Which term describes an illness with mood extremes that interfere with daily living?

• A. Mood disorder
• B. Personality Disorder
• C. Addictive drug
• D. Leukoplakia

Answer: (A)

Mood disorders are illnesses characterized by significant mood changes that disrupt daily functioning. When mood swings are extreme—such as prolonged sadness, loss of interest, or periods of unusually high energy and risk-taking—they can interfere with work, school, sleep, appetite, and relationships, which is exactly what defines these disorders.

This term best fits the idea of an illness that interferes with daily living because it centers on pervasive mood disruption rather than other patterns. By contrast, a personality disorder involves enduring patterns of behavior and inner experience that deviate from expectations but aren’t defined solely by mood shifts. An addictive drug describes a substance that can lead to dependence, not a mental-health illness characterized by mood extremes. Leukoplakia is a physical condition of the mouth, unrelated to mood or mental health.