Delusional disorder is a psychiatric diagnosis denoting a psychotic mental illness that involves holding one or more non-bizarre delusions in the absence of any other significant psychopathology (signs orsymptoms of mental illness). In particular, a person with delusional disorder has never met any other criteria for schizophrenia and does not have any marked hallucinations, although tactile (touch) or olfactory (smell)hallucinations may be present if they are related to the theme of the delusion.
The types of delusional disorder include. First Erotomanic-Someone with this type of delusional disorder believes that another person, often someone important or famous, is in love with him or her. Second is Grandiose-A person with this type of delusional disorder has an over-inflated sense of worth, power, knowledge, or identity. Third is Jealous-A person with this type of delusional disorder believes that his or her spouse or sexual partner is unfaithful. Forth is Persecutory- People with this type of delusional disorder believe that they (or someone close to them) are being mistreated, or that someone is spying on them or planning to harm them. Fifth is Somatic-A person with this type of delusional disorder believes that he or she has a physical defect or medical problem and last is Mixed: People with this type of delusional disorder have two or more of the types of delusions listed above.
Causes of Delusional Disorder
The cause of delusional disorder is not known. Some studies suggest a biological component due to increased prevalence in first degree relatives of individuals with the disorder. There is a tendency for their family relationships to be characterized by turbulence, callousness, and coldness yet the significance of the patter is unclear typical defense mechanisms seen in these patients include denial, projection, and regression.
Signs and Symptoms of Delusional Disorder
The presence of non-bizarre delusions is the most obvious symptom of this disorder. Other symptoms that mighty 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.)
Treatment of Delusional Disorder
Common Treatment of Delusional Disorder
Medication and psychotherapy (a type of counseling). Psychotherapy is the primary treatment for delusional disorder, including psychosocial treatment which can help with the behavioral and psychological problems associated with delusional disorder.
Individual psychotherapy can help the person recognize and correct the underlying thinking that has become distorted.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help the person learn to recognize and change thought patterns and behaviors that lead to troublesome feelings.
Cognitive therapy has shown promise as an emerging treatment for delusions. The cognitive therapist tries to capitalize on any doubt the individual has about the delusions; then attempts to develop a joint effort with the sufferer to generate alternative explanations, assisting the client in checking the evidence.
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