1. John, a 25-year-old man, has been experiencing episodes

of extreme sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in his

usual activities for the past two months. He also has trouble

sleeping, eating, and concentrating. He sometimes thinks

about ending his life. John most likely meets the criteria

for:

a) dysthymia

b) bipolar disorder

c) major depressive disorder

d) adjustment disorder

Answer: c) major depressive disorder. John's symptoms

match the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder,

which is characterized by a persistent depressed mood

and/or anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure) for at least

two weeks, along with other signs of impaired functioning.

Dysthymia is a milder but more chronic form of

depression, bipolar disorder involves episodes of both

depression and mania, and adjustment disorder is a shortterm reaction to a stressful life event.

2. Lisa, a 19-year-old college student, has been feeling very

anxious and fearful ever since she witnessed a car accident

three weeks ago. She has recurrent nightmares and

flashbacks of the event, and she avoids anything that

reminds her of it. She also feels detached from others and

has difficulty expressing her emotions. Lisa most likely

meets the criteria for:

a) generalized anxiety disorder

b) post-traumatic stress disorder