Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Understand how delusions are defined
• Method 2 of 3: Understanding the different types of delusions
• Method 3 of 3: Seek help with delusional disorders
• Warnings

Delusions are fixed beliefs that are absolutely untrue but remain plausible to the person who has them. In addition, the victim strongly believes in these delusions. Delusional disorder is not a form of schizophrenia, with which it is often confused. Instead, delusions often refer to situations that can actually last a month or more for the individual, and these beliefs generally seem entirely plausible to the patient. Overall, the person's behavior is otherwise fairly normal, aside from the delusion itself. There are several types of delusional disorder, including erotomania, megalomania, jealousy delusion, persecution delusion, and somatic delusion. As you learn more about these conditions, remember that the mind is an incredible force and capable of many strange fantasies that seem very real to the person imagining them.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Understand how delusions are defined

1. Know what delusional thinking is. A delusion is a firm belief that does not change even with contradictory indications. This means that even if you try to disprove a person's delusion through logical reasoning, their belief will not change. When you present a variety of evidence that contradicts the delusion, this person will stick to the belief.
   • Peers with the same social and cultural background will find the belief unlikely or even incomprehensible.
   • An example of a delusion that will be considered bizarre is where someone's internal organs have been replaced with someone else's organs, without visible scars or other signs of surgery. An example of a less bizarre delusion is the belief that one is being watched or filmed by the police or the government.
2. Know the criteria for a delusional disorder. A true delusional disorder is a specific disorder in which the delusions last for a month or more. This does not apply to the course of other psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia. The following are criteria for a delusional disorder:
   • Delusional for a month or more.
   • The delusions do not meet the criteria of schizophrenia, requiring the presence of delusions to be accompanied by other features of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations, incoherent speech, uncoordinated behavior, catatonic behavior, or reduced emotional expression.
   • Unlike the delusions themselves and aspects of life that are affected by the delusion, the person's functioning is not affected. The individual is still able to take care of the daily needs. His behavior is not considered strange or bizarre.
   • Delusions are more prominent in duration than mood symptoms or hallucinations linked to the delusion. This means that mood swings or hallucinations are not the main focus or the most prominent symptom.
   • The delusion is not caused by any substance, medication, or medical condition.
3. Be aware that some disorders can have delusions. There are several disorders that can cause hallucinations or delusions, or both. Some examples are: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, delirium and dementia.
4. Understand the difference between a delusion and a hallucination. Hallucinations are experiences related to perception without an external stimulus. Usually one or more of the five senses are involved, in many cases hearing. Hallucinations can also be visual, olfactory (smells), or tactile (tangible).
5. Differentiate between delusional disorder and schizophrenia. Delusional disorders do not match the criteria of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia also has other characteristics, such as hallucinations, incoherent speech, uncoordinated behavior, catatonic behavior or reduced emotional expression.
6. Understand the prevalence of delusional disorders. About 0.2% of the population is affected by delusional disorder at any given time. Because a delusional disorder often has no effect on people's functioning, it can be difficult to recognize if someone has a delusional disorder because they don't appear strange or strange.
7. Know that the cause of delusions is unclear. Extensive research has been conducted into the cause and course of delusions, but researchers have not yet been able to pinpoint specific and definitive causes.

Method 2 of 3: Understanding the different types of delusions

1. Recognize erotomaniac delusions. Erotomaniac delusions have to do with themes where a person would be in love with the person with the disorder. Usually, whoever the erotomaniac thinks is in love with him / her has a higher status, such as a celebrity or an executive. Often times, the patient will try to make contact with that person. This may even involve stalking or violence.
   • Usually erotomaniac delusions are accompanied by peaceful behavior. But sometimes people with this disorder can become irritated, passionate, or jealous.
   • Typical behaviors in erotomania include:
     • The belief that the object of her disorder is trying to send her coded messages, such as through certain body language or words.
     • She may be stalking or trying to contact the object of her disorder, such as by writing letters, sending text messages, or emails. This can continue even though the contact is clearly undesirable.
     • There is a firm belief that the object of the disorder is still in love with her, even when there is evidence to the contrary, such as through a restraining order.
   • This particular form of delusional disorder is more common in women than in men.
2. Watch for delusions of grandeur. Delusions of grandeur are those delusions with the theme of having an unrecognized talent, insight or discovery. Individuals who suffer from delusions of grandeur believe that they are extraordinary, such as having an important role or other special abilities or skills.
   • They may also think of themselves as a celebrity or think they invented something amazing like a time machine.
   • Some of the typical behaviors for those with delusions of grandeur may include seemingly boastful or exaggerated behavior, and they may appear condescending.
   • In addition, this person can be impulsive and unrealistic about their goals and / or dreams.
3. Check for jealous behavior that could indicate a delusion. Jealous delusions relate to the familiar theme of a partner or loved one who is said to be unfaithful. Even though there is evidence to the contrary, the patient is certain that the partner is having an affair. Sometimes people with this type of delusions can fit pieces of events or experiences together and conclude that this is sufficient evidence of infidelity.
   • Common behaviors in people with jealous delusions include violence within the relationship, attempts to restrict the partner's activities, or trying to keep the partner at home. The fact is that this type of delusional disorder is most commonly associated with violence and is a common motive for suicide.
4. Look for behaviors that indicate persecution delusion. Delusions of persecution include themes where the person is convinced that they are being conspired, deceived, spied on, followed, or harassed against. This delusional disorder is sometimes described as a paranoid delusion and is the most common delusional disorder. Sometimes people with delusional persecution may have a vague feeling that they are being chased, without being able to pinpoint what is causing it.
   • Even minor insults can be exaggerated and seen as an attempt to be ripped off or harassed.
   • The behavior of people with persecution delusions can be angry, cautious, resentful or suspicious, among other things.
5. Watch for delusions related to bodily functions or sensations. Somatic delusions are those delusions that have to do with the body and the senses. These can be delusions about appearance, disease or pests.
   • Examples of common somatic delusions are the belief that the body is emitting a malodorous odor, or that the body is infected with insects under the skin. Somatic delusions can also remember that someone is convinced that they are ugly or that some part of the body is not functioning properly.
   • The behavior of people who experience somatic delusions is usually delusional specific. For example, someone who is convinced that their body is being infested by insects may persistently consult a dermatologist and refuse psychiatric care because he or she does not see the point.

Method 3 of 3: Seek help with delusional disorders

1. Talk to the person you think has delusional disorder. A delusion can remain hidden until the person starts talking about his or her beliefs, or how that person's beliefs affect his or her relationships or work.
   • Sometimes you may recognize unusual behavior that could indicate a delusional disorder. For example, a delusion may manifest itself through unusual everyday choices, such as not wanting to carry a cell phone because they think they are being watched by the government.
2. Ask for a diagnosis from a mental health professional. Delusional disorders are serious conditions that require treatment by mental health professionals. If you feel that a loved one is suffering from a delusion, it can be the result of many different types of disorders. It is therefore important to seek professional help as soon as possible.
   • It is important to remember that only a licensed mental health professional can diagnose someone with a delusional disorder. Even licensed experts first conduct an extensive discussion with the patient, including an examination of the symptoms, medical and psychological history, and medical records, in order to provide an accurate interpretation of the delusional disorder.
3. Help the person obtain behavioral and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy for delusional disorder involves establishing a relationship of trust with a therapist that allows behavioral changes to be made, such as improvement in relationships or problems at work affected by the delusions. Once there is progress in the behavioral changes, the therapist will help challenge the delusions, starting with the smallest and least important to the person.
   • Such therapy can be time consuming and take up to 6 months or a year to show progression.
4. Ask the person's psychiatrist about antipsychotics. Treatment of a delusional disorder usually involves the use of antipsychotics. Antipsychotics have been shown to be effective in relieving patients of complaints 50% of the time, while at least an improvement was noticeable in 90% of them.
   • The most common antipsychotics for the treatment of delusional disorders are pimozide and clozapine. Olanzapine and risperidone have also been prescribed for this.

Warnings

• Do not ignore risky or violent behavior on the part of the patient, and try to ensure that such behavior is not possible.
• Do not ignore the burden this disorder places on yourself and other caregivers. The stress can be very heavy. Asking others to help can help you deal with your own stress.