Delusional Disorder is distinguished from schizophrenia by the absence of which prominent feature?

• A. Hallucinations
• B. Disorganized speech
• C. Negative symptoms
• D. Mood symptoms

Answer: (A)

Delusional Disorder is defined by fixed delusions with relatively preserved overall functioning and without the broader psychotic symptom profile that characterizes schizophrenia. The key distinguishing feature is the absence of prominent hallucinations. Hallucinations are a central, defining feature of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders; when they are prominent, the illness is more likely schizophrenia (or a related disorder) rather than Delusional Disorder. Disorganized speech and negative symptoms are also more typical of schizophrenia, and mood symptoms can occur in either condition but don’t define the difference. So, the absence of prominent hallucinations best differentiates Delusional Disorder from schizophrenia.