Previously referred to as paranoid disorder, delusional disorder is characterized by an inability to recognize reality from false beliefs called delusions. It occurs more often in middle age or later in life. This disorder is diagnosed when someone holds one or more non-bizarre delusions as truth for a month or more. These delusions cannot be sourced from culture or other causes. Symptoms include irritability and hallucinations.  

Delusional Disorder

Types of delusions include:

- Erotomanic
- Grandiose
- Jealous
- Persecutory
- Somatic
- Paranoid
- Thought insertion
- Thought withdrawal

Types of Delusions

Paranoid delusions are a type of false belief centered on the conviction that other individuals or organizations are planning to cause harm to the person. For instance, an individual might believe that a family member is conspiring with a government agency to poison them, or that a neighbor is a hostile spy with malicious intent.

Paranoid Delusions

Grandiose delusions are false beliefs where an individual is convinced they possess exceptional abilities, exclusive knowledge, or are of immense importance. Examples include a person claiming to be a major historical figure like Jesus Christ, possessing ancient wisdom, or being a renowned philosopher.

Grandiose Delusions

Somatic delusions are false beliefs concerning one's body, involving the conviction that something highly unusual and often bizarre is occurring. A classic example is the belief that one's internal organs are being consumed by insects.

Somatic Delusions

Thought withdrawal is a type of delusion characterized by the firm belief that one's thoughts are being forcibly taken out of their mind by an external force.

Thought Withdrawal Delusions

Thought insertion is a type of delusion involving the conviction that thoughts have been placed into one's mind by an outside person or entity.

Thought Insertion Delusions

A delusion is a belief that is contrary to reality and is firmly held, even when presented with conflicting evidence. Based on this definition, which of the following scenarios provides the clearest example of a delusion?

Which of the following scenarios provides the clearest example of a delusion, as defined by a belief that is contrary to reality and firmly held despite contradictory evidence?

Delusions are defined as beliefs that starkly contradict reality and are maintained with strong conviction, even when presented with conflicting evidence. Unlike merely odd beliefs, delusions are typically identifiable by their absurd nature.

New Mexico Highlands University

University of Rochester

Syracuse University

Miami University of Ohio

Google

- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Disorganized speech

Common Symptoms Across Psychotic Disorders

(those abnormally present) Hallucinations, such as hearing voices or seeing things that do not exist, paranoia and exaggerated or distorted perceptions, beliefs and behaviors.

Positive Symptoms of Schizophrenia 

Breedlove, S. & Watson, N. (2017). Behavioral neuroscience, eighth edition. Oxford University Press.

Behavioral Neuroscience 8th Edition

Delusional Disorder: Treatments, Causes, Types &amp; Diagnosis. Cleveland Clinic. (2018). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9599-delusional-disorder. 

Delusional Disorder Summary

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

A hallucination is a perceptual experience that happens without any external stimulation. These experiences can affect any sense and are typically vivid and clear, feeling like normal perceptions. The most prevalent type of hallucination, particularly in schizophrenia, is auditory (hearing voices), which affects approximately two-thirds of patients.

Hallucinations

Delusions

Disorganized speech is a sign of disorganized thoughts characteristic in psychosis. It can take many forms, such as unintelligible rambling, going off on tangents, loose associations, making up words (neologisms), and rushed speech. 

The following video is a good example of a fairly severe case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2vMnyTiwp4


Learn Before

Related

Learn After