What differentiates Major Depressive Disorder from other mood disorders?

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is specifically characterized by the absence of manic or hypomanic episodes, which distinguishes it from other mood disorders, such as Bipolar Disorder. The defining feature of MDD is a period of at least two weeks during which there is a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities, accompanied by other symptoms such as changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, or recurrent thoughts of death.

When differentiating MDD from other mood disorders, the hallmark feature is this lack of manic episodes. Conditions such as Bipolar Disorder involve fluctuations in mood that include at least one manic or hypomanic episode, which is not present in Major Depressive Disorder. This absence of manic symptoms is crucial for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of MDD.

The other options do not accurately reflect the criteria or diagnostic features of MDD. For instance, the presence of manic symptoms would suggest a different mood disorder, and symptoms related exclusively to anxiety would indicate an anxiety disorder rather than a mood disorder. Additionally, while some cases of depression may require hospitalization due to severity, it is not a diagnostic criterion for MDD itself. Hence, recognizing the absence of manic episodes is essential for distinguishing Major