Depression is defined as which of the following?

Depression is defined as which of the following?

• A. A prolonged feeling of helplessness, hopelessness, and sadness
• B. A slowly progressive decline in mental abilities
• C. Inflammation of a joint
• D. Clouding of the lens

Answer: (A)

Depression is a mental health condition defined by a persistent emotional state that includes feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and sadness that last for weeks or longer and interfere with daily life. The key idea is that the mood disturbance is long-lasting and pervasive, not just a temporary feeling. This distinguishes it from conditions described by physical problems: a slowly progressive decline in mental abilities suggests dementia, inflammation of a joint points to arthritis, and clouding of the lens refers to cataracts. Depression centers on sustained mood and its impact on functioning, not on physical or cognitive degeneration.

Depression is a mental health condition defined by a persistent emotional state that includes feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and sadness that last for weeks or longer and interfere with daily life. The key idea is that the mood disturbance is long-lasting and pervasive, not just a temporary feeling. This distinguishes it from conditions described by physical problems: a slowly progressive decline in mental abilities suggests dementia, inflammation of a joint points to arthritis, and clouding of the lens refers to cataracts. Depression centers on sustained mood and its impact on functioning, not on physical or cognitive degeneration.