Friday, March 9, 2012

Delusional Disorder


Delusional disorder is a condition with non bizarre delusions; beliefs that can occur in real life; for instance being poisoned, being watched, being deceived, or having an illness, These delusions do not include other symptoms of schizophrenia or other disorders where delusions can occur. These delusions may seem believable, and the person may appear normal.  These delusions are not due to a medical condition or substance abuse.

The delusions are of different types:  a type where the person believes that a person, usually of higher social standing, is in love with the individual;  grandiose type the person believes that he has some great but unrecognized talent or insight, a special identity, knowledge, power, self-worth, or special relationship with someone famous or with God; jealous type the belief that his partner has been unfaithful; persecutory type the individual believes he is being cheated, spied on, drugged, followed, slandered, or somehow mistreated; somatic type where there is an experience of physical sensations or tactical; such as foul odors or insects crawling on or under the skin or he is suffering from a general medical condition or defect; mixed type more than one of the type of delusion. Delusions also occur as symptoms of many other mental disorders, especially the other psychotic disorders.

The cause of delusion disorders is not know however researchers find certain features indicate that when delusional disorders occur later in life they may be hereditary. Early childhood experiences may be a contributing factor.  Some researchers propose that any person with a sensitive personality is vulnerable to developing a delusional disorder.

Treatment of delusional disorders is drug therapy and psychotherapy.  Treatment is complicated, for many reasons, such as the patient's denial that they have a psychological problem.
Antipsychotic medications are used in the treatment of delusional disorder as well as in schizophrenic disorders. These medications work by reducing the incidence of psychotic symptoms; hallucinations and delusions. They also alleviate the anxiety and agitation.
Psychotherapy for patients with delusional disorder includes cognitive therapy. Psychotherapy has been said to be an effective form of treatment.


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