Delusional Disorder (paranoid psychosis): causes, symptoms and treatment

Delusional ideas are one of the characteristics of this psychological disorder.

The Delusional Disorderalso known as Paranoid Psychosis, is a psychotic disorder. This disorder manifests itself with the presence of delusional thoughts and ideations, unconnected with reality, and without the presence of other underlying psychopathology.

• Recommended article: "The 8 types of psychotic disorders".

Delusional disorder: what is it?

But, what are the signs and signals that we can appreciate in a person suffering from Delusional Disorder? The diagnosis of this disorder should be made by a mental health professional, and will be guided by several diagnostic criteria:

• The delusional ideas must be present for more than one month.
• The delusions must not be the result of the abuse of toxic substances, drugs or other pathologies.

Symptoms and signs

How do people with Delusional Disorder behave? The picture of paranoid psychosis is usually manifested in that the people who suffer from it are totally convinced of things that are not real. For example, they may believe that they are famous sportsmen or successful singers, and from there they may think that people are chasing and harassing them in the street, or have paranoia thinking that there are people who want to harm them in some way.

This psychiatric condition is usually included within the group of psychopathologies in which a single delusional idea is manifested, or a series of closely linked delusions that remain over time, being difficult to treat and persisting, on many occasions, until the end of the affected individual's life.

What type of delusions do these people suffer from?

Exactly what goes on in these people's heads? Delusional ideas can vary greatly from one subject to another. They are usually paranoid thoughts related to delusions of grandeur, hypochondria or persecution and harassment..

In other cases, the Delusional Disorder may manifest with recurrent thoughts without real basis about infidelity of the sentimental partner, or the belief that others think that the subject is homosexual, for example.

Causes

Delusional Disorder may debut at any time in life. In cases in which the delirium refers to deformities of some part of the body, it usually appears in early adulthood.

The content of the delusional thoughts and the age of their onset may have a fairly direct link with some experiences and experiences that may affect their psychological stability. It has been described that sometimes paranoid ideas of persecution are more frequent in individuals belonging to historically disadvantaged ethnic minorities.. Beyond the behaviors and attitudes linked to delusional ideation, these patients do not usually have any impairment in their empathy, communication skills or in general in any other important aspect.

Characteristics of Paranoid Psychosis

As we have already mentioned, people suffering from Delusional Disorder suffer from recurrent and unrealistic ideas, thoughts and beliefs.. In spite of this, sometimes these delusions do not directly affect their daily routine.

• In most cases, work and social life may not be negatively influenced by the psychopathological picture, unless the delusional ideas appear in these contexts. However, it is noteworthy that patients with this disorder often present an irascible and, in some extremes, aggressive mood.
• As for their manner, they tend to be reserved and elusive, and do not speak openly about their condition.
• They may present unconnected ideas, but to them all their schemes of thought seem logical and well-founded.

Most common types of delusions

Mental health professionals describe up to four major groups of delusions according to their main characteristics. These are described below.

1. Persecutory delusions

This is the most common type of delirium. The person who suffers it lives thinking that he/she is the victim of a conspiracy, and that he/she is constantlyand that he/she is constantly spied on and followed in the street.

2. Delusions of grandeur

This kind of delirium causes the affected person to be convinced that he/she is someone important, a celebrity. For example, they may think that they have an exceptional talent or that in their past they were famous sportsmen, singers or thinkers.

3. Somatic delusions

This is a group of delusions that affect the perception of one's own body. The most common are: the belief that they smell bad, thinking that a part of the body grows uncontrollably, and so on.

4. Erotomanic delusions

It is about the unrealistic belief, maintained over time, that someone loves them madly.. It is more frequent in women, and they believe they receive letters, hidden messages or signals from their "lover", who is usually an important person for them (a teacher, a famous soccer player, a singer, an actor...). They may even get in touch with the man they are thinking of through phone calls, messages, gifts, and correspondence.

5. Delusions of jealousy

They recurrently think that their romantic partner is with other people.. This belief that their partner is unfaithful is based on erroneous conjectures based on delusions. It can be dangerous since this belief, in some cases, motivates physical aggressions.

Treatments and therapies

We have talked about the characteristics of Delusional Disorder, but: Is it possible for these people to be cured, or at least to improve their psychological normality?

There are a number of psychological treatments that help to control the symptoms, decreasing their impact and recurrence and allowing the patient to think and structure his or her perception of reality in a non-pathological way.

The clinical psychologist can contribute enormously to the recovery of the person affected by Delusional Disorder. Through the therapeutic sessions, and in a progressive way, the psychologist can guide the patient to explain his or her thoughts and delusions, explore these contents and emotions, and slowly and, slowly, to identify the errors in their thinking schemes.

One of the most accepted therapeutic currents is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, which focuses on achieving changes in delusional beliefs and their psychological, emotional and behavioral effects. It is a good idea to encourage people suffering from this disorder to go to a psychologist or psychiatrist they trust, who will be able to guide and orient them to improve their quality of life.