Signs of Delusional Disorder

Someone who refuses to change their viewpoint when confronted with evidence that contradicts their beliefs may not simply be stubborn. They could be exhibiting signs of delusional disorder.

Contact us today to learn more about outpatient programming in Tennessee. 

What Is Delusional Disorder?

Delusional disorder is a mental health condition that causes people to hold fixed beliefs that can be easily disproven by evidence or that clearly have no basis in reality. 

As we will discuss a bit later in today’s post, delusions can be caused by several medical and mental health conditions. But people who are diagnosed with delusional disorder may hold these beliefs without exhibiting symptoms of any other conditions.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) includes five specifiers to indicate the types of delusions a person has been experiencing:

• Erotomanic type – The individual’s delusions often involve the belief that someone else is in love with them. This may include people they know or celebrities that they have never met.
• Grandiose type – This type of delusional disorder is characterized by a person’s belief that they have some incredible hidden talent or magical power.
• Jealous type – Someone with this form of delusional disorder will remain convinced that their spouse or partner is unfaithful, even though there is no logical reason to believe this is true.
• Persecutory type – This type involves the belief that the individual is being spied on, manipulated, conspired against, or otherwise mistreated.
• Somatic type – Somatic delusions cause people to believe that they have some sort of disease, defect, or abnormality. As with the other types of delusional disorder, this belief will be contrary to any actual evidence.

If a person’s delusions aren’t related to just one theme or aren’t easily categorized, they may be diagnosed with either a mixed type or unspecified type of delusional disorder.

Signs of Delusional Disorder

The most obvious signs of delusional disorder are holding clearly unrealistic beliefs (such as the ones listed above) and refusing to give them up even when presented with undeniable evidence that these beliefs are incorrect. But that’s not the only way that this condition can affect a person’s life.

Other potential signs of delusional disorder include:

• Becoming extremely defensive or even angry when their beliefs are questioned or challenged
• Changing their behavior patterns, which may be an attempt to throw off or hide from people they think are following or spying on them
• Acting with uncharacteristic secretiveness, which can also be an indicator of the persecutory type of delusional disorder
• Social withdrawal, which may include cutting off communication with friends and family members
• Inability to understand why others would ever question their beliefs or express concern about how they are acting
• Persistently questioning the motivations behind others’ behaviors or interpreting them in a manner that “proves” the truth of their delusion
• Exhibiting inflated confidence and self-esteem, to the point that they believe they deserve special treatment due to their talents or inherent superiority

Other Conditions That Cause Delusions

As noted earlier, delusional disorder is one of many possible causes of delusions. Other risk factors include other mental health disorders, medical problems, and substance use.

Mental health conditions that can cause delusions include:

• Schizophrenia
• Schizoaffective disorder
• Schizophreniform disorder
• Schizotypal personality disorder
• Brief psychotic disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Major depressive disorder

Medical problems that have been linked with delusional thinking include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Brain tumor
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Huntington’s disease
• Lewy body dementia
• Encephalitis
• Meningitis

Delusions can also be brought on by the use of some prescription medications and certain recreational substances, such as:

• MDMA (ecstasy or molly)
• LSD
• Cocaine
• Psilocybin (shrooms or magic mushrooms)
• Methamphetamine (crystal meth)
• Cocaine (powder or crack)
• Benzodiazepines
• Alcohol
• Corticosteroids
• Antimalarial drugs
• Antiepileptic drugs
• Antiretroviral drugs

Treatment Options for Delusional Disorder

The ideal course of treatment for someone with delusional disorder can be influenced by several factors, including the person’s age and developmental level, the nature of their delusions, how these delusions have affected their life, and if they have any co-occurring mental or behavioral health concerns.

With these caveats in mind, effective care often involves a combination of prescription medication and therapy.

The medication component of treatment for delusional disorder often involves either first- or second-generation antipsychotics. Doctors typically begin with second-gen antipsychotics, which often have less severe side effects, though first-gen meds are still often used.

Therapy for someone with delusional disorder can take place in several environments, including:

• Residential or inpatient program
• Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
• Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
• Outpatient therapy or counseling

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is usually a central component of treatment for delusional disorder. CBT is an evidence-based modality that is designed to help people replace self-defeating thought patterns and maladaptive behaviors with healthier ways of thinking and acting.

Stress management and self-soothing techniques can also be a valuable element of care for someone with delusional disorder, as delusions may become more prominent during times of heightened anxiety.

Find Treatment for Delusional Disorder in Tennessee

Time Wellness Tennessee offers a wide range of customized treatment options for adults who have been living with delusional disorder, other mental health concerns, and co-occurring addictions.

At our mental health treatment centers in Taft and Chattanooga, TN, patients may receive care at the residential, PHP, IOP, and outpatient levels. We also offer virtual treatment and we partner with supportive housing providers for PHP or IOP participants who can benefit from additional structure and supervision.

To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.