QMHP COMPREHENSIVE EXAM 2026
QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS GRADED A+
◉ SSRIs. Answer: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
◉ NDRIs. Answer: Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors
◉ True or false: SSRIs, NDRIs, and SNRIs are considered new types of
medications.. Answer: True. These medications are commonly
prescribed because they improve symptoms related to a broad group of
depressive and anxiety disorders and are associated with fewer side
effects
◉ These are still prescribed but are often associated with more side
effects.. Answer: Tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
AKA 'older' antidepressants. Still may be best fit for some individuals.
◉ How long to antidepressants take to work?. Answer: 4-8 weeks
◉ Which symptoms of antidepressants sometimes improve before mood
lifts?. Answer: Problems with: sleep, appetite, energy, or concentration.
, ◉ What are some of the side effects of SSRIs and other antidepressants?
(Bonus: additional information about side effects). Answer: Upset
stomach, headache, sexual dysfunction. Bonus: side effects are generally
mild and tend to improve over time.
◉ What can be done for individuals who are sensitive to the side effects
of antidepressant medications?. Answer: Start with a low dose,
increasing the daily dose very slowly and/or adjusting when they take
the medication (ex: at night with food).
◉ What is a newer FDA-approved medication for treatment-resistant
depression?. Answer: Esketamine
◉ When is treatment-resistant depression diagnosed/Esketamine
prescribed?. Answer: When a person's symptoms have not improved
after trying at least two antidepressant therapies.
◉ How is Esketamine administered?. Answer: As a nasal spray in a
health care provider's office, a clinic, or a hospital.
◉ How does Esketamine work?. Answer: Rapidly, (typically) within a
few hours, to relieve depression symptoms.
QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS GRADED A+
◉ SSRIs. Answer: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
◉ NDRIs. Answer: Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors
◉ True or false: SSRIs, NDRIs, and SNRIs are considered new types of
medications.. Answer: True. These medications are commonly
prescribed because they improve symptoms related to a broad group of
depressive and anxiety disorders and are associated with fewer side
effects
◉ These are still prescribed but are often associated with more side
effects.. Answer: Tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
AKA 'older' antidepressants. Still may be best fit for some individuals.
◉ How long to antidepressants take to work?. Answer: 4-8 weeks
◉ Which symptoms of antidepressants sometimes improve before mood
lifts?. Answer: Problems with: sleep, appetite, energy, or concentration.
, ◉ What are some of the side effects of SSRIs and other antidepressants?
(Bonus: additional information about side effects). Answer: Upset
stomach, headache, sexual dysfunction. Bonus: side effects are generally
mild and tend to improve over time.
◉ What can be done for individuals who are sensitive to the side effects
of antidepressant medications?. Answer: Start with a low dose,
increasing the daily dose very slowly and/or adjusting when they take
the medication (ex: at night with food).
◉ What is a newer FDA-approved medication for treatment-resistant
depression?. Answer: Esketamine
◉ When is treatment-resistant depression diagnosed/Esketamine
prescribed?. Answer: When a person's symptoms have not improved
after trying at least two antidepressant therapies.
◉ How is Esketamine administered?. Answer: As a nasal spray in a
health care provider's office, a clinic, or a hospital.
◉ How does Esketamine work?. Answer: Rapidly, (typically) within a
few hours, to relieve depression symptoms.
