What is the primary characteristic of neurotic disorders?

Neurotic disorders are primarily characterized by the absence of psychotic symptoms and intense psychopathology. Individuals with neurotic disorders often experience significant emotional distress and struggle to manage their anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive behaviors, but they remain in touch with reality. This means they can generally differentiate between their thoughts and the actual world, which is a critical distinction from psychotic disorders where reality is often distorted.

The defining aspects of neurotic disorders lie in their relatively less severe nature compared to psychotic disorders, allowing individuals to cope with daily life despite their symptoms. This is why the correct answer emphasizes the lack of psychotic features and the absence of intense psychopathology that would render daily functioning extremely difficult or impossible. Understanding this characteristic is crucial for identifying and appropriately addressing neurotic disorders in clinical settings.