Maria has experienced chronic sadness, poor appetite, and insomnia nearly every day over the last 2 years. What is her most likely diagnosis?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Maria's symptoms of chronic sadness, poor appetite, and insomnia for the last 2 years are indicative of dysthymia, which is a persistent depressive disorder. Dysthymia is characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and low energy that can last for years, and these symptoms are typically less severe than major depressive disorder. Cyclothymia is a type of mood disorder that involves periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms that are not severe enough to meet the criteria for bipolar disorder. Bipolar I disorder involves cycles of manic and depressive episodes, which Maria does not report experiencing. Major depressive disorder is marked by similar symptoms to dysthymia, but these symptoms typically persist for a shorter period of time, usually a few months to a year.

Maria Has Experienced Chronic Sadness, Poor Appetite, and Insomnia Nearly