What is Delusional Disorder?
A delusion is the unshakable belief in something untrue or not based in reality. While delusions can occur in many different psychiatric disorders, if an individual has trouble distinguishing between reality and fantasy and displays one or more delusions for one month or longer, a delusional disorder may be the issue. Delusional disorder is diagnosed when delusions are the most prominent symptom. Generally, functioning is not impaired among those diagnosed with delusional disorder, nor is their behavior unusual beyond the delusion itself. These delusions are not due to another diagnosable medical condition or substance abuse. Delusional disorder is wholly distinct from schizophrenia. Typically, delusional disorder can be specified as having particularly bizarre content.
Symptoms
The main symptom of delusional disorder is a persistent delusion or delusions. That is to say, the individual holds a firm, unshakeable belief in the reality of a situation, condition, or action that is not actually happening in real life. There are several different types of delusions, with the most common being persecutory.
- Erotomanic: delusion of a romantic relationship with another person, usually someone famous or of high standing.
- Grandiose: delusion that the person has a special power/ability, or a special relationship with a powerful person or figurehead.
- Jealous: delusion that a sexual partner is being unfaithful.
- Persecutory: delusion that the person is being threatened or smeared.
- Somatic: delusion of having a physical illness or disability.
Sanctuary Centers Treats Delusional Disorders
At Sanctuary Centers, we utilize many psychological therapies to treat delusional disorders, These therapies may include individual psychotherapy, group, and individual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).