What psychological disorder is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest?

• A. Generalized anxiety disorder
• B. Post-traumatic stress disorder
• C. Major depressive disorder
• D. Bipolar disorder

Answer: (C)

Major depressive disorder is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and a significant loss of interest or pleasure in most activities, which are key diagnostic criteria. People experiencing this disorder may also have symptoms such as changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, and difficulty concentrating. The pervasive nature of these symptoms can significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life.

In this context, focusing on the core features of major depressive disorder helps distinguish it from other disorders. For instance, generalized anxiety disorder centers on excessive worry about various aspects of life, but does not inherently focus on sadness or loss of interest. Post-traumatic stress disorder is primarily linked to experiencing trauma and involves symptoms like flashbacks, avoidance, and heightened arousal rather than chronic sadness. Finally, bipolar disorder is characterized by mood swings between depressive episodes and manic or hypomanic episodes, which makes its presentation different from the persistent sadness associated with major depressive disorder.