MCAT® ExamPsychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of BehaviorMedium
A 35-year-old patient presents to a clinic complaining of persistent sadness, loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating for the past three months. She also reports significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns. These symptoms began after she lost her job and her long-term relationship ended. Based on the DSM-5 criteria, which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
- AMajor Depressive Disorder
- BGeneralized Anxiety Disorder
- CBipolar I Disorder
- DPersistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Major Depressive Disorder
The patient's symptoms (persistent sadness, anhedonia, fatigue, concentration issues, changes in appetite/sleep) lasting for three months and causing significant distress or impairment are characteristic of a Major Depressive Episode, which is the core diagnostic criterion for Major Depressive Disorder.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Generalized Anxiety Disorder primarily involves excessive worry, not the pervasive sadness and anhedonia described.
- C. Bipolar I Disorder involves manic episodes, which are not described here.
- D. Persistent Depressive Disorder requires symptoms to be present for at least two years, which is longer than the three months reported.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
A mood disorder characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities that once brought joy (anhedonia), along with other cognitive and physical symptoms, lasting for at least two weeks.
- Requires at least 5 symptoms from a specific list, including depressed mood or anhedonia.
- Symptoms must cause clinically significant distress or impairment.
- Not attributable to substance use or another medical condition.
Memory trick: MDD: 'M'iserable, 'D'own, 'D'epressed for weeks.