What are two core clinical features of major depressive disorder?

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Multiple Choice

What are two core clinical features of major depressive disorder?

Explanation:
Depressed mood and anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure) are the two core features of major depressive disorder. They reflect the persistent mood disturbance and the diminished ability to experience pleasure that define the condition. Diagnosis typically requires at least five symptoms during a two-week period, with depressed mood or anhedonia present. Sleep disturbance and appetite changes commonly occur but are not the defining pair. Delusions or hallucinations would point to a psychotic feature, not typical major depressive disorder, and euphoria or grandiosity indicates mania rather than depression.

Depressed mood and anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure) are the two core features of major depressive disorder. They reflect the persistent mood disturbance and the diminished ability to experience pleasure that define the condition. Diagnosis typically requires at least five symptoms during a two-week period, with depressed mood or anhedonia present. Sleep disturbance and appetite changes commonly occur but are not the defining pair. Delusions or hallucinations would point to a psychotic feature, not typical major depressive disorder, and euphoria or grandiosity indicates mania rather than depression.

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