Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which of the following is NOT a common sign of depression?

1. Anhedonia and changes in appetite

2. Decreased energy and irritability

3. Apathy and low self-esteem

4. Apraxia and fatigue

The correct answer is: Apraxia and fatigue

The answer is accurate because apraxia, which is a motor function disorder characterized by difficulty in performing tasks or movements when asked, is not considered a common sign of depression. Instead, the common signs of depression typically include symptoms related to mood and emotional state, such as anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure), changes in appetite, decreased energy, irritability, apathy, and low self-esteem. Anhedonia and changes in appetite reflect the emotional and physiological impact of depression, where individuals may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed and experience either increased or decreased appetite. Decreased energy and irritability indicate the exhaustion and frustration that often accompany depressive disorders. Apathy and low self-esteem are directly related to feelings of worthlessness and lack of motivation that can occur in depressive states. While fatigue may be a symptom of depression, apraxia is specifically related to neurological conditions and motor planning issues, making it unrelated to depressive symptoms. Therefore, apraxia stands out as not being associated with the common manifestations of depression.