What distinguishes the Delusional Disorder from other psychotic disorders?

The defining characteristic that distinguishes Delusional Disorder from other psychotic disorders is the presence of persistent delusions without prominent and significant psychotic features. In Delusional Disorder, the delusions are the primary symptom and can involve various themes, such as paranoia or grandeur. Importantly, these delusions occur in the absence of other major mental disorder symptoms, like hallucinations, significant mood disturbances, or disorganized thinking, which are more typical in disorders like schizophrenia.

In essence, individuals with Delusional Disorder maintain their overall functioning in areas unrelated to the delusion and do not display the broader array of symptoms seen in other psychotic disorders, making this distinction crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.