A female client displaying feelings of worthlessness, guilt, and despair is most likely experiencing what condition?

The presence of feelings of worthlessness, guilt, and despair in a female client strongly indicates the likelihood of severe depression. Severe depression, also known as major depressive disorder, encompasses not only persistent feelings of sadness but also encompasses intense emotional pain and cognitive distortions regarding self-worth. Clients suffering from this condition often experience overwhelming feelings that can lead to significant impairment in daily functioning.

In contrast, mild depression typically involves less intense emotions and may not feature the same degree of hopelessness or incapacity to enjoy life. Anxiety disorders primarily involve excessive worry and fear rather than predominant feelings of worthlessness or despair. Adjustment disorder represents a response to identifiable stressors resulting in emotional or behavioral symptoms; however, these symptoms are generally not as chronic or debilitating as those encountered in severe depression. Thus, the specific combination of symptoms described aligns most closely with severe depression.