Which of the following is a feature of depressive disorders?

Persistent sadness is a defining feature of depressive disorders. Individuals diagnosed with depression often experience prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair, which can affect their daily functioning and overall quality of life. This characteristic distinguishes depressive disorders from other mood disorders where emotions may fluctuate more dramatically or differ significantly from the typical presentation of depression. The presence of persistent sadness can also involve a loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable, signifying a notable change in mood and behavior.

In contrast, inconsistent mood is not a primary feature of depressive disorders as it suggests fluctuations in emotional state that can be more characteristic of other conditions, such as bipolar disorder. High self-esteem is typically not associated with depressive disorders; rather, individuals may experience negative self-perceptions. Excessive happiness also doesn't align with depressive disorders, as these conditions are marked by low mood rather than elevated emotions.