A mood disorder characterized by at least two weeks of depressed mood, feelings of worthlessness, and diminished interest or pleasure in most activities is called

• A. Major Depressive Disorder
• B. Bipolar Disorder
• C. Schizophrenia
• D. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Answer: (A)

These symptoms illustrate a depressive mood pattern lasting at least two weeks, with persistent sad mood, feelings of worthlessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in most activities. That combination is characteristic of Major Depressive Disorder. In this disorder, a depressive episode involves at least five symptoms occurring during the same two-week period, with at least one being depressed mood or diminished interest or pleasure, and it causes clear distress or impairment. This helps distinguish it from other conditions: bipolar disorder includes episodes of mania or hypomania, schizophrenia involves psychotic symptoms and disorganized thinking, and obsessive-compulsive disorder centers on intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors rather than a sustained depressed mood with anhedonia.