Which description correctly identifies a depressive group disorder's mood pattern?

Which description correctly identifies a depressive group disorder's mood pattern?

• A. Enduring sad, empty, or irritable mood with physical and cognitive changes.
• B. Persistent euphoria and increased energy.
• C. Chronic paranoia about others.
• D. Obsessive-compulsive rituals.

Answer: (A)

Depressive disorders show a mood that stays low or irritable over time, paired with physical and cognitive changes. People feel sad, empty, or irritated most days, and this mood is accompanied by symptoms like fatigue, sleep or appetite changes, slowed thinking or difficulty concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt. That combination—persistent negative mood plus noticeable physical and thinking changes—is what defines the depressive pattern. The other descriptions point to different patterns: a crush of euphoria and high energy fits mania or hypomania; chronic paranoia reflects paranoid thoughts rather than a mood state; obsessive-compulsive rituals align with OCD symptoms.

Depressive disorders show a mood that stays low or irritable over time, paired with physical and cognitive changes. People feel sad, empty, or irritated most days, and this mood is accompanied by symptoms like fatigue, sleep or appetite changes, slowed thinking or difficulty concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt. That combination—persistent negative mood plus noticeable physical and thinking changes—is what defines the depressive pattern.

The other descriptions point to different patterns: a crush of euphoria and high energy fits mania or hypomania; chronic paranoia reflects paranoid thoughts rather than a mood state; obsessive-compulsive rituals align with OCD symptoms.