Which term describes a psychological disorder characterized by general distress?

The term that describes a psychological disorder characterized by general distress is neurosis. Neurosis refers to a range of mental health conditions that involve chronic distress but do not impede an individual's ability to function in everyday life. Individuals with neuroses may experience anxiety, depression, obsessive behaviors, or other emotional disturbances, but they are still in touch with reality and can manage daily activities.

In contrast, psychosis is defined by a disconnection from reality, often involving hallucinations or delusions, which is not the case with neurosis. Withdrawal refers to symptoms that occur after reducing or stopping the use of a substance, and tolerance describes a condition in which a person needs more of a substance to achieve the same effect due to repeated use. These terms do not encapsulate the broader psychological distress that is characteristic of neurosis, establishing the clarity of why neurosis is the correct choice in this context.