Delusional Disorder
A person with a delusional disorder has beliefs or perceptions
that he or she thinks are true, but which are illogical or wrong. These
beliefs or perceptions often last for at least a month.
There are six types of delusions:
Erotomanic type. A person with this type of delusion
believes that another person, usually of higher status, is in love with him
or her. This other person may be a boss or coworker, a celebrity, or a stranger.
Grandiose type. A person with this type of delusion
believes that he or she is much more important, powerful, wealthy, or
talented than he or she really is.
Jealous type. A person with this type of delusion
believes that his or her partner has been unfaithful.
Persecutory type. A person with this type of delusion
believes that he or she is being plotted against, spied on, or harassed by
unknown enemies.
Somatic type. A person with this type of delusion
believes he or she is ill or has other types of health problems.
Mixed type. A person with this type of delusion suffers
from more than one of the delusions listed above.
What is going on in the body?
This is a psychological disorder. Some psychological disorders
are triggered by chemical imbalances in the brain.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
This disorder usually begins when a person is between
the ages of 40 and 55 but may occur at a younger age. It affects less
than 1% of the population. It occurs equally in men and women.
This disorder may be caused by:
aging
alcoholism
deafness
head injury
a "sensitive" personality
stress
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