Association of Social Work Boards Masters (ASWB MSW) Practice Exam

Endogenous depression is a subtype of major depression in which the cause is believed to be primarily biological rather than situational. Common symptoms of this type of depression include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of motivation. Because endogenous depression is thought to be caused by imbalances in brain chemicals, feelings of melancholy and other negative emotions are often reported. Excitement and hopefulness are less likely to be reported in this type of depression as they are more commonly associated with situational factors and events. Satisfaction, while it may be felt in some moments, is not a common or overall reported feeling in those with endogenous depression as it is often overshadowed by persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness.