Ann is having trouble sleeping at night and hardly eats. She tells you she’s “lost interest in everything,” and her appearance and grades show it. What psychological illness do suspect Ann may have?

Group of answer choices

Bipolar disorder

Schizophrenia

An eating disorder (anorexia)

Depression

1 answer

Based on the symptoms you describe—difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, lack of interest in activities, and noticeable changes in appearance and academic performance—Ann may be experiencing depression. These symptoms align closely with the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder. Bipolar disorder typically involves mood swings that include periods of mania, and schizophrenia is characterized by symptoms like hallucinations or delusions. An eating disorder like anorexia primarily revolves around food and body image issues, which doesn’t encompass the broader emotional symptoms Ann is exhibiting. Therefore, the most appropriate diagnosis among the given options is depression.