Delusional disorder is defined by which feature?

Delusional disorder is defined by which feature?

• A. Persistent delusion with no other mental symptoms
• B. Delusions with disorganized speech
• C. Visual hallucinations
• D. Severe memory loss

Answer: (A)

Delusional disorder centers on a fixed, false belief that remains persistent over time without the presence of other major psychotic symptoms. The defining feature is a delusion that lasts for at least one month, with functioning largely preserved and without prominent disorganized thinking, disorganized speech, hallucinations, or significant memory problems. In practice, this means someone may hold a single, non-bizarre belief (such as persecution or grandeur) confidently, while other aspects of mental life and behavior stay relatively intact. The other options describe features more typical of schizophrenia or cognitive conditions: disorganized speech points to a broader schizophrenia spectrum disorder; visual hallucinations are not characteristic of delusional disorder and suggest another psychotic condition; severe memory loss indicates a cognitive disorder like dementia.

Delusional disorder centers on a fixed, false belief that remains persistent over time without the presence of other major psychotic symptoms. The defining feature is a delusion that lasts for at least one month, with functioning largely preserved and without prominent disorganized thinking, disorganized speech, hallucinations, or significant memory problems. In practice, this means someone may hold a single, non-bizarre belief (such as persecution or grandeur) confidently, while other aspects of mental life and behavior stay relatively intact.

The other options describe features more typical of schizophrenia or cognitive conditions: disorganized speech points to a broader schizophrenia spectrum disorder; visual hallucinations are not characteristic of delusional disorder and suggest another psychotic condition; severe memory loss indicates a cognitive disorder like dementia.