Delusional Disorder

Delusional Disorder

Delusional Disorder is a serious disorder that needs immediate medical attention. Characterised by imagining situations and scenarios, a person with a delusional disorder has false beliefs that remain unshaken despite contrary evidence.
Read on to read a comprehensive explanation of various delusional disorder symptoms and various types of delusional disorder​. This blog explores what is delusional disorder, what causes delusional disorder and how is delusional disorder treated among others.

What is Delusional Disorder?

Delusional disorder is a psychotic condition marked by persistent delusions. The patient has firm and false beliefs that are not a part of cultural norms. These delusions are not bizarre and based on realistic happenings. A person suffering from a delusional disorder would experience being followed, deceived or loved by someone from afar.
These feelings stem from misinterpreted experiences and are often exaggerated in the patient’s mind. In severe cases, these exaggerated descriptions of events accompany unreasonable scenarios. For instance, a patient might start thinking that he was taken to the hospital and make up a scenario in mind that an organ was removed without any evidence.

Common Myths and Misconceptions

Myth 1: A person with a delusional disorder cannot lead a normal life.
Fact: Anyone suffering from delusional disorder can lead a normal life provided he or she is taking therapy from the right place from an experienced mental health professional.

Myth 2: Delusional disorder cannot be treated. Fact: This is a chronic mental problem. Delusional disorder treatment is available and a person can recover with therapy and proper counselling.

Myth 3: Delusional Disorder only affects senior citizens. Fact: No. Delusional Disorder can affect any person belonging to any age group.

Statistics and Facts

Delusional disorder is generally considered a rare disorder which affects 0.5% to 1% of the entire population. This disorder can affect individuals of any race, caste, age or gender which makes it a universal condition.

What are the Types of Delusional Disorder?

What is the difference between Delusional Disorder and Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a psychological disorder in which an individual loses any sense of reality and experiences episodes of psychosis. Signs exhibited by a person suffering from schizophrenia include disorganized speech, hallucinations and inappropriate behaviour.
The main difference between delusional disorder and schizophrenia is the intensity of the symptoms. While delusional disorder involves the exhibition of persistent, non-bizarre delusions without causing any disruption in the functioning of a person, schizophrenia is more intense and can completely disrupt the perception of a normal life.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Delusional Disorder?

Delusional Disorder symptoms are not always manifested very clearly. Patients suffering from delusional disorder usually lead a normal life without exhibiting odd behaviour. However, patients who have severe delusional disorder cannot normally lead a normal life owing to their preoccupation with delusions.
Here are a few other delusional disorder symptoms occasionally exhibited by patients:

• Preoccupation with non-bizarre delusions is the most common and obvious symptom.
• Another common sign is when a person starts getting comfortable with these delusions. He or she does not feel such behaviour is abnormal.
• The mood of a person changes gradually. The patient feels angry, cranky and even depressed.
• A constant preoccupation with the fact that people around are taking advantage of them.
• One of the least common delusional disorder symptoms is developing a feeling of mistrust for family and friends. Patients might start holding grudges against loved ones which is completely out of character.

What Causes Delusional Disorder?

Certain factors have been recognised that can contribute to the development of this condition among people. They are:

• Genetic Reasons: It is believed that delusional disorder is genetic i.e, the disorder passes on from one generation to another. The disorder is common among people whose family members were down with schizophrenia or delusional disorder.
• Biological Reasons: Symptoms of delusional disorder are experienced by people with abnormality in the brain which does not allow them to perceive reality properly. This brain region also controls thinking patterns which if not controlled can affect cognition.
• External Environmental Factors: External factors like exposure to drugs and alcohol can cause delusional disorder. Certain times, prolonged exposure to stressful situations like staying isolated for long periods can also lead to delusional disorder.

How is Delusional Disorder Diagnosed?

There are two stages of diagnosing delusional disorder. The first stage is differential diagnosis and the second stage is uncovering the diagnosis.

1. Differential Diagnosis: A mental health expert delusional disorder from other disorders by understanding the symptoms properly. Usually, delusional disorder symptoms overlap with those of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, dementia, obsessive-compulsive disorder and substance-induced psychosis.
There is no particular test or scan to confirm if a person is suffering from a delusional disorder. However, analysing medical history and examination of clinical findings are the only two ways to confirm the presence of delusional disorder.

2. Uncovering Diagnosis: Once a physician confirms the absence of a physical ailment, he will refer an individual to a mental health expert. Interview sessions and thorough assessment practices like observations of the patient’s behaviour and attitude are done at this stage. The symptoms are closely monitored if:

• The delusions persist in intensity for more than a month.
• An individual has never previously had schizophrenia and has never experienced delusions.
• Apart from delusions and their effects, the patient is leading a normal life and their general behaviour is not odd.

How is Delusional Disorder Treated?

Delusional disorder treatment depends on the complexity of the case. However, there are two essential parts of the treatment:

1. Medication:
Medications prescribed to patients suffering from delusional disorder tend to reduce the symptoms and stabilize an individual.

• Conventional antipsychotics inhibit excessive dopamine activity which is responsible for generating delusions.
• Atypical antipsychotic drugs target dopamine and serotonin activity. They have fewer side effects and are suggested for long-term consumption.
• Antidepressants and tranquilisers are prescribed to patients who have developed anxiety as a consequence of delusional disorder. The purpose is to calm the patient so that he or she can focus on therapy.

2. Psychotherapies:
Psychotherapy sessions and counselling sessions are most effective for treating delusional disorders. Here are 3 most effective psychotherapies suggested to patients:

- Individual Psychotherapy
Individual psychotherapy is recommended to patients to build trust and understand their problem completely. The aim is to develop a healthy thought pattern and make them comfortable before intensive therapies start.

- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy works on improving the cognitive abilities of an individual. It treated distorted thought patterns that fed delusions and replaced them with positive beliefs. Here is the process:

• Identifying Cognitive Distortions: CBT is an evidence-based therapy in which therapists identify cognitive distortions systematically. For instance, the therapist will ask for evidence from a patient who claims to be followed or threatened.
• Challenge Delusions: Delusions are challenged up front but logic will be explored and patients are asked to describe their experiences and behaviour.
• Coping strategies: Coping strategies include practising mindfulness to improve self-awareness and grounding techniques for treating anxiety. The aim is to reduce the emotional intensity of these delusions and lead a normal life.

- Family Therapy
This form of therapy includes sensitising the entire family about the problem. This therapy is essential for those who opt for outpatient treatment programs and live with their families. Therapists also counsel patients at the end of the treatment to ensure that chances of relapse are minimal.

How to Support Loved Ones Suffering From Delusional Disorder?

Here are 3 effective ways to support loved ones suffering from delusional disorder:

• Criticising the way a person suffering from a delusional disorder is leading his or her life can be disturbing.
• People living with a patient suffering from delusional disorder need to educate themselves about the problem. Give valuable inputs and read about the problem from reliable sources to know more.
• Patients must be encouraged to seek professional help. If the symptoms seem to deteriorate over time, they must consult a professional psychiatrist immediately.
• Patients must be given enough personal space and time to recuperate. Whether the sessions are over or are in the process, emotional support is a must.

Jagruti Treatment and Recovery

• Customised Treatment Plans: Experts at Jagruti Rehab Centre believe that every patient is different. Therefore, treatment is customised according to the severity of the situation and the mental disposition of the patient. Cultural and social factors are also taken into consideration.
• 24/7 Medical Support: Round-the-clock medical support is offered to patients at Jagruti Rehab Centre. Nursing staff, physicians and housekeeping services are provided to patients at all times.
• Consultation Services: Family and friends are counselled at every step of the treatment. They are informed about the progress, however, the management ensures that privacy is maintained at all times. Post-treatment consultation is also provided to treated patients.
• In-Patient and Out-Patient Programs: People suffering from delusional disorders can opt for residential treatment plans. Nutritional diet, exercise regimes, meditation and other physical activities are arranged for patients. However, working individuals who cannot spend time on the property can opt for weekly sessions and get themselves treated. Online consultation is also provided by experts.
• Flexible Payment Options: The affected person can pay in instalments. All queries are sorted out by the management team who are readily available to figure out the most convenient option possible.

Conclusion

Delusional disorder is a serious mental health issue that needs immediate attention. Seeking help from a professional psychiatrist to know what causes delusional disorder and how is delusional disorder treated can be helpful for the family. Having the right medication and consulting a psychiatrist at the right time can help in fast recovery and correct diagnosis.