What is one of the key features of Major Depressive Disorder with Catatonia?

In Major Depressive Disorder with Catatonia, one of the key features is mutism. This symptom involves a significant reduction in verbal communication, where the individual may speak very little or not at all, despite being physically able to do so. Catatonia can manifest in various ways, including rigidity, posturing, and stupor, but mutism highlights the profound impact that this condition has on communication and engagement with others. It indicates the severity of the individual's depressive state and their level of functioning, reflecting a disconnect from the surrounding environment and reducing their ability to participate in social interactions.

The other symptoms found in the incorrect choices showcase behaviors that are contrary to the hallmark symptoms of catatonia and severe depression, such as increased sociability and excessive energy, which are not typical of this disorder. Rapid speech, often associated with manic episodes in bipolar disorder, is also not characteristic of Major Depressive Disorder with Catatonia, where energy and verbal output are markedly diminished.