For the past two months, Rohan, a 40-year-old bank officer in Lucknow, has stopped playing his Sunday cricket and says nothing he once liked feels good any more. He wakes at 3 a.m. and cannot fall asleep again, has lost five kilograms, and feels tired all day. At work he cannot think through simple files. He often says he has let his family down and is of no use to anyone. A check-up arranged by his wife found no physical illness, and Rohan himself shows no concern about his health. His family recalls no period when he was unusually cheerful, energetic or excited.
Rohan's pattern of symptoms best fits which of the following?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Major depressive disorder
Option (1) Major depressive disorder — Correct. Major depressive disorder is a period of depressed mood and/or loss of interest or pleasure in most activities. Rohan also shows its other signs: weight change, sleep problems, tiredness, poor thinking and feelings of worthlessness.
Option (2) Bipolar I disorder — Incorrect. Bipolar I disorder involves mania and depression that come by turns. Rohan has never had a spell of high energy or excitement, so there is no manic episode.
Option (3) Somatic symptom disorder — Incorrect. Somatic symptom disorder means lasting body-related symptoms with constant worry about health and frequent visits to doctors. Rohan's weight loss and tiredness come with low mood, and he is not worried about his health.
Option (4) Generalised anxiety disorder — Incorrect. Generalised anxiety disorder is long-lasting, vague and intense fear and worry, not tied to any one object. Rohan's main problem is loss of interest and low self-worth.
NCERT (2026-27): “Depressive Disorders |