In the context of diagnosing psychological disorders, a depressive disorder is classified as a(n) ________ disorder.

• A. mood
• B. personality
• C. psychotic
• D. dissociative

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the categories of psychological disorders. Psychological disorders are grouped based on their primary symptoms and characteristics, such as mood disorders, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, and dissociative disorders.
2. Step 2: Define each disorder category briefly: Mood disorders primarily involve disturbances in a person's emotional state; personality disorders involve enduring patterns of behavior and inner experience; psychotic disorders involve distorted thinking and perceptions; dissociative disorders involve disruptions in consciousness or identity.
3. Step 3: Identify the key features of depressive disorders, which include persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and changes in mood.
4. Step 4: Match the characteristics of depressive disorders to the appropriate category. Since depressive disorders mainly affect mood, they fall under mood disorders.
5. Step 5: Conclude that a depressive disorder is classified as a mood disorder based on its defining symptoms related to emotional state.