Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypes and ExamplesThemesSignsCausesDelusional DisorderTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types and Examples
Themes
Signs
Causes
Delusional Disorder
Treatment
A delusion is a strongly-held or fixed false belief that conflicts with reality. TheDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition(DSM-5) defines delusions as fixed beliefs that are not amenable to change in light of conflicting evidence.
Delusions are a common symptom of psychotic disorders such asschizophrenia, delusional disorder, and schizoaffective disorder. They can also be present in other psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder with psychotic features and mania in bipolar disorder.
This article discusses the types of delusions, examples of each type, what causes them, and how they’re diagnosed and treated.
Theresa Chiechi / Verywell
Types and Examples of Delusions
Karl Jaspers was the first to define delusions based on the criteria of certainty, incorrigibility, and impossibility or falsity of the belief. Phillip Johnson-Laird defined delusions as failure to distinguish conceptual relevance, meaning irrelevant information is accepted as relevant. The definition of “delusions” continues to evolve.
There are four types of delusions outlined in the DSM-5:
There are several different delusional themes, including:
Signs of Delusions
In addition to having unshakable beliefs in things that are not true, people experiencing delusions may also exhibit:
A Word From VerywellIt can be incredibly difficult to distinguish between a person’s unique belief system and a delusion, which is inherently false. The ‘truth’ is not always clear-cut, especially when it comes to cultural beliefs, religion, or spirituality.—ELLE MARKMAN, PSYD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
It can be incredibly difficult to distinguish between a person’s unique belief system and a delusion, which is inherently false. The ‘truth’ is not always clear-cut, especially when it comes to cultural beliefs, religion, or spirituality.—ELLE MARKMAN, PSYD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
It can be incredibly difficult to distinguish between a person’s unique belief system and a delusion, which is inherently false. The ‘truth’ is not always clear-cut, especially when it comes to cultural beliefs, religion, or spirituality.
—ELLE MARKMAN, PSYD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
What Causes Delusions?
Biological or Genetic Theory
Research has suggested that delusions are more likely to occur in people who have a family history of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.
Abnormal activity of dopamine and other neurotransmitters is thought to be involved in certain delusional symptoms. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that modulates motor control, motivation, and reward, so abnormal dopaminergic activity in the brain (hyperactivity of dopamine receptors in some brain regions and underactivity in others) can result in symptoms of psychosis.
Types of Psychosis and Their Causes
Dysfunctional Cognitive Processing
The dysfunctional cognitive processing theory hypothesizes that delusions potentially come from the distorted ways people think about and explain life to themselves. Research suggests that individuals with delusions may be quicker to jump to conclusions, meaning they take in less information before arriving at a conclusion and do not consider or accept alternatives.
Those who have delusions have disturbed cognitive and social processing, meaning they can’t accurately read people and are more likely to incorrectly and negatively assume how others view them.
Defensive or Motivated Delusions
Other factors that could contribute to delusions include:
Health Conditions That Cause Delusions
Delusions may be a symptom of a mental health condition or brain disorder. Some conditions that can be associated with delusions include:
Delusions vs. HallucinationsThe main difference is delusions are unshakeable beliefs (thoughts) that aren’t real, and hallucinations are sensory experiences—hearing, seeing, smelling, or feeling things that aren’t really there.
Delusions vs. Hallucinations
The main difference is delusions are unshakeable beliefs (thoughts) that aren’t real, and hallucinations are sensory experiences—hearing, seeing, smelling, or feeling things that aren’t really there.
It is different than a false belief in that they continue to believe in the delusion no matter how much clear evidence contradicts it.
People with delusional disorder are functional and often employed. Their behavior is not considered bizarre.
Risk factors for developing delusional disorder include:
Delusional Disorder vs. Schizophrenia
Delusional disorder is different thanschizophreniain that the person has delusions without any of the other symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations, disorganized speech, or disorganized behavior.Also, persons with delusional disorder have delusions that could possibly occur in real life, whereas those with psychotic disorders, like schizophrenia, often have bizarre delusions.
Diagnosing Delusions
The diagnostic process for delusions or delusional disorder begins with a physical exam to rule out physical conditions. Your healthcare provider will also ask about your symptoms and take a medical history.
If delusions are indeed present, the clinician will try to establish the presence of a particular mental health or another disorder that the delusion might be a symptom of.
For example, the DSM-5 criteria for delusional disorder are as follows:
How Are Delusions Treated?
Treatment for delusions will depend on the cause but often includes a combination of medication and therapy.
Medications may include antipsychotics, tranquilizers, or antidepressants.
Therapy for delusions may include:
Sometimes hospitalization may be required if the person with delusions is a danger to themselves or others.
If you or a loved one is struggling with delusions, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
Summary
There are numerous types and causes of delusions. Along with having unshakable beliefs in things that are not true, people experiencing delusions may have mood swings, and act confused, irritable, anxious, or aggressive.
Treatment depends on the cause of the delusions and may include medications or a combination of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, and medications.
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