Depression is characterized by which of the following symptoms?

Depression is characterized by which of the following symptoms?

• A. Guilt, diminished ability to think, changes in eating and sleeping, and recurrent thoughts of death.
• B. Heightened mood and increased energy.
• C. Hallucinations.
• D. Acute physical injury.

Answer: (A)

Guilt, diminished ability to think, changes in eating and sleeping, and recurrent thoughts of death are classic features of a depressive episode. These symptoms reflect a pervasive mood disturbance with cognitive slowing, neurovegetative changes, and suicidal ideation, which are the hallmark signs of depression. Heightened mood and increased energy suggest mania or hypomania, not depression. Hallucinations can occur in psychotic disorders or mood disorders with psychotic features, but they aren’t defining for depression alone. Acute physical injury isn’t a symptom of depression. So, the described cluster best represents depressive symptoms.

Guilt, diminished ability to think, changes in eating and sleeping, and recurrent thoughts of death are classic features of a depressive episode. These symptoms reflect a pervasive mood disturbance with cognitive slowing, neurovegetative changes, and suicidal ideation, which are the hallmark signs of depression. Heightened mood and increased energy suggest mania or hypomania, not depression. Hallucinations can occur in psychotic disorders or mood disorders with psychotic features, but they aren’t defining for depression alone. Acute physical injury isn’t a symptom of depression. So, the described cluster best represents depressive symptoms.