In the context of diagnosing psychological disorders, a loss or decline in mental function is called:

• A. Dementia
• B. Bipolar disorder
• C. Schizophrenia
• D. Delirium

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the key terms related to mental health diagnoses, focusing on symptoms and characteristics of each disorder listed.
2. Define 'Dementia' as a syndrome characterized by a decline in cognitive function, including memory, thinking, and reasoning, severe enough to interfere with daily life.
3. Recognize that 'Bipolar disorder' involves mood swings between mania and depression, not primarily a loss of mental function.
4. Note that 'Schizophrenia' is a psychotic disorder marked by hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, rather than a general decline in cognitive abilities.
5. Identify 'Delirium' as an acute, often temporary, state of confusion and impaired awareness, which differs from the chronic decline seen in dementia.