Which specifier describes depressive features with mood reactivity and weight gain or hypersomnia?

Which specifier describes depressive features with mood reactivity and weight gain or hypersomnia?

• A. With melancholic features
• B. With atypical features
• C. With mood-congruent psychotic features
• D. With peripartum onset

Answer: (B)

This item tests depressive specifiers in major depressive disorder, focusing on features that distinguish atypical depression. Atypical features are characterized by mood reactivity—the ability for the mood to brighten in response to positive events—and by increases in sleep and appetite, leading to hypersomnia and weight gain. These signs set atypical features apart from other specifiers: melancholic features involve a lack of mood reactivity with symptoms like early morning awakening and weight loss; mood-congruent psychotic features involve psychotic symptoms that match the depressive mood; peripartum onset refers to onset during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth. So when mood can improve with positive events and there is weight gain or hypersomnia, the descriptor is atypical features.

This item tests depressive specifiers in major depressive disorder, focusing on features that distinguish atypical depression. Atypical features are characterized by mood reactivity—the ability for the mood to brighten in response to positive events—and by increases in sleep and appetite, leading to hypersomnia and weight gain. These signs set atypical features apart from other specifiers: melancholic features involve a lack of mood reactivity with symptoms like early morning awakening and weight loss; mood-congruent psychotic features involve psychotic symptoms that match the depressive mood; peripartum onset refers to onset during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth. So when mood can improve with positive events and there is weight gain or hypersomnia, the descriptor is atypical features.