Delusions

What are delusions

Delusions are false beliefs which are not shared by other members of an indi­vidual's cultural or social group and which arise from the incorrect inter­pretation of external events. Characteristically, these beliefs are unshak­able and not amenable to reason, however illogical or unreasonable they may seem to others.

Delusions are a sign of serious mental disorder, possibly psychotic illness, in which an individual to some extent loses touch with reality.

The following are some of the more common forms:

• Delusions of reference: Systematically interpret­ing neutral remarks as severe personal criticism.
• Delusions of grandeur: Imagining exaggerated self-importance.
• Delusions of control: Imagining one's mind or actions to be controlled by an external force.
• Delusions of jealousy: Unfounded conviction that a partner is persis­tently unfaithful.
• Religious delusions: False conviction of having direct contact with divine power.
• Nihilistic delusions: The conviction that part or all of experience is unreal.
• Delusions of guilt: False conviction of sinfulness, deserving punishment.
• Persecutory delusions, such as the conviction of being followed, may be strongly defended by sufferers, and difficult for others to disprove.

What causes delusions

Usually, delusions occur as part of a wider psychi­atric disorder such as: Schizophrenia: This is

Manic depression: This is characterized by delu­sions and involves severe persistent mood swings from depression to mania (extreme elation).

Delusional disorders: These are rarer disorders in which delusions occur as the main symptoms, often without any other indications of psychosis or underlying disease.

Organic disease: Physical illness or brain disease may cause delusions.

How do delusions differ in different illnesses?

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Schizophrenia: In schizophrenia, delusions may be varied in content and are often bizarre, depicting impossible situ­ations. Sufferers may believe that their thoughts and behaviour are being controlled by some outside agency such as a creature from another planet, or by some ethe­real phenomenon, such as radio waves or X-rays.

Delusions of reference may lead sufferers to maintain that newspapers, TV or radio programmes are constantly referring to them.

Delusions of perse­cution are also common where sufferers are convinced against all evidence that individuals or organizations are conspiring to harm them.

Depression: In severe depression, delusions may be present, with typical themes of guilt, deserved punishment, poverty, death, nihilism and catas­trophe.

Sufferers may come to believe they have committed some terrible sin or heinous crime, and deserve punishment. 

They may believe that they have incurable cancer, that their bowels have ceased to function, that their insides are rotten or that their brain is damaged or miss­ing.

They may even believe they are already dead or that the world is about to end.

Other delusional disor­ders

Here, the main symptoms are delusions only, and the content of them is at least possible. For example, in morbid jealousy, a man might believe his wife to be unfaithful, and in eroto­mania, a woman might believe that a celebrated star is in love with her.

Organic disease: In this case a variety of delusions may occur, but delusions of persecution are espe­cially common.

How are delusions diagnosed and treated

The diagnosis is made by skilled questioning of the patient about beliefs and experiences, and by inter­viewing close relatives and friends of the patient. 

The doctor will also carry out a physical examina­tion and make blood tests to ensure there is no underlying physical cause.

When should I see my doctor

It is important for some­one who develops delusions to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Often sufferers will not recognize the illness and it will be up to those close to them to seek help.

What will the doctor do

Are delusions dangerous

People with morbid jeal­ousy may become violent towards their partner. Those suffering psychotic illnesses sometimes harm themselves or commit suicide, but they are not usually dangerous or violent towards others.