The world of mind and thought is complex to say the least and, without realizing it, it can play tricks on us. For example, I am sure that in some cases you have had the feeling that you were being watched or you have believed that someone had something against you. However, most likely, there were real reasons that led you to such conclusions.
But, in our society, there are a series of people who suffer from what is known as delusional disorder and, without being able to avoid it, they have beliefs in their minds that may seem very irrational and absurd to the rest of us.
Therefore, at Psychology-Online, we want to present to you the characteristics, symptoms and treatment of delusional disorder and how you can help those people who have it, in order to improve their lifestyle.
What is delusional disorder
The DSM-IV-TR defines the delirium as the false belief based on an incorrect inference regarding external reality that is held despite what almost everyone believes and despite obvious evidence to the contrary. The belief is not accepted by other members of the culture. It is only considered a delusional idea when the judgment is so extreme that defies all credibility.
This disorder has quite specific characteristics:
- The balance between evidence for and against is such that others consider it incredible.
- The belief is not shared by others.
- The belief is firmly held.
- The person is worried with belief.
- The belief is source of discomfort subjective or interferes with social functioning.
- The person does not resist the belief.
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Symptoms of delusional disorder according to the DSM V
As stated in the DSM-V, to be diagnosed with a delusional disorder, a person must meet a series of criteria.
- A. Presence of one (or more) delusions of a month or more in duration.
- B. Criterion A of . has never been met. Hallucinations, if present, are unimportant and related to the delusional theme (e.g., the sensation of being infested by insects associated with delusions of infestation).
- C. Aside from the impact of the delirium or its ramifications, functioning is not greatly altered and behavior is not overtly extravagant or strange.
- D. If manic or major depressive episodes have occurred, they have been brief compared to the duration of the delusional periods.
- E. The disorder cannot be attributed to the physiological effects of a substance or another medical condition and is not better explained by another mental disorder, such as or .
Delusional disorder can be of different types:
- Erotomanic: The central theme is that another person is in love with the person who has the delusion.
- Of greatness: conviction on the part of the patient of having a certain talent or knowledge or of having made some important discovery.
- Jealousy: The individual is convinced that his or her spouse or lover is unfaithful. Find out here.
- Persecutory: the individual believes that they are conspiring against him, that they are deceived, spied on, followed, drugged or poisoned.
- Somatic: the central theme involves bodily functions or sensations.
- Mixed: no type of delirium predominates.
Outside of the moments in which delirium is present, the person will behave in a manner normal to the rest of society, so they do not usually exhibit strange behaviors unless they are focusing their attention on the delirium.
Treatment of delusional disorder
Firstly, it should be noted that for the treatment of this disorder, it is completely necessary to presence of a professionalsince in many cases a series of medication for the control of hallucinations and delusions. Some of the medications used are antipsychotics, antidepressants and emotional stabilizers.
At the same time, in parallel, there are a series of psychological treatmentssuch as in the case of , which will help the patient relieve symptoms and think with greater clarity.
As a result of the large number of delusions that can give rise to this disorder, there is no basic treatment since there is not enough empirical evidence to prove the effectiveness of the different treatments used.
How to deal with a person with delusional ideas
Next, I want to present a series of guidelines which can help you dealing with people with delusional disorders:
- It is counterproductive to deny your perceptions, but with a calm tone you can achieve move your attention to other topics of your interest.
- We must not lose our cool or follow the idea that the person presents to us.
- One has to pay attention and listen to themso that in this way they feel cared for and understood.
- Let them know that let’s help them in your problem.
- Identify the type of delirium the person is suffering from and show empathy towards him, because in many cases the beliefs that these people have are very negative and distressing.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
If you want to read more articles similar to Delusional disorder: what it is, DSM V symptoms, treatment and how to actwe recommend that you enter our category.
Bibliography
- AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION (APA). (2002). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-V. Barcelona: Masson.
- Villa, E. Psychopathology. Jaume I University. 2016.
- Yust, CC, Garcelán, SP, & López, MJM (2003). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of a patient diagnosed with delusional disorder. Psychothema, 15(1), 120-126.