Major depressive disorder requires that depressive symptoms occur in the absence of what two factors?

Major depressive disorder requires that depressive symptoms occur in the absence of what two factors?

• A. Drugs or medical condition
• B. Family history
• C. Sleep deprivation
• D. Anxiety

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that major depressive disorder is diagnosed only when the depressive symptoms are not caused by another medical issue or by substance use. In practice, clinicians rule out that the mood and related symptoms are better explained by a medical condition (such as thyroid disease or anemia) or by the effects of a drug or medication. If the symptoms can be accounted for by those factors, the diagnosis should focus on the underlying medical or substance-related cause rather than labeling it as a primary depressive disorder. Sleep deprivation or anxiety can accompany depression but they don’t serve as the formal exclusion criteria.

The main idea is that major depressive disorder is diagnosed only when the depressive symptoms are not caused by another medical issue or by substance use. In practice, clinicians rule out that the mood and related symptoms are better explained by a medical condition (such as thyroid disease or anemia) or by the effects of a drug or medication. If the symptoms can be accounted for by those factors, the diagnosis should focus on the underlying medical or substance-related cause rather than labeling it as a primary depressive disorder. Sleep deprivation or anxiety can accompany depression but they don’t serve as the formal exclusion criteria.