Question

Cole spends a few weeks being treated for major depressive disorder. He eventually stops exhibiting symptoms, but a few months later they reoccur. Once again the symptoms dissipate, but a few months later they reoccur. Cole’s major depressive disorder is ________?
A) Asymptomatic
B) Episodic
C) Limited in duration to a few weeks
D) reoccurring every few months

Answer 1

The correct answer is B. Episodic

Explanation:

In psychology and psychiatric mental disorders are classified as episodic when the mental disorder an individual experiences does not have symptoms all the time, but instead it is presented through episodes or brief but intense periods in which symptoms appear. In these cases, the reoccurrence varies according to the patient, type of mental disorder and treatment if there is any permanent treatment. In the case of Cole, his depressive disorder can be classified as episodic because he does not permanently show symptoms, but instead has episodes of them. This can be explained as Cole's symptoms seem to disappear after treatment but they reappear through episodes every few months.