Which of the following best differentiates clinical depression from ordinary sadness?

• A. Depression is only caused by external events, while sadness is always due to a chemical imbalance.
• B. Sadness always requires medical treatment, while depression resolves on its own without intervention.
• C. Depression is characterized by persistent symptoms that last at least two weeks and significantly impair daily functioning, whereas sadness is typically temporary and does not interfere with daily life.
• D. Sadness is a psychological disorder, but depression is not recognized as a mental health condition.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the key concepts: 'clinical depression' is a diagnosable mental health disorder characterized by specific criteria, while 'ordinary sadness' is a normal emotional response to life events.
2. Identify the duration and impact criteria: Clinical depression involves symptoms that persist for at least two weeks and cause significant impairment in daily functioning, unlike ordinary sadness which is usually temporary and less disruptive.
3. Recognize the nature of causes: Depression can involve a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors, not solely external events or chemical imbalances, whereas sadness is typically a reaction to specific situations.
4. Distinguish treatment needs: Clinical depression often requires professional intervention such as therapy or medication, while ordinary sadness usually resolves without medical treatment.
5. Evaluate the options based on these distinctions to select the statement that accurately reflects the persistent, impairing nature of depression compared to the transient and less impairing nature of sadness.