Which symptom encompasses significant weight change due to loss or gain?

• A. Insomnia
• B. Fatigue
• C. Significant weight change
• D. Recurrent thoughts of death

Answer: (C)

Weight change due to loss or gain reflects a change in appetite and energy balance that is a stated symptom in major depressive disorder. Diagnostic criteria include a significant weight loss or gain, or a decrease or increase in appetite, occurring over a short period. This makes weight change a distinct, observable symptom of mood disturbance, separate from other depressive features. Insomnia and fatigue describe related but different aspects of depression linked to sleep and energy, while recurrent thoughts of death indicate suicidal ideation. So, the symptom that directly encompasses significant weight change is the one that names that weight change itself, as it captures this particular clinical manifestation.