Which group of psychological disorders is primarily characterized by individuals blaming and punishing themselves for perceived faults or failures?

• A. Psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia
• B. Personality disorders, such as antisocial personality disorder
• C. Mood disorders, such as major depressive disorder
• D. Anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the key characteristic described in the question, which is individuals blaming and punishing themselves for perceived faults or failures. This points toward emotional and cognitive patterns related to self-evaluation and mood.
2. Step 2: Review the main features of each disorder group: Psychotic disorders involve distorted reality perception; Personality disorders involve enduring patterns of behavior and interpersonal difficulties; Mood disorders involve disturbances in emotional states; Anxiety disorders involve excessive fear or worry.
3. Step 3: Recognize that self-blame and self-punishment are common symptoms in mood disorders, especially major depressive disorder, where negative self-evaluation and feelings of guilt are prominent.
4. Step 4: Contrast this with other disorders: psychotic disorders focus more on hallucinations and delusions, personality disorders on long-term behavior patterns, and anxiety disorders on excessive worry rather than self-directed blame.
5. Step 5: Conclude that mood disorders, such as major depressive disorder, are primarily characterized by the tendency to blame and punish oneself for perceived faults or failures.