A child who feels excessive guilt and lacks energy would be diagnosed with which condition?

• A. Depression
• B. Anxiety
• C. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
• D. Autism Spectrum Disorder

Answer: (A)

Persistent low mood with excessive guilt and low energy in a child points to a depressive disorder. Excessive guilt reflects negative self-evaluation often seen in depression, and feeling fatigued or lacking energy is a common symptom during depressive episodes. Anxiety would typically center on persistent worry and physical tension rather than prominent guilt with fatigue. Oppositional Defiant Disorder focuses on defiance and oppositional behavior toward authority, not the mood and energy changes described. Autism Spectrum Disorder involves social communication differences and restricted behaviors, not these mood-related symptoms. Therefore, depression best fits the scenario.