American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ABPN Practice Questions and Study Guide

In the context of delusional disorder, it is essential to distinguish it from related disorders such as schizophrenia. One of the criteria for schizophrenia includes a broader range of symptoms, including hallucinations, disorganized speech, or grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, which are not part of delusional disorder. Delusional disorder is specifically characterized by the presence of one or more delusions that persist for at least one month, with the absence of the other criteria required for a diagnosis of schizophrenia.

The preservation of functioning is a key aspect of delusional disorder, as individuals can maintain a level of functioning that may not be significantly impaired aside from their delusion. This is in opposition to schizophrenia, where functioning can be more severely impacted.

Additionally, nonbizarre delusions are typical in delusional disorder, allowing for plausible situations (like being followed or loved). The “erotomanic” subtype is indeed one of the established subtypes of delusional disorder, characterized by the belief that another person is in love with the individual, often someone of higher social status.

Thus, the statement that aligns with the nature of delusional disorder is the one regarding meeting criterion A for schizophrenia, which is incorrect for this