What is a common characteristic of Depression as a behavioral/emotional disorder?

Social withdrawal is a common characteristic of depression, as individuals experiencing this disorder often find it challenging to engage with others and may isolate themselves from social situations. This behavior can stem from feelings of sadness, lack of energy, or a sense of worthlessness, leading those affected to pull back from friends and family.

In contrast, hallucinations are typically associated with other mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia. Ritualistic behaviors are more common in disorders like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Intellectual deficits may occur in some cases of depression but are not a defining characteristic and can vary widely among individuals. Thus, the prominence of social withdrawal as a response to depression makes it a key identifiable trait of the disorder.