Which of the following best describes an illusion?

A. Severe temper outbursts. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is characterized by frequent, severe temper outbursts that are out of proportion to the situation. These outbursts can be verbal or physical and occur at least three times per week, persisting for one year or more.

B. Struggle to regulate emotions. Individuals with DMDD have difficulty managing emotions, particularly anger and frustration. This emotional dysregulation leads to persistent mood instability, which interferes with daily functioning at home, school, and in social settings.

C. Hyperactivity. Hyperactivity is not a core symptom of DMDD but is more commonly associated with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). While some children with DMDD may also have ADHD, DMDD primarily involves severe mood disturbances rather than impulsivity or excessive movement.

D. Chronic irritability. Persistent irritability is a hallmark of DMDD, with children and adolescents experiencing near-constant irritability between temper outbursts. Unlike episodic mood disorders like bipolar disorder, DMDD symptoms are chronic and ongoing without distinct mood episodes.

A. Mesolimbic pathway is responsible for reward, motivation, and emotion. In schizophrenia, hyperactivity of this pathway leads to positive symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.

B. Nigrostriatal pathway regulates motor control. Dopamine blockade in this pathway leads to extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) such as tremors, rigidity, and tardive dyskinesia, which are side effects of first-generation antipsychotics (typical antipsychotics).

C. Tuberoinfundibular pathway controls prolactin secretion. Dopamine inhibits prolactin release, so blocking D2 receptors with antipsychotics leads to hyperprolactinemia, causing gynecomastia, galactorrhea, and menstrual irregularities.

D. Mesocortical pathway is responsible for cognition, motivation, and emotional regulation. In schizophrenia, hypoactivity of this pathway is linked to negative symptoms such as apathy, anhedonia, social withdrawal, and cognitive impairment. Antipsychotics that block dopamine further worsen these symptoms, making negative symptoms more difficult to treat.