Diagnostic Features of Delusional Disorder

Key Characteristics

• The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry notes that delusional disorder is distinguished from schizophrenia by the absence of marked deterioration in social, occupational, and self-care functioning, with functioning remaining relatively preserved despite the presence of delusions 1
• Delusional disorder is characterized by one or more delusions with relative absence of other psychopathology, contrasting with schizophrenia which requires at least two psychotic symptoms, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 1