive disorder in which symptoms occur in the final week before menses and improve within a few days after, in most cycles.

Why is "Cyclothymia" not the answer?

Cyclothymia is a fluctuating mood disorder not tied to menses.

Why is "Persistent depressive disorder" not the answer?

Persistent depressive disorder needs 2 years of continuous symptoms.

Why is "Bipolar II disorder" not the answer?

Bipolar II needs hypomania.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Depressive disorders: premenstrual dysphoric disorder in Psychiatry. SSRIs given continuously or in the luteal phase are effective.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Depressive disorders: premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.