Distinguish a mood disorder from an anxiety disorder with an example.

• A. Mood disorders involve excessive fear or anxiety.
• B. Anxiety disorders involve persistent mood disturbances.
• C. Mood disorders involve persistent disturbances in mood; anxiety disorders involve excessive fear or anxiety.
• D. Anxiety disorders involve mood swings.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that mood disorders center on persistent changes in mood, while anxiety disorders center on excessive fear or worry. For a mood disorder, think of major depressive disorder, where a person experiences a depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, along with symptoms like fatigue, sleep changes, and loss of interest. For an anxiety disorder, think of generalized anxiety disorder, where there is excessive worry about many topics most days for at least six months, plus physical symptoms such as restlessness and muscle tension. This distinction matches the statement that mood disorders involve persistent disturbances in mood, while anxiety disorders involve excessive fear or anxiety. The other options mix up which symptoms belong to which type (fear/anxiety vs. mood) or mischaracterize one disorder as involving mood swings.