Which DSM-5 domain encompasses mood disorders such as major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder?

• A. Anxiety disorders.
• B. Mood disorders.
• C. Psychotic disorders.
• D. Neurodevelopmental disorders.

Answer: (B)

The main concept here is how DSM-5 groups disorders by the primary symptom domain, focusing on affective states. Major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder are defined by mood symptoms that dominate the clinical picture—persistent depressive episodes or mood swings with manic or hypomanic episodes. In DSM-5, these conditions sit under the Mood disorders domain because the core disturbance is affective, not primarily anxiety, psychosis, or developmental in nature.

Anxiety disorders center on excessive fear or worry, psychotic disorders feature symptoms like delusions or hallucinations, and neurodevelopmental disorders involve developmental timing and functioning. Since mood disturbances are the central feature of the disorders mentioned, the Mood disorders domain is the best fit.