Which scenario most likely requires attention from a mental health professional?

• A. A person who experiences brief frustration when stuck in traffic but calms down after reaching their destination
• B. Someone who feels disappointed after failing a test but is motivated to study harder next time
• C. An individual who has persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and difficulty functioning at work for several weeks
• D. A person who occasionally feels nervous before public speaking but is able to perform and recover quickly

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the key symptoms or behaviors described in each scenario, focusing on their duration, intensity, and impact on daily functioning.
2. Step 2: Understand that normal emotional responses, such as brief frustration or nervousness, typically do not require professional intervention unless they are persistent and impair functioning.
3. Step 3: Recognize that persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and difficulty functioning over several weeks are characteristic signs of a mental health condition, such as depression.
4. Step 4: Compare each scenario against criteria for mental health concerns, noting that only the scenario with prolonged and impairing symptoms suggests the need for professional attention.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the individual with persistent depressive symptoms is the one most likely requiring evaluation and support from a mental health professional.