At the most basic level, schizophrenia is best conceptualized as a(n) ________ disorder.

• A. personality
• B. psychotic
• C. mood
• D. anxiety

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the key characteristics of schizophrenia, which include symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
2. Recognize that schizophrenia primarily affects a person's perception of reality, which is a hallmark of psychotic disorders.
3. Differentiate schizophrenia from other types of disorders: personality disorders involve enduring patterns of behavior, mood disorders involve disturbances in emotional states, and anxiety disorders involve excessive fear or worry.
4. Recall that psychotic disorders are defined by a loss of contact with reality, which aligns with the symptoms seen in schizophrenia.
5. Conclude that schizophrenia is best conceptualized as a psychotic disorder because it fundamentally involves psychosis.