Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) Practice Test

Which sleep disturbance is not associated with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

1. Reduced stage 3 and stage 4 sleep

2. Increased slow-wave (non-REM) sleep

3. Decreased REM latency

4. Decreased sleep continuity

The correct answer is: Increased slow-wave (non-REM) sleep

The correct response identifies increased slow-wave (non-REM) sleep as the sleep disturbance not typically associated with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Research indicates that individuals with MDD often experience disruptions in their sleep architecture characterized by alterations in both non-REM and REM sleep patterns. In particular, patients with MDD commonly exhibit reduced amounts of slow-wave sleep (stage 3 and stage 4), which are crucial for restorative sleep. Instead, they may experience changes such as decreased REM latency, meaning they enter REM sleep sooner than individuals without the disorder, as well as decreased sleep continuity, which refers to frequent awakenings and overall fragmented sleep. These disruptions contribute to the overall symptomatology of depression, including fatigue and cognitive difficulties. Thus, it's significant to note that instead of experiencing an increase in slow-wave sleep, individuals with MDD generally show a decrease, making the correct choice about sleep disturbances in MDD clear in contrast to the expected effects of this disorder on sleep patterns.