What defines schizophrenia as a psychotic disorder?

Schizophrenia is classified as a psychotic disorder primarily due to the presence of distortions in thoughts, perceptions, and/or emotions. Individuals with this disorder often experience hallucinations, such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not present, and delusions, which are strongly held false beliefs that can significantly impact their understanding of reality. These distortions can lead to disorganized thinking and behavior, contributing to the psychotic nature of the disorder.

The other options highlight symptoms that may be present in various psychological conditions, but they do not capture the core characteristics that define schizophrenia as a psychotic disorder. Seeking constant reassurance can be indicative of anxiety or attachment issues, while difficulty with daily functioning due to anxiety may relate to anxiety disorders rather than psychosis. Severe mood fluctuations are typically associated with mood disorders such as bipolar disorder rather than the specific thought and perceptual disturbances that characterize schizophrenia. Hence, the essence of schizophrenia lies in its psychotic features, marked by the profound distortions in thinking and perception described in the correct answer.