Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a symptom used to diagnose major depressive disorder?

1. Significant weight loss.

2. Feelings of excessive guilt.

3. False sensory perception.

4. Agitation or psychomotor retardation noticed by others.

The correct answer is: False sensory perception.

The correct answer is rooted in the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD), which are outlined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition). Significant weight loss, feelings of excessive guilt, and agitation or psychomotor retardation are all recognized symptoms associated with MDD. Significant weight loss reflects changes in appetite or eating patterns, which are common in individuals with depression. Feelings of excessive guilt are often present, as individuals may ruminate on past events or feel inadequate. Agitation or psychomotor retardation observed by others can indicate how the individual's internal state is affecting their behavior and motor activity, also acknowledged as part of this condition. In contrast, false sensory perception, commonly referred to as hallucinations, is not a symptom utilized in the diagnosis of major depressive disorder. While some individuals with severe depression may experience psychotic features, the presence of hallucinations typically signals a more complex condition, such as schizoaffective disorder or major depressive disorder with psychotic features. Therefore, hallucinations are not part of the fundamental diagnostic criteria for MDD on their own.