Delusional disorder is best described as which of the following?

Delusional disorder is best described as which of the following?

• A. Prominent auditory hallucinations
• B. Persistent non-bizarre delusions without prominent hallucinations or disorganized thinking
• C. More severe disorganized thinking
• D. Requires mood episodes.

Answer: (B)

Delusional disorder centers on fixed delusions that are persistent, non-bizarre in nature, and occur without prominent hallucinations or disorganized thinking, with functioning not markedly impaired apart from the delusion. The description focused on here—persistent non-bizarre delusions without prominent hallucinations or disorganized thinking—best fits because it captures the defining pattern: delusions as the main symptom, but without the broader psychotic features seen in other disorders. If there were prominent auditory hallucinations, that would suggest a schizophrenia-spectrum condition; if thinking were severely disorganized, that would also point away from delusional disorder toward schizophrenia; and if mood episodes were prominent, that would suggest schizoaffective disorder or a mood disorder with psychotic features.

Delusional disorder centers on fixed delusions that are persistent, non-bizarre in nature, and occur without prominent hallucinations or disorganized thinking, with functioning not markedly impaired apart from the delusion. The description focused on here—persistent non-bizarre delusions without prominent hallucinations or disorganized thinking—best fits because it captures the defining pattern: delusions as the main symptom, but without the broader psychotic features seen in other disorders. If there were prominent auditory hallucinations, that would suggest a schizophrenia-spectrum condition; if thinking were severely disorganized, that would also point away from delusional disorder toward schizophrenia; and if mood episodes were prominent, that would suggest schizoaffective disorder or a mood disorder with psychotic features.