Which disorder is characterized by recurrent depressive episodes with low mood, diminished self-esteem, and loss of interest in activities?

• A. OCD
• B. PTSD
• C. Bipolar Disorder
• D. Clinical Depression

Answer: (D)

This describes a mood disorder with persistent low mood, diminished self-esteem, and loss of interest or pleasure in activities across depressive episodes, which fits major depressive disorder (often called clinical depression). In major depressive disorder, people experience depressed mood most days, a marked reduction in interest or pleasure (anhedonia), and negative self-perceptions such as worthlessness or guilt, among other possible symptoms, lasting for at least two weeks and causing impairment. When these depressive episodes occur repeatedly over time with intervals of remission, it’s described as recurrent.

The other conditions don’t match this pattern. Obsessive-compulsive disorder centers on intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. Post-traumatic stress disorder involves trauma-related symptoms like flashbacks, avoidance, and hyperarousal. Bipolar disorder includes distinct periods of mania or hypomania in addition to depressive episodes. The described combination—persistent low mood with loss of interest and lowered self-esteem—without manic features or trauma/obsessive-compulsive patterns—best points to major depressive disorder.