Major depression includes symptoms such as...

Major depression is characterized by a range of emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms. One of the hallmark features of this condition is persistent feelings of sadness and despair. Individuals may experience a profound sense of hopelessness, which can negatively affect their ability to function in daily life. This emotional state can manifest in various ways, including a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities and difficulties in maintaining social relationships.

The other choices represent symptoms associated with different mental health conditions or states. Increased energy and mood, for example, might relate more closely to a manic episode in bipolar disorder rather than major depression. Obsessive behaviors and compulsions are typically symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), not major depression. Lastly, an overwhelming desire for thinness is a characteristic often associated with eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa. Therefore, the feelings of sadness and despair are central to the diagnosis of major depression and reflect the emotional struggles faced by individuals experiencing this condition.