Which of the following disorders are characterized by an unrelenting lack of pleasure in life?

• A. Major depressive disorder
• B. Bipolar disorder
• C. Panic disorder
• D. Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the key term 'unrelenting lack of pleasure in life,' which in psychology is often referred to as 'anhedonia.' Anhedonia is a core symptom of certain mood disorders.
2. Step 2: Review the characteristics of each disorder listed: Major depressive disorder, Bipolar disorder, Panic disorder, and Obsessive-compulsive disorder, focusing on their primary symptoms.
3. Step 3: Identify that Major depressive disorder is primarily characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and a significant loss of interest or pleasure in most activities, which aligns with the concept of anhedonia.
4. Step 4: Recognize that while Bipolar disorder includes depressive episodes, it also involves manic or hypomanic episodes, so the lack of pleasure is not unrelenting but episodic.
5. Step 5: Note that Panic disorder and Obsessive-compulsive disorder primarily involve anxiety and compulsive behaviors, respectively, and do not typically feature a persistent lack of pleasure as a defining symptom.