Which disorders may include psychotic symptoms?

• A. Schizophrenia spectrum disorders and mood disorders with psychotic features may include psychotic symptoms.
• B. Anxiety disorders exclusively.
• C. Personality disorders exclusively.
• D. Substance use disorders.

Answer: (A)

Psychotic symptoms can appear across more than one type of mental health condition, not just a single category. In schizophrenia spectrum disorders, psychosis is a central feature, with delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking commonly occurring. In mood disorders with psychotic features, psychotic symptoms arise during mood episodes and are linked to the mood state, such as during severe depression or mania. Because psychosis can be present in both of these groups, stating that these disorders may include psychotic symptoms best reflects the real clinical picture. The other options don’t fit as well because anxiety disorders do not typically center on psychosis, personality disorders are not defined by psychotic symptoms, and substance use disorders can involve psychosis but not as a consistent or exclusive feature.