Final answer:
The correct option is (c). Major Depressive Disorder is characterized by intense episodes of depression lasting longer than two weeks and is treated with various interventions. It does not include hypomanic or manic episodes, distinguishing it from other mood disorders like bipolar disorder.
Step-by-step explanation:
The appropriate answer to the student's question about major depressive disorder, which is a mood disorder, is option d: suffers one or more intense episodes of depression. MDD is characterized by a severely depressed mood lasting longer than two weeks along with other symptoms, which include a loss of enjoyment in activities, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, and difficulties with concentration. Unlike the scenarios described in options A and b, which relate to hypomania and bipolar disorder, MDD does not involve manic episodes. Option c describes dysthymic disorder (persistent depressive disorder), which involves moderate but long-term depression.
Major depression affects a significant portion of the population and is distinguished from typical sadness or grief by its intensity and longevity. It is a chronic and complex illness influenced by genetic and environmental factors, causing a wide range of symptoms, and can lead to various risks, including an increased risk for heart disease. Moreover, major depression is currently a leading cause of disability and has an immense impact on public health. Treatments for depression are multi-faceted, with options including psychotherapy, medications, electroconvulsive therapy, and other interventions. Antidepressants, for instance, target neurotransmitter levels in the brain—such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine—to alleviate symptoms, although the exact mechanisms of depression and its treatment continue to be studied.