Final answer:
Any of the options (sadness, hopelessness, guilt, despair) could correctly complete the sentence as they are all symptoms of a major depressive episode.
Step-by-step explanation:
The symptoms of a major depressive episode include persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, and despair. Therefore, any of the options A) Sadness, B) Hopelessness, C) Guilt, or D) Despair could correctly fill in the blank. Major depression is a serious mental illness characterized by profound emotional difficulties and physical symptoms. It is important to recognize that these persistent feelings can lead to significant disruptions in daily functioning and, as such, require professional treatment.