The delusional disorder is based on a system of obsessive beliefs that are certainly false, but which are plausible and highly credible in the eyes of those who suffer from it. Suffering from a delusional disorder does not mean suffering from schizophrenia, although they are often confused. Delirium involves situations that last at least a month or more and these beliefs usually appear normal to the individual who suffers from it. In general, the subject's behavior is regular, apart from the delusional element. There are different types of delusional disorder: erotomaniac, megalomaniac, jealousy, persecutory and somatic. As you continue reading the article and learn more about this disorder, remember that the mind has incredible strength, and is capable of producing bizarre fantasies that seem real in the mind of the one who imagines them.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Understanding How Delusions Are Defined
Step 1. Know what a delusion is
It is an obsessive belief that does not change even in the face of conflicting evidence. This means that despite attempts to reason about a delusion with the person suffering from it, what she is convinced of does not change. Even when there is a series of evidence that contradicts his delusion, this person will continue to support what he believes.
- Even people from the same social and cultural background as the delusional subject would find his beliefs unlikely or even incomprehensible.
- An example of a delusion that is considered bizarre is the belief that one's internal organs have been replaced with someone else's, with no visible scars or other signs of surgery. An example of a less bizarre delusion is the belief that you are being watched or videotaped by police or government officials.
Step 2. Know the criteria on which a delusional disorder is based
A true delusional disorder is a well-defined form of delusion involving delusional beliefs lasting a month or more. It certainly does not occur in the course of other psychopathologies, such as schizophrenia. The following are the criteria on which a delusional disorder is based:
- Having delusions for a month or more.
- Delusions do not adhere to schizophrenic parameters, for which their manifestation must be accompanied by other typical signs of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations, speech or disorganized behavior, catatonic behavior or reduced emotional expression.
- Except for delusions and their conditioning on some aspects of life, there are no further anomalies in bodily functions. The individual is still able to manage their daily needs. His behavior is not considered weird or bizarre.
- Delusions have a longer duration than symptoms affecting mood or hallucinations associated with delirium. This means that mood swings or hallucinations are not the main focus or the most obvious symptom.
- Delirium is not caused by substances, drugs or diseases.
Step 3. Know that some disorders can lead to delusions
There are several disorders recognized by mainstream medicine that can induce hallucinations, delusions, or both, some of which include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, acute confusion, and dementia.
Step 4. Understand the difference between delusion and hallucination
Hallucinations are perceptions that are not caused by external stimuli. In addition, they usually occur in one or more sensory modalities, most frequently auditory. They can also be visual, olfactory or tactile.
Step 5. Distinguish between delusional disorder and schizophrenia
Delusional disorders do not adhere to the parameters of schizophrenia, in which other manifestations concur, including hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganized behavior, catatonic behavior or reduced emotional expression.
Step 6. Learn about the prevalence of delusional disorder
Delusional disorder regularly affects about 0.2% of the population. Because it often does not affect bodily functioning, it can be difficult to tell if a person has a delusional disorder, because it does not appear strange or different on the surface.
Step 7. Know that the causes of delusions are unclear
There is extensive research and theories regarding the origin and evolution of delusion, but scholars have not yet identified a precise cause.
Method 2 of 3: Understanding the Different Types of Delirium
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms of erotomanic delirium
Erotomania is characterized by the belief that another person is in love with us. Typically, this is a higher-status individual, such as a celebrity or business executive. Often, the delusional subject tries to make contact with the person he believes has fallen in love with him. There is also a risk that it will lead to stalking or violence.
- As a rule, erotomanic delirium is manifested by peaceful behavior. However, sufferers can sometimes become short-tempered, excited, or jealous.
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Frequent behavior in sex addicts includes:
- The belief that the object of his delusion is trying to send messages in code, for example through words or body language.
- Begin to annoy or contact the object of the delusion, writing him letters, sending him messages or e-mails. He can do this even if the contact is unwanted.
- The certainty that the delusional object is in love with the delusional subject, despite the existence of contradicting evidence, such as a restraining order.
- This particular type of delusion is more common in women than in men.
Step 2. Learn about the megalomaniac delusion
Megalomania is characterized by the belief that you have a misunderstood talent, an unrecognized special ability, or that you have made an important discovery. Affected subjects are convinced of their uniqueness, which is expressed, for example, in an important role or in other attitudes or abilities.
- They may also believe they are famous celebrities or think they have invented something great, such as the time machine.
- Among the most common behaviors in subjects suffering from megalomaniac delusions are apparently presumptuous or disproportionate attitudes, which end up becoming submissive.
- Additionally, they may seem impulsive and unrealistic about their goals or what they dream of accomplishing.
Step 3. Observe jealous behavior that could indicate delusion
Delusional jealousy is commonly characterized by the idea that one's spouse or lover is unfaithful. Even if there is evidence to the contrary, the subject is certain that his partner is in another relationship. Sometimes, individuals with this type of delusion reconstruct certain events or situations in order to experience their partner's infidelity.
The most common behavior of those suffering from the delusion of jealousy is manifested by violent acts and attempts to limit the activities of the partner or to relegate him to the house. In fact, this type of delusion is associated with violence and can lead to murder
Step 4. Watch for behaviors that indicate a persecutory delusion
Persecutory delusion is characterized by the belief that you are the victim of a conspiracy or plot against yourself, or that you are being cheated, spied on, followed or harassed. It is sometimes referred to as "paranoid delusion", and is the most common type of delusion. Affected subjects feel a vague sensation of being persecuted, without having the ability to identify the cause.
- Even a small insult can seem exaggerated and be interpreted as an attempt at deception or harassment.
- The behaviors assumed by subjects suffering from persecutory delusions include angry, cautious, resentful or suspicious attitudes.
Step 5. Watch out for delusions involving bodily functions or sensations
Somatic delusions are those that affect the body and the senses. People may be convinced that something is wrong with their appearance, or that they have contracted a disease or contagion.
- Common examples of somatic delirium include the belief that the body smells bad or is infested with subcutaneous parasites. Somatic delusions can also include the belief that you have physical malformations or that a part of the body is not functioning properly.
- Behaviors that manifest the somatic subtype are characterized by delirium. For example, those who believe they have been infected with parasites can continually consult the dermatologist and refuse to seek psychiatric treatment because they do not see the need.
Method 3 of 3: Seeking Help for Delusional Disorders
Step 1. Talk to the person you suspect has a delusional disorder
A delusional belief is not clear until the person begins to discuss his or her beliefs or how they might affect their relationships or work.
Sometimes, it is possible to recognize abnormal behaviors that indicate a delusion. For example, this disorder can be evident thanks to unusual choices in everyday life, such as not wanting to carry a cell phone because the subject is convinced that he is being watched by the secret services
Step 2. Get a diagnosis from a mental health professional
Delusional disorders are serious pathologies, which require treatment prescribed and followed by professionals specialized in the treatment of these problems. If you think a loved one is suffering from delirium, it can be due to various types of ailments, so it's important to take them to a professional immediately.
It is important to remember that only a licensed professional can diagnose a person with a delusional disorder. Usually, he conducts a lengthy interview that includes examining symptoms, medical and psychiatric history, and studying medical records, in order to accurately identify the delusional disorder
Step 3. Encourage the individual to undergo behavioral and psychoeducational therapy
Psychotherapy for delusional disorders involves the creation of a relationship of trust with the therapist, by virtue of which it is possible to make behavioral changes, which concern, for example, the improvement of relationships or work problems affected by the delusions. Furthermore, once the therapist has identified the progress in behavioral changes, the therapist will help the patient to cope with his or her delusions, starting with the smallest and least important ones.
Such a therapy can be long and last anywhere from 6 months to a year before you see improvement
Step 4. Ask your psychiatrist about the use of antipsychotic medications
Treatment for delusional disorder usually involves taking antipsychotic medications. It has been shown that in 50% of cases they help patients get rid of symptoms, while in 90% they produce some improvement in the symptoms themselves.
The most commonly used antipsychotics to treat delusional disorders are pimozide and clozapine. Olanzapine (marketed in Italy as Zyprexa) and risperidone (in Italy under the brand name of Risperdal) are also prescribed
Warnings
- Do not ignore and do not allow the person to take risks or violent behavior.
- Don't ignore the stress factor on yourself and others. It may be hard to bear, so by co-opting other people who can help you out, you will be able to manage your stress better.
