Which of the following symptoms is most characteristic of psychosis in a clinical case study?

• A. Feeling persistent sadness and hopelessness
• B. Displaying repetitive hand-washing behaviors
• C. Having a sudden fear of social situations
• D. Experiencing hallucinations and delusions

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of psychosis: Psychosis is a mental health condition characterized by a disconnection from reality, often involving symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.
2. Review each symptom option and identify which aligns with psychosis: Persistent sadness and hopelessness are typical of depression, repetitive hand-washing is associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder, and sudden fear of social situations relates to social anxiety disorder.
3. Recognize that hallucinations involve perceiving things that are not present (e.g., hearing voices), and delusions are strongly held false beliefs, both hallmark symptoms of psychosis.
4. Compare the symptoms given in the options to the hallmark symptoms of psychosis to determine which is most characteristic.
5. Conclude that experiencing hallucinations and delusions is the symptom most characteristic of psychosis in a clinical case study.