Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of neurotic disorders?

In the context of neurotic disorders, a hallmark characteristic is the presence of anxiety and irrational fears, which can manifest as obsessions, phobias, and compulsions. These disorders typically involve a heightened awareness and concern regarding anxiety-provoking situations. Neurotic disorders, such as anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorders, exhibit behaviors like compulsive actions in response to underlying anxiety.

The key distinction here is regarding the loss of reality. Neurotic disorders do not typically involve a significant distortion of reality. Individuals may experience high levels of anxiety or distress but generally maintain a grasp on reality; they are aware that their thoughts or behaviors may be excessive or irrational. This differentiates them from psychotic disorders, where the perception of reality can be severely impaired, resulting in hallucinations or delusions.

Thus, loss of reality is accurately identified as not being a characteristic of neurotic disorders.