Which disorder is characterized by a break with reality?

Schizophrenia is characterized by a break with reality, often manifesting as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, and other cognitive impairments. Individuals with this disorder may experience significant disruptions in their perception of reality, leading to difficulties in distinguishing what is real from what is not. This break can affect their daily functioning, social interactions, and overall quality of life.

In contrast, bipolar disorder involves mood disturbances that include episodes of mania and depression, but it does not fundamentally alter a person's perception of reality in the same way. Anxiety disorders primarily involve excessive fear or worry rather than a detachment from reality. Depression is marked by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest, but it does not involve the severe distortions in reality characteristic of schizophrenia. Therefore, schizophrenia is the most accurate choice when considering disorders associated with a break from reality.