The individual experiencing sleep disturbances, fatigue, loss of concentration, appetite changes, despair, and hopelessness suffers from _____ disorder.

Question

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Major depressive disorder is a serious alteration in mood that may be described as deep and persistent sadness, despair, and hopelessness (see Figure 14-15). Symptoms develop gradually over several days, during which an anxious or brooding appearance may be noted. The person may experience an empty or heavy feeling inside, accompanied by a vague sense of loss. The person may also have an attitude of self-blame, remorse, guilt, or loss of self-esteem. Other symptoms include sleep disturbance (insomnia or hypersomnia), physical sluggishness or fatigue, loss of concentration, and inability to experience pleasure. In addition, a depressed person may have a variety of physical symptoms. Appetite disturbance produces a change in weight. The patient withdraws socially and may admit to having suicidal thoughts; suicidal behavior is common in major depression (see Table 14-4).

The Individual Experiencing Sleep Disturbances, Fatigue, Loss of Concentration, Appetite