Major Depressive Disorder is a mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.

Major Depressive Disorder is a mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.

• A. Bipolar Disorder
• B. Major Depressive Disorder
• C. Social Anxiety Disorder
• D. Specific Phobias

Answer: (B)

Describing mood disorders centers on sustained changes in mood and interest, not just temporary feelings. The statement highlights persistent sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities—these are classic mood-symptom patterns. That combination best fits Major Depressive Disorder, which involves a depressed mood or anhedonia most of the day, nearly every day, for a period (typically at least two weeks) and with accompanying impairment. The other options point to different kinds of problems: Bipolar Disorder includes cycles of mania or hypomania in addition to depressive periods, so the presence of elevated mood features would be a giveaway; the description here does not mention such mood elevation. Social Anxiety Disorder and Specific Phobias are anxiety disorders where excessive fear or avoidance is central, not a persistent low mood or lack of interest.

Describing mood disorders centers on sustained changes in mood and interest, not just temporary feelings. The statement highlights persistent sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities—these are classic mood-symptom patterns. That combination best fits Major Depressive Disorder, which involves a depressed mood or anhedonia most of the day, nearly every day, for a period (typically at least two weeks) and with accompanying impairment. The other options point to different kinds of problems: Bipolar Disorder includes cycles of mania or hypomania in addition to depressive periods, so the presence of elevated mood features would be a giveaway; the description here does not mention such mood elevation. Social Anxiety Disorder and Specific Phobias are anxiety disorders where excessive fear or avoidance is central, not a persistent low mood or lack of interest.