Rosh Psychiatry Board Practice Exam 2025 - Free Psychiatry Board Practice Questions and Study Guide

In diagnosing a major depressive episode, the presence of a loss of interest in daily activities, also known as anhedonia, is essential. This symptom reflects a significant change in mood and functioning and is critical in establishing the diagnosis. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) mandates the inclusion of either depressed mood or anhedonia as one of the core symptoms required for a diagnosis of a major depressive episode.

A loss of interest represents a profound inability to experience pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable, which is a hallmark of depression. This symptom often correlates with various aspects of a person’s life, including social interactions, work performance, and self-care.

While feelings of worthlessness, diminished ability to concentrate, and insomnia or hypersomnia are significant symptoms that contribute to the overall clinical picture of a major depressive episode, they are not mandatory for diagnosis. Therefore, the presence of loss of interest in daily activities is crucial for establishing the diagnosis of a major depressive episode.