What emotional state is primarily associated with unipolar disorder?

Unipolar disorder, commonly referred to as major depressive disorder, is primarily characterized by persistent low moods. Individuals suffering from this condition experience a significant and prolonged feeling of sadness or a lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed. This emotional state is consistent and does not include the fluctuating high moods seen in conditions like bipolar disorder. The primary feature of unipolar disorder is this downward emotional state, which can severely affect a person's daily functioning, outlook on life, and overall well-being. It's important to understand how unipolar disorder contrasts with other mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, where the presence of high moods is involved alongside lows. Therefore, the hallmark of unipolar disorder clearly centers around experiences of only low moods, aligning with the characteristics of major depressive episodes.