Common symptoms of major depressive disorder include all of the following except ________.

• A. Significant changes in appetite or weight
• B. Periods of abnormally elevated mood and increased energy
• C. Loss of interest or pleasure in most activities
• D. Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as outlined in the DSM-5, which includes symptoms such as significant changes in appetite or weight, loss of interest or pleasure in most activities (anhedonia), and persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness.
2. Step 2: Recognize that MDD is characterized primarily by depressive symptoms and does not include symptoms of elevated mood or increased energy, which are typically associated with manic or hypomanic episodes.
3. Step 3: Identify that periods of abnormally elevated mood and increased energy are hallmark symptoms of Bipolar Disorder, not Major Depressive Disorder.
4. Step 4: Compare each symptom option to the known criteria for MDD and determine which one does not fit within the depressive symptom profile.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the symptom 'Periods of abnormally elevated mood and increased energy' is the exception and not a common symptom of Major Depressive Disorder.