Delusional disorders (Paranoia)

Delusional disorder, also known as paranoia, is an uncommon type of disorder. In delusional disorder cases the patient usually has only one well organised delusion. This delusion is surrounded by a series of thoughts that do not reflect reality. In this disorder hallucinations are not customary.

Delusional disorders (Paranoia)

In delusional disorder cases, in other words paranoia, we do not see a significant loss of functionality or a destruction of personality. However, the delusions affect every aspect of the patient’s life, as in line with the delusions the patient misinterprets many things. The delusions are often serious ones, the person may believe that he is a very important person or has made an important discovery. Or he may believe that he has suffered injustice and will constantly try to sue others.

Another sub-type is one with jealousy delusions, in which the person is excessively jealous and believes that the partner is constantly cheating on him or her.

Another subtype of delusional disorder is the physical type with somatic delusions where the person has the unshakable belief that he has a disease in his body or in one of his organs.

Delusional disorder generally sets in during midlife and has a chronic progression. Antipsychotic drugs are used in its treatment, but as these persons usually do not believe that they are ill, it is often very difficult to persuade them to take the drugs. The response of the disorder to treatment is generally poor.