Tom is suffering from depression. Which of the following behaviors would you MOST expect from Tom?

• A. He would feel constant sadness and would no longer enjoy the activities he used to enjoy.
• B. He would be overweight and make poor daily food choices, leading to increased weight gain.
• C. He would constantly feel chest pains after any sort of exercise and would no longer enjoy exercise.
• D. He would feel happy overall, but not have that much interest in the hobbies he used to enjoy.

Answer: (A)

Depression often presents with a persistent sad mood alongside a loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed. That combination—feeling constantly sad and no longer finding joy in things you used to do—fits the typical pattern of depression, reflecting both emotional distress and anhedonia.

The other options don’t align as closely with depressive symptoms. Weight changes can occur but aren’t universal or defining; chest pains after exercise point more toward a physical health issue or anxiety, not a primary depressive pattern; feeling happy overall but with reduced interest would contradict the expected emotional state seen in depression, which usually includes a depressed mood or clearly diminished interest.