Which option is not listed as a symptom of Major Depressive Episode?

Which option is not listed as a symptom of Major Depressive Episode?

• A. Depressed mood
• B. Guilt
• C. Memory loss
• D. Anhedonia

Answer: (C)

In a Major Depressive Episode, diagnosis hinges on a cluster of symptoms that reflect persistent mood disturbance and a loss of interest or pleasure, along with several additional signs. The DSM-5 criteria include depressed mood, diminished interest or pleasure (anhedonia), changes in sleep or appetite, changes in weight, psychomotor changes, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, difficulties concentrating, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. You need at least five symptoms over a two-week period, with either depressed mood or anhedonia required. Depressed mood is a core symptom, and guilt is a common accompanying feeling that can occur with depressive thinking. Anhedonia specifically captures the loss of interest or pleasure in activities, which is central to the condition. Memory loss, on the other hand, is not listed as a diagnostic criterion for Major Depressive Episode. While people with depression may experience problems with concentration or cognitive slowing, memory loss itself is not one of the formal criteria used to diagnose the episode.

In a Major Depressive Episode, diagnosis hinges on a cluster of symptoms that reflect persistent mood disturbance and a loss of interest or pleasure, along with several additional signs. The DSM-5 criteria include depressed mood, diminished interest or pleasure (anhedonia), changes in sleep or appetite, changes in weight, psychomotor changes, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, difficulties concentrating, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. You need at least five symptoms over a two-week period, with either depressed mood or anhedonia required.

Depressed mood is a core symptom, and guilt is a common accompanying feeling that can occur with depressive thinking. Anhedonia specifically captures the loss of interest or pleasure in activities, which is central to the condition.

Memory loss, on the other hand, is not listed as a diagnostic criterion for Major Depressive Episode. While people with depression may experience problems with concentration or cognitive slowing, memory loss itself is not one of the formal criteria used to diagnose the episode.