Which statement best describes Major Depression?

Which statement best describes Major Depression?

• A. Major Depression - Severe symptoms that interfere with daily life
• B. Persistent Depressive Disorder - Lasts for at least two years
• C. Situational - Postpartum, seasonal, etc.
• D. OCD - Obsessions and compulsions

Answer: (A)

Major Depression is a mood disorder characterized by episodes of very low mood or loss of interest accompanied by symptoms that cause clear impairment in daily functioning. The description that says symptoms are severe enough to interfere with daily life best captures this impairment aspect, which is a key feature of a major depressive episode. To be diagnosed, there is typically a duration component (most days for at least two weeks) with additional symptoms such as changes in sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, or thoughts of worthlessness or death. The other statements describe different things: Persistent Depressive Disorder (dysthymia) involves long-lasting depressive symptoms over at least two years but is generally less severe than a major depressive episode; Situational depression refers to mood problems tied to a specific event and isn’t a formal DSM category on its own; OCD is defined by obsessions and compulsions, not pervasive depressive mood.

Major Depression is a mood disorder characterized by episodes of very low mood or loss of interest accompanied by symptoms that cause clear impairment in daily functioning. The description that says symptoms are severe enough to interfere with daily life best captures this impairment aspect, which is a key feature of a major depressive episode. To be diagnosed, there is typically a duration component (most days for at least two weeks) with additional symptoms such as changes in sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, or thoughts of worthlessness or death.

The other statements describe different things: Persistent Depressive Disorder (dysthymia) involves long-lasting depressive symptoms over at least two years but is generally less severe than a major depressive episode; Situational depression refers to mood problems tied to a specific event and isn’t a formal DSM category on its own; OCD is defined by obsessions and compulsions, not pervasive depressive mood.