A depressive episode that appears without an obvious psychological trigger is best described as?

A depressive episode that appears without an obvious psychological trigger is best described as?

• A. Reactive depression due to stressor
• B. Seasonal affective disorder
• C. Manic depression
• D. Sudden depression with not apparent cause

Answer: (D)

The concept being tested is distinguishing depressive episodes that arise without external triggers from those driven by life events. When a depressive episode appears with no obvious stressor, it’s best described as endogenous (nonreactive) depression—an internal-emotional pattern rather than a reaction to something in the environment. This fits because the episode seems to come from within, not from identifiable problems or events. Endogenous depression is thought to involve internal factors like genetics or neurochemical imbalances, and it often presents as a persistent, sometimes more severe mood downturn that isn’t tightly tied to recent stress. This sets it apart from reactive depression, which follows a clear stressor; seasonal affective disorder, which follows a seasonal pattern; and bipolar disorder, which includes manic episodes in addition to depressive ones. So the description “depression with no apparent cause” aligns best with endogenous (nonreactive) depression.

The concept being tested is distinguishing depressive episodes that arise without external triggers from those driven by life events. When a depressive episode appears with no obvious stressor, it’s best described as endogenous (nonreactive) depression—an internal-emotional pattern rather than a reaction to something in the environment. This fits because the episode seems to come from within, not from identifiable problems or events.

Endogenous depression is thought to involve internal factors like genetics or neurochemical imbalances, and it often presents as a persistent, sometimes more severe mood downturn that isn’t tightly tied to recent stress. This sets it apart from reactive depression, which follows a clear stressor; seasonal affective disorder, which follows a seasonal pattern; and bipolar disorder, which includes manic episodes in addition to depressive ones. So the description “depression with no apparent cause” aligns best with endogenous (nonreactive) depression.