American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam

Which one of the following statements about mood disorders is true?

1. Major depression is more common in men than in women

2. Bipolar disorder has equal prevalence for men and women

3. There is a correlation between the hyposecretion of cortisol and depression

4. About 90% of those with major depressive disorder receive specific treatment

The correct answer is: Bipolar disorder has equal prevalence for men and women

Bipolar disorder having equal prevalence for men and women reflects established findings in psychiatric research. Across numerous studies, the incidence of bipolar disorder does not show a significant gender disparity, meaning that both men and women are affected at comparable rates. This contrasts with other mood disorders, such as major depression, which tends to be more prevalent in women. It's essential to examine the context of the other choices. The assertion about major depression being more common in men than in women contradicts well-documented epidemiological data indicating that women are diagnosed with major depression twice as often as men. The statement regarding the hyposecretion of cortisol and depression is more nuanced; while increased levels of cortisol are often associated with depression, it doesn’t establish a straightforward correlation, as cortisol dysregulation can manifest variably across different individuals with mood disorders. Additionally, the statistic regarding treatment for major depressive disorder being 90% is likely overstated, as many individuals do not receive adequate treatment for various reasons, including stigma or healthcare access barriers. Thus, understanding these nuances highlights the accuracy of the statement regarding bipolar disorder's prevalence in both genders.