Which type of psychotic features occur during depressive episodes and are consistent with feelings of inadequacy?

The presence of mood-congruent psychotic features during depressive episodes is characterized by symptoms that align closely with the individual's depressive mood, such as feelings of worthlessness, inadequacy, and guilt. These psychotic features can manifest as delusions or hallucinations that reinforce the negative self-perception inherent in depression. For example, a person might experience delusions of guilt or a belief that they are a burden to others, which directly correlates with depressive symptoms.

Mood-congruent psychotic features distinctly complement the depressive experience, as they are consistent with the emotional state of the individual. This connection enhances the overall understanding of the depressive episode, illustrating how deeply the disorder can affect thought processes and perceptions of reality.

In contrast, other features listed—such as atypical features, anxious distress, or mixed features—do not specifically align with the theme of feelings of inadequacy related to depressive episodes in the same direct manner. Atypical features might involve mood reactivity and increased appetite or sleep, while anxious distress includes significant anxiety that is usually not a direct extension of depressive feelings. Mixed features incorporate symptoms of both depression and hypomania or mania, differing from the solely inadequacy-focused nature of mood-congruent psychotic features associated with depression