Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Delusional Disorder


I bet you all think I've lost my mind with these posts, right? Actually it's something I've been working on for one of my classes at Ashford University. While researching different psychotic disorders, I've found some interesting information and had the urge to share here in my blog. Please bear with me, there's only a couple more weeks left of this class and then I'm sure I'll find something else to bore you with.


*Delusional disorder is characterized by the presence of recurrent, persistent non-bizarre delusions.


*Non-bizarre refers to the fact that this type of delusion is about situations that could occur in real life, such as being followed, being stalked, being loved, being poisoned, having an infection, and being deceived by one’s spouse.


*Delusions are irrational beliefs, held with a high level of conviction, that are highly resistant to change even when the delusional person is exposed to forms of proof that contradict the belief.


*Non-bizarre delusions are considered to be plausible; that is, there is a possibility that what the person believes to be true could actually occur a small proportion of the time.


*Generally, in delusional disorder, these mistaken beliefs are organized into a consistent world-view that is logical other than being based on an improbable foundation.


*Unlike most other psychotic disorders, the person with delusional disorder typically does not appear obviously odd, strange or peculiar during periods of active illness. Yet the person might make unusual choices in day-to-day life because of the delusional beliefs.


*People with delusional disorder often can continue to socialize and function normally, apart from the subject of their delusion, and generally do not behave in an obviously odd or bizarre manner.


*In some cases, people with delusional disorder can become so preoccupied with their delusions that their lives are disrupted.


So whaddya think? Know anyone (besides me) that might be delusional?? LOL! No seriously, this is a very disturbing disorder and not to be taken lightly. As many as 1 in 3 suffer from non-bizarre delusions and don't ever get diagnosed and therefor won't receive any kind of help.