During an assessment, a nurse notices a client displaying chronic feelings of inadequacy. What disorder might this indicate?

Chronic feelings of inadequacy are often associated with Major Depressive Disorder. This condition is characterized by a persistent low mood and feelings of worthlessness or inadequacy. Individuals suffering from this disorder may find it difficult to cope with daily life due to the overwhelming nature of their emotions, which can include self-criticism and a pervasive sense of failure or inadequacy.

This contrasts with other disorders. For instance, while Personality Disorders can involve issues of self-image, they often include more complex and stable patterns of behavior that extend beyond feelings of inadequacy. Anxiety Disorders primarily manifest through excessive worry and fear, not largely through chronic feelings of inadequacy. Adjustment Disorder involves an inability to adjust to a specific stressor but is typically more about transient emotional disturbances rather than deep-rooted feelings of inadequacy. Understanding these distinctions emphasizes why Major Depressive Disorder is a particularly apt consideration when chronic feelings of inadequacy are present.