Which of the following is not a characteristic of depression?

• A. Elevated and persistently expansive mood
• B. Loss of interest or pleasure in most activities
• C. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
• D. Significant changes in appetite or weight

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the core characteristics of depression as defined in clinical psychology, particularly in diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5. Depression typically involves symptoms such as persistent sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of worthlessness, and changes in appetite or weight.
2. Step 2: Review each option carefully and compare it against the known symptoms of depression. For example, 'Loss of interest or pleasure in most activities' is a classic symptom known as anhedonia.
3. Step 3: Identify that 'Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt' are also common cognitive symptoms experienced during depression.
4. Step 4: Recognize that 'Significant changes in appetite or weight' are physical symptoms often associated with depression, either as an increase or decrease.
5. Step 5: Note that 'Elevated and persistently expansive mood' is not a characteristic of depression but rather a symptom of mania or hypomania, which are associated with bipolar disorder, not depression.