A delusion is a false, fixed belief that is strongly held despite clear evidence against it. Delusions are a common symptom of psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia, delusional disorder, and bipolar disorder. Unlike hallucinations (which involve false sensory perceptions), delusions are false interpretations of reality.
Types of Delusions
- Persecutory
Delusion – The belief that one is being harassed, threatened, or plotted
against (e.g., "The government is spying on me").
- Grandiose
Delusion – The belief of having exceptional abilities, wealth, or
importance (e.g., "I am a king" or "I have divine
powers").
- Erotomanic
Delusion – The belief that someone, often a famous person, is in love with
the individual.
- Jealousy
Delusion – The false belief that a partner is unfaithful without evidence.
- Somatic
Delusion – The false belief that one has a severe medical illness or body
deformity (e.g., "My organs are rotting").
- Nihilistic
Delusion – The belief that oneself, others, or the world does not exist
(common in severe depression).
- Control
Delusion – The belief that one’s thoughts or actions are being controlled
by an external force (e.g., aliens, spirits).
- Religious
Delusion – False beliefs about having a special connection with God or
being chosen for a divine mission.
- Delusion
of Reference – The belief that random events or people are sending special
messages directed at the individual (e.g., "TV news is speaking to
me").
Theories of Delusions
- Dopaminergic
Hyperactivity Theory – Excess dopamine in the
brain, particularly in schizophrenia, leads to distorted thinking.
- Cognitive
Bias Theory – Delusions arise due to faulty reasoning, misinterpretation of
reality, and confirmation bias.
- Neurobiological
Theory – Dysfunction in the frontal and temporal lobes contributes to
delusional thinking.
- Psychodynamic
Theory – Delusions may result from deep-seated unconscious conflicts and
defense mechanisms.
Causes of Delusions
- Psychiatric
Disorders – Schizophrenia, delusional disorder, bipolar disorder, depression
with psychotic features.
- Neurological
Disorders – Dementia, epilepsy, brain injuries, Parkinson’s disease.
- Substance
Abuse – Alcohol, hallucinogens, stimulant drugs (e.g., cocaine,
amphetamines).
- Medical
Conditions – Brain tumors, infections, metabolic disorders, vitamin
deficiencies.
- Extreme
Stress & Trauma – PTSD, social isolation,
emotional distress.
Clinical Features, Signs &
Symptoms of Delusions
- Strongly
held false beliefs despite contrary evidence.
- Impaired
judgment and inability to reason logically.
- Social
withdrawal and paranoia.
- Irritability,
aggression, or depression.
- Possible
hallucinations (in some cases of schizophrenia or psychosis).
Investigations
- Psychological
Evaluation – Structured interviews, delusion rating scales.
- Cognitive
Assessments – Tests to assess reasoning and logic.
- Neuroimaging
(MRI, CT Scan, fMRI) – To detect structural
abnormalities in the brain.
- EEG
(Electroencephalogram) – To assess brain activity
in cases of epilepsy-related delusions.
- Toxicology
Screening – To check for drug-induced psychosis.
Treatment & Management
- Antipsychotic
Medications – Dopamine-blocking drugs (e.g., Risperidone, Olanzapine,
Haloperidol) for schizophrenia and delusional disorder.
- Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helps patients challenge
and re-evaluate delusional beliefs.
- Supportive
Therapy – Helps in social reintegration and emotional support.
- Hospitalization – In
severe cases where the patient poses a risk to themselves or others.
- Lifestyle
Modifications – Stress management, proper sleep, and avoiding substance abuse.
Homeopathic Remedies
- Anacardium
Orientale – Delusions of being controlled by external forces, hearing
voices, suspicion.
- Stramonium – Fearful
delusions, seeing imaginary figures, paranoia.
- Hyoscyamus
Niger – Jealous delusions, suspicion, excessive talking.
- Lachesis –
Delusions of persecution, intense loquacity, suspicious nature.
- Cannabis
Indica – Altered perception, feeling disconnected from reality, delusions
of grandeur.
PSYCHOLOGY INCLUDES:-