Which mood disorder includes symptoms such as fatigue, apathy, sadness, and irritability?

• A. Bipolar Disorder
• B. Anxiety
• C. Mood Disorder
• D. Depression

Answer: (C)

When emotional state is the focus, the key idea is that these symptoms reflect a disruption in mood rather than fear, worry, or a specific episodic pattern. Fatigue, apathy, sadness, and irritability are classic signs that a mood is being affected, which is the hallmark of mood disorders. Among the options, naming the broad category—mood disorder—best fits because it encompasses conditions where mood is persistently altered, including depressive states that commonly present with those exact symptoms.

Bipolar disorder involves mood swings that include periods of mania or hypomania in addition to depression, so it’s defined by more than just the listed symptoms. Anxiety is not a mood disorder; it centers on excessive worry and fear, with physical symptoms tied to anxiety rather than sustained mood changes. Depression is a specific mood disorder within this broad category, and while it often includes fatigue, apathy, sadness, and irritability, the broader label mood disorder accurately captures the idea of a mood-related disturbance.