What condition is characterized by disorganization, distortion, and decreased mental capacity?

The correct answer is psychosis. This condition is characterized by a significant disorganization in thinking and perception, which often leads individuals to experience distortions of reality. Symptoms can include delusions, hallucinations, and a marked decline in cognitive function or mental capacity. People experiencing psychosis may have difficulty distinguishing what is real from what is not, which can result in fragmented thoughts and impaired decision-making abilities.

In contrast, the other conditions mentioned have different core symptoms. Depression primarily involves persistent feelings of sadness and a loss of interest, but it does not inherently involve distortions of reality to the same extent as psychosis. Schizophrenia, while similar and often associated with psychotic symptoms, encompasses a broader range of issues, including emotional and social dysfunction, as well as specific disorganized behavior and thoughts. Anxiety disorders primarily center on excessive worry and fear, leading to physical symptoms like increased heart rate, but they do not typically present the severe cognitive and perceptual disruptions involved in psychosis.