Apollonia was diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which of the following symptoms is most characteristic of this disorder?

• A. Persistent feelings of sadness or loss of interest in activities
• B. Periods of dissociation and memory loss for personal information
• C. Episodes of excessive energy and decreased need for sleep
• D. Recurrent intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that major depressive disorder (MDD) is primarily characterized by mood-related symptoms, especially persistent feelings of sadness or a marked loss of interest or pleasure in most activities, known as anhedonia.
2. Review the symptom options and identify which ones align with the core diagnostic criteria of MDD according to the DSM-5, focusing on mood and affective symptoms rather than symptoms related to other disorders.
3. Recognize that periods of dissociation and memory loss are more characteristic of dissociative disorders, not MDD.
4. Note that episodes of excessive energy and decreased need for sleep are hallmark symptoms of manic or hypomanic episodes, which are associated with bipolar disorder rather than MDD.
5. Understand that recurrent intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors are typical of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), not MDD, thus reinforcing that the most characteristic symptom of MDD is persistent sadness or loss of interest.