Delusion

A delusion is a deeply entrenched belief or judgment maintained despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, typically a feature of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, delusional disorder, and mood disorders with psychotic features.

File:Delusions by David S. Soriano.png

Delusions by David S. Soriano

Definition and Classification

Delusions are traditionally classified into primary and secondary delusions, with primary delusions being spontaneous and not related to any recognizable previous experience or thought process, while secondary delusions result from a previously held abnormal belief or emotion. They can further be characterized as either bizarre or non-bizarre, depending on their plausibility or implausibility to ordinary life experiences. The spectrum of delusions ranges from simple, single themes to complex, multi-layered systems.

Etiology

Delusions are thought to arise from a confluence of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors. The neurobiological basis of delusions is not yet fully understood, although dysfunctions in the dopamine and glutamate systems have been implicated. Moreover, certain stressful life events or medical conditions, such as neurodegenerative disorders or brain injury, may trigger delusional beliefs.

Diagnosis

Psychiatric assessment plays a crucial role in diagnosing delusions. This typically involves detailed interviews with the patient, as well as observations of their behavior. Additional information may be obtained from family members, caregivers, or others familiar with the individual's behavior. Delusions must be distinguished from overvalued ideas, cultural beliefs, and hallucinations.

Treatment

The first-line treatment for delusional disorders typically involves the use of antipsychotic medications, which target dopamine receptors in the brain to reduce psychotic symptoms. Additionally, psychotherapy approaches, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help individuals learn to manage and challenge their delusional beliefs.

Impact on the Individual and Society

Delusions can have a profound impact on an individual's life, affecting their relationships, work, and overall well-being. Moreover, delusions can lead to potentially dangerous situations if the individual acts on these false beliefs. At a societal level, understanding and managing delusions are critical for ensuring public safety and health.

See Also

• Schizophrenia
• Delusional disorder
• Mood disorders
• Psychotic disorders
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Antipsychotic medications

References

• Freeman, D., & Garety, P. (2014). Advances in understanding and treating persecutory delusions: a review. Social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology, 49(8), 1179-1189.
• Garety, P. A., Bebbington, P., Fowler, D., Freeman, D., & Kuipers, E. (2007). Implications for neurobiological research of cognitive models of psychosis: a theoretical paper. Psychological medicine, 37(10), 1377-1391.
• Coltheart, M., Langdon, R., & McKay, R. (2011). Delusional belief. Annual review of psychology, 62, 271-298.

Delusion Resources
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