Identifying Major Depressive Disorder Symptoms

A nursing student is reviewing the DSM-5 criteria for various mood disorders. During a discussion, the instructor emphasizes that a specific disorder can present with symptoms such as persistent sadness, loss of interest in daily activities, and significant changes in appetite or sleep patterns. The student is asked to identify which mood disorder is characterized by these symptoms, particularly when they persist for over two weeks and cause significant impairment in daily functioning.