A patient reports fatigue and has missed several days of work in two weeks. Which diagnosis is most supported by these symptoms?

• A. Depression
• B. Anxiety
• C. Acute pain
• D. Allergies

Answer: (A)

Fatigue with noticeable impairment in daily functioning is most consistent with a mood disorder, specifically depression. Depression involves persistent low mood or loss of interest, along with decreased energy and motivation, which often lead to reduced productivity and missed work. When a patient reports ongoing fatigue and has missed several days of work in a short period, this pattern fits the disruptive impact of depressive symptoms on functioning.

Other possibilities don’t fit as well. Acute pain would point to a localized or recent physical issue causing discomfort, whereas the symptom pattern here centers on mood and energy rather than a pain source. Allergies produce nasal/ocular symptoms and congestion rather than a sustained level of fatigue plus work impairment from mood change. Anxiety can cause fatigue, but it typically presents with excessive worry or physiological arousal and isn’t as characteristically tied to prolonged, pervasive loss of interest and functioning seen with depression.