Georgia Virtual School (GAVS) Health Exam

True or False: Individuals with depression often exhibit a lack of strong feelings or interest.

1. True

2. False

3. Only when they are alone

4. Only during severe episodes

The correct answer is: True

Individuals with depression frequently experience a diminished capacity for emotional engagement and interest in activities that they once found enjoyable or fulfilling. This condition is known as anhedonia, which is a core symptom of depression. People may report feeling numb or emotionally flat, lacking the strong feelings that typically characterize happiness, excitement, or passion. This lack of strong feelings can manifest in various ways, such as reduced motivation, withdrawal from social interactions, and a general disconnection from the world around them. While it's true that some individuals might show variability in their feelings depending on the context, the characteristic feature of depression is the pervasive nature of these symptoms regardless of the setting or intensity of the episode. Therefore, stating that individuals with depression often exhibit a lack of strong feelings or interest accurately reflects one of the fundamental aspects of the disorder.