Delusional Disorder

Delusional disorder, previously known as ‘paranoid disorder’, is a disorder that affects the mind of an individual. A person suffering from a delusional disorder will not able to differentiate between the real world and an imagined one. A delusional disorder falls under a type of serious mental illness called ‘Psychosis’. The mental deviation is characterized by a continuous presence of delusions and impregnable belief in something that is not true. The people or ‘patients’ suffering from a delusional disorder, because of their mental illness, will be as good as separated from the realities of life. They may think they are being conspired against, followed, hated or loved. However, the truth of the situation may be far from their perceptions. They may even be obsessed with an absolutely irrational idea. These people when placed in a social setting may behave normally, but post a few frequent interactions, the fact that that they are suffering from a delusion will see the light. Delusional disorders are more common in women than in men, and mostly affect individuals who are 30 years or older. Read on to know more on the symptoms of a delusional disorder.

Signs And Symptoms Of A Delusional Disorder

An individual suffering from a delusional disorder will be obsessed with a particular idea, principle or belief. The idea, principle or belief can relate to anything in life, but will mostly be absolutely irrational.
The affected individual will always put across his or her ideas and convictions in a manner that does not justify the idea or conviction. Aggression or the use of strong rhetoric will become the patient’s weapon of choice. What may seem absolutely normal to the patient will simply seem bizarre to the people around the patient.
Since the patient’s life revolves around his/her ideas and convictions, these very same ideas and convictions will take a toll on the life of the patient. Unusual and often inexplicable changes in behaviour and mannerisms will be noticed.
The patient will be oversensitive and unnecessarily defensive when it comes to his/her ideas. The patient may also lose his/her sense of humour.
As ironical as it may seem, despite the patient’s ‘steadfastness’ towards his/her ideas, the patient may still be a little reluctant to speak on the same. This will be made especially obvious when the patient is questioned by an unfamiliar person. The patient may also get overtly suspicious or secretive.
In time, people who have been close to the patient, especially friends and relatives will notice extremely uncharacteristic and alien changes in the patient’s behaviour and overall outlook on life.
The patient will mostly be oblivious to the happenings around him/her. His/her delusions would have isolated the patient to a much-centralized world.
If at all a friend or a relative, tries to argue or prove wrong the convictions of the patient, the patient will get both aggressive and defensive towards the same. The patient will also turn hostile towards the friend or relative who tried to question or argue against his/her believes.
The ideas, outlooks and viewpoints of the patient will have an arresting affect on his psyche. At this stage, getting the patient out of his/her state of mind will seem extremely close to impossible.
The patient’s beliefs can be absolutely contrary to his/her cultural, religious and social backgrounds. It cannot be taken for granted that the patient’s ideas and convictions will revolve only around the broad spectrum of his/her cultural, religious and social backgrounds.

How to Cite

Related Articles

See also

More in 'Health & Fitness'