Introduction
Delusional disorder, previously called paranoid disorder, is a type of serious mental illness called a “psycho¬sis” in which a person cannot tell what is real from what is imagined. The main feature of this disorder is the presence of delusions, which are unshakable beliefs in something untrue. People with delusional disorder experience non-bizarre delusions, which involve situations that could occur in real life, such as being fol¬lowed, poisoned, deceived, conspired against, or loved from a distance. Types of delusional disorders include: Erotomanic, Grandiose, Jealous, Presecutory, Somatic, and Mixed.
Overview and facts
Delusional disorder itself is rather rare but delusions might be a symptom of more common disorders, such as schizophrenia. Delusional disorder most often occurs in middle to late life and is slightly more common in women than in men.
Symptoms
The presence of non-bizarre delusions is the most obvious symptom of this disorder. Other symptoms that might appear include:
- An irritable, angry, or low mood
- Hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not really there) that are related to the delusion (For example, a person who believes he or she has an odor problem may smell a bad odor.)
Causes and risk factors
As with many other psychotic disorders, the exact cause of delusional disorder is not yet known. Researchers are, however, looking at the role of various genetic, biological, and environmental or psychological factors.
Tests and diagnosis
Psy¬chiatrists and psychologists use specially designed interview and assessment tools to evaluate a person for a psychotic disorder. The doctor or therapist bases his or her diagnosis on the person’s report of symptoms, and his or her observation of the person’s attitude and behavior. The doctor or therapist then determines if the person’s symptoms point to a specific disorder. A diagnosis of delusional disorder is made if a person has non-bizarre delusions for at least one month and does not have the characteristic symptoms of other psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia.
Treatment
Treatment for delusional disorder most often includes medication and psychotherapy. Delusional disorder is highly resistant to treatment with medication alone.
Psychotherapy is the primary treatment for delusional disorder, including psychosocial treatment which can help with the behavioral and psychological problems associated with delusional disorder. Through therapy, patients also can learn to control their symptoms, identify early warning signs of relapse, and develop a relapse prevention plan.
Sources and links