IELTS® Academic Reading Practice 65

The answer is B. The question asks about the symptoms of a person suffering from depression. Paragraph B directly addresses how depression is diagnosed and lists the symptoms: 'Depression is generally diagnosed when an individual is observed to exhibit an excessively depressed mood and/or anhedonia... in conjunction with five or more additional recognised symptoms. These additional symptoms may include overwhelming feelings of sadness; inability to sleep, or conversely, excessive sleeping; feelings of guilt, nervousness, abandonment or fear; inability to concentrate; interference with memory capabilities; fixation with death or extreme change in eating habits and associated weight gain or loss.' Therefore, B is the correct answer because it gives details on the symptoms.

Associated Text:
Depression is generally diagnosed when an individual is observed to exhibit an excessively depressed mood and/or ‘anhedonia’ – an inability to experience pleasure from positive experiences such as enjoying a meal or pleasurable social interaction – for a period of two weeks or more, in conjunction with five or more additional recognised symptoms. These additional symptoms may include overwhelming feelings of sadness; inability to sleep, or conversely, excessive sleeping; feelings of guilt, nervousness, abandonment or fear; inability to concentrate; interference with memory capabilities; fixation with death or extreme change in eating habits and associated weight gain or loss.

The answer is E. The question asks about studies carried out on new treatments' effects. Paragraph E discusses both animal research and a small clinical trial in 2000 which showed that ketamine had antidepressant effects in humans. This shows studies being carried out to test ketamine’s effectiveness as a new treatment. Therefore, E is correct as it directly mentions studies on newly developed treatments.

Associated Text:
Animal research in the 1990s implicated glutamate in depression. A small clinical trial in 2000 showed that not only did ketamine have antidepressant effects in humans, but it took hold within hours. Subsequent studies showed it worked on treatment-resistant depression.

The answer is G. The question is regarding the cost to the individual of drug therapy. Paragraph G states: 'Janssen says the cost of a one-month course will be between $4,720 and $6,785.' This is clearly detailing the expense of drug treatment for the patient, making G the correct answer.

Associated Text:
Janssen says the cost of a one-month course will be between $4,720 and $6,785.

The answer is A. The question asks about a concern that depression’s diagnostic method is not sufficiently accurate. Paragraph A says: 'However, such figures are not unanimously supported, as some experts believe that the diagnostic criteria used to identify the condition are not precise enough.' Thus, A is the correct answer, as it explicitly discusses concerns over the preciseness of diagnostic criteria.

Associated Text:
However, such figures are not unanimously supported, as some experts believe that the diagnostic criteria used to identify the condition are not precise enough.

The answer is F. This question addresses the negative reaction patients might have after taking anti-depressive drugs. Paragraph F details the main side-effects of ketamine, noting: 'The main side-effect of ketamine is that it has hallucinogenic effects, such as out-of-body or “dissociative” experiences.' These are negative reactions to the drug, making F the correct answer.

Associated Text:
The main side-effect of ketamine is that it has hallucinogenic effects, such as out-of-body or “dissociative” experiences. There is some evidence suggesting the side-effects of esketamine, although similar, are slightly less severe. Nevertheless, the potential for abuse, together with elevated blood pressure and the dangers of wandering around in such a state, are why the fda has recommended a strict treatment strategy.

The answer is H. The question refers to significant benefits of ketamine on mood symptoms. Paragraph H highlights ketamine’s 'broad spectrum' effect: 'alleviating many of the different signs that can occur in depression, including anxiety and the inability to experience pleasure... there is evidence that it might be a lifesaver by reducing suicidal thoughts.' Thus, H is the correct answer as it details these significant mood benefits.

Associated Text:
One of ketamine’s remarkable properties, says Dr Zarate, is that it has a “broad spectrum” effect, alleviating many of the different signs that can occur in depression, including anxiety and the inability to experience pleasure. For patients at acute risk of suicide, for which drugs can take too long to work, there is evidence that it might be a lifesaver by reducing suicidal thoughts.

The answer is C. This question is about treatment alternatives for the most severe depression cases. Paragraph C discusses tailored treatments and states: 'The more controversial electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may also be used where initial approaches fail. In extreme cases, where an individual exhibits behaviour which indicates that they may cause physical harm to themselves, psychiatric hospitalisation may be necessary as a form of intensive therapy.' Therefore, C is the correct answer as it outlines alternative treatments for the worst cases.

Associated Text:
The more controversial electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may also be used where initial approaches fail. In extreme cases, where an individual exhibits behaviour which Indicates that they may cause physical harm to themselves, psychiatric hospitalisation may be necessary as a form of intensive therapy.