What is a defining feature of Delusional Disorder?

The defining feature of Delusional Disorder is the presence of well-organized delusions. These delusions are firmly held beliefs that are not based in reality and can often be quite detailed and intricate. Unlike other psychotic disorders, individuals with Delusional Disorder may appear quite normal in their behavior and functioning outside of these delusions, which distinguishes their condition from other forms of psychosis where thought processes and behaviors are typically more severely impacted.

Delusional themes can vary widely, encompassing beliefs that are paranoid in nature, relating to grandiosity, or involve bizarre scenarios. The structured nature of these beliefs allows individuals to maintain a semblance of normal functioning, making it crucial for diagnosis that the delusions are well formed and persistent.

In contrast, the other options address symptoms that are not defining characteristics of Delusional Disorder. For instance, depressive moods typically relate more to mood disorders, while severe anxiety symptoms are more aligned with anxiety disorders. Obsessive behaviors may suggest obsessive-compulsive disorder rather than Delusional Disorder. Therefore, the hallmark of the disorder is indeed the presence of these well-organized delusions, which serve as the foundation for the diagnosis.