What category do affective depressive disorders fall under?

Affective depressive disorders are categorized primarily by cognitive and emotional symptoms. These disorders, commonly known as mood disorders, involve significant changes in mood that can heavily influence one’s thoughts and feelings. Individuals may experience pervasive sadness, hopelessness, a lack of interest or pleasure in activities, as well as cognitive disturbances such as difficulty concentrating or making decisions.

In addition to these emotional challenges, affective disorders can lead to changes in behavior and social interactions, but the hallmark features are rooted in the cognitive and emotional realms. The identification and understanding of these symptoms are crucial for adequate assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, making this option the most relevant to the nature of affective depressive disorders.