Which of the following is an example of a mood disorder?

• A. Major depressive disorder
• B. Generalized anxiety disorder
• C. Panic disorder
• D. Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer: (A)

Mood disorders involve disturbances in a person’s internal emotional state. Major depressive disorder is a classic example because the main problem is a persistent depressed mood and a loss of interest or pleasure, along with other symptoms like changes in sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, or feelings of worthlessness. The other conditions are anxiety disorders: generalized anxiety disorder centers on chronic worry; panic disorder involves recurrent panic attacks; obsessive-compulsive disorder features obsessions and compulsions that cause anxiety. None of these have mood disturbance as the primary feature, so they’re categorized as anxiety disorders rather than mood disorders. Therefore, major depressive disorder best fits as a mood disorder.