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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Styron think of his mother as he listens to the music?
(a) It was played at her funeral.
(b) It spoke of a lady like her.
(c) He had heard her sing it.
(d) She played it on the piano.

2. Why are late afternoons so distressing to Styron?
(a) He suffers from panic and anxiety.
(b) He has to go to his doctor every afternoon.
(c) He gets sleepy and couldn't work.
(d) He takes naps and had nightmares during the nap.

3. What did alcohol do for Styron that he considered positive?
(a) It helped him relax with his friends.
(b) It made him feel high.
(c) It kept anxiety and his imaginings at bay.
(d) It kept him from catching illnesses.

4. Why does Styron consult with Dr. Gold, who he didn't feel could really help him?
(a) To receive the medicines he thought would help him.
(b) To satisfy his wife, who demanded he get treatment.
(c) To look good to the press.
(d) To get help for his friend, Camus.

5. In addition to anxiety, what other characteristic of depression becomes manifest?
(a) An inability to be still, constantly moving.
(b) Deep, dark imaginings.
(c) Argumentative with family and friends.
(d) Incessant talking.

6. How does Styron indicate he was planning to die?
(a) He sends his wife away for a time so he would be alone.
(b) He gathers a knife and some towels.
(c) He revises his will and tries to write a goodbye letter.
(d) He dresses nicely for the person who will find him.

7. To what does Styron compare medical treatment for depression?
(a) To cancer treatment.
(b) To a child's early life.
(c) To fighting infection before the discovery of penicillin.
(d) To the early evolution of dinosaurs.

8. What does Styron call the condition of the person suffering unrelenting depression?
(a) The position of being in a black fog.
(b) A sure suicide.
(c) The situation of the walking wounded.
(d) Potentially criminal people.

9. What reaction does Styron have to group therapy?
(a) He doesn't participate.
(b) He has no reaction to it, and just endures it.
(c) It makes him seeth but gives him a way to pass the time.
(d) It is the major source of his healing.

10. What is the second stage of psychological development in depression?
(a) Dependency.
(b) Suicide.
(c) Physical pain.
(d) Euphoria.

11. What hope does Styron say a depressed person can have?
(a) That suicide will relieve their distress.
(b) That family and friends will be supportive.
(c) That medicines can cure depression and it will never recur.
(d) That it will eventually subside and healing will occur.

12. What does Styron's psychiatrist do that sends him into a deep depression?
(a) Tells him he would have to wait ten days before starting his new medicine, and then it would take 6-8 weeks to work.
(b) Puts him in the hospital.
(c) Tells him he was never going to recover.
(d) Tells him to leave his wife if he wanted to get better.

13. What does Styron say would prevent many suicides?
(a) Someone to watch the depressed person at all times.
(b) Stronger medicines.
(c) Strong support from family, friends, and professionsals.
(d) Immediate hospitalization.

14. What famous poet does Styron name as an example of excellent works by a depressed person?
(a) Robert Frost.
(b) Walt Whitman.
(c) Emily Bronte.
(d) Emily Dickinson.

15. What is Styron's reaction to being admitted to the hospital?
(a) He is afraid his wife will leave him.
(b) He feels safe for the first time since he became depressed.
(c) He is depressed about it.
(d) He is afraid his friends will desert him.

Short Answer Questions

1. What therapies are used in the hospital?

2. What does Styron say about people who survive a depressive episode?

3. Who does Styron compare his psychiatrist to?

4. What is Styron's avoidance of death due to?

5. What does Styron's psychiatrist recommend to him about the hospital?

(see the answer keys)

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