Hallucinations or delusions? Find out the differences

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Delusions - Types ,Causes and Symptoms

Delusions are often defined as an unshakable false belief in something that is not real. Symptoms include irrational behaviour, mood swings, extreme anger, aggression, and isolation from others. Treatment ranges from psychotherapy to medication.

Delusions are a persistent altered reality held despite evidence to the contrary. When there is the presence of one or more delusions, it is considered a psychotic disorder. Delusions are of different types, such as Erotomanic (the belief that someone important is in love with them), Grandiose (overinflated sense of self-worth), and Persecutory (the belief that someone or something is attempting to harm them).

Symptoms of Delusions

Symptoms of delusion include irrational behaviour, mood swings, extreme anger, aggression, and isolation from others.

What are the causes of Delusions?

Some of the factors that cause delusional disorder include:

Genetic factors: Delusional disorder is more common in people with family members with the same condition or schizophrenia. Researchers believe a tendency to develop a delusional disorder might be passed genetically.

Biological factors: Abnormalities in certain areas of the brain and an imbalance of neurotransmitters are thought to be involved in the formation of delusional symptoms.

Environmental and psychological factors: Stress and alcohol and substance abuse may lead to delusions. Hypersensitivity, social isolation, distrust, suspicion, and low self-esteem are also some psychological factors that may lead to delusion.

What are the different types of delusions?

Delusions are exhibited in different ways, such as:

Erotomanic: When someone believes that another person, often someone important or famous, is in love with them. It may result in stalking behaviour.
Grandiose: When someone has an overinflated sense of self-worth and power.
Jealous: They tend to believe their spouse or sexual partner is unfaithful, although there is no evidence of it.
Persecutory: The belief that someone or something is attempting to harm them.
Somatic: People with this type of delusion believe they have a medical problem, such as a parasite inside them.
Mixed: When someone exhibits two or more types of delusions.

When should you consult a doctor if you have Delusions?

If there are noticeable signs of delusion more than once, such as mistrustful or suspicious beliefs or ideas, unexpected outbursts, social isolation, mood changes, or erratic sleep, one needs to seek medical help. To book an appointment, contact Yashoda Hospitals, India

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Risk factors

Risk factors for delusions include a family history of mental illness, biological factors such as abnormalities in certain areas of the brain, and other factors such as stress and alcohol and substance abuse.

What are the diagnosis and treatment options for Delusions?Mental health professionals diagnose delusional disorder when a person exhibits one or more unexplainable delusions for a month. Diagnosis involves a complete medical history and physical examination. Some diagnostic tests such as imaging tests, a urine drug screen, and blood tests may be required to rule out any physical conditions, medications, or substance abuse.

Delusional disorder is treated with individual psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy or family-focused therapy, and medication such as antipsychotics and antidepressants if required. If the person is at risk of hurting themselves, they may need to be admitted to the hospital.

ConclusionFor more than three decades, Yashoda Group of Hospitals has been providing the best healthcare. The mental health professionals and doctors at Yashoda are among the finest in the country. Do contact us today for an expert medical opinion. To book an appointment, contact Yashoda Hospitals, India.

Have any questions or concerns about your health? We’re here to help! Call us at +918065906165 for expert advice and support.

Frequently Asked Questions About Delusions

Delusions are common in severe forms of anxiety. Certain mental health conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar psychosis may also lead to delusions. Consult a mental health professional if you have a loved one exhibiting symptoms of delusion disorder.

The use of drugs such as cocaine, LSD, crystal meth, and other amphetamines may lead to delusions, which is a belief in an altered reality. It may be caused by genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.

Delusions can be Erotomanic (when someone believes another person, often someone important or famous, is in love with them); Grandiose (When someone has an inflated sense of self-importance); Jealous (when a person tends to believe their spouse or sexual partner is unfaithful); Persecutory (when a person believes that someone or something is attempting to harm them); Somatic (when a person believes they have a medical problem); Mixed (when a person exhibits two or more types of delusions).

Delusions are a common symptom of psychotic disorders such as bipolar psychosis, schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, delusional disorder, and major depressive disorder.

A hallucination is a sensory perception that one perceives as real when they’re not. They can be caused by medication, substance use, or medical (migraines, for example) or mental health conditions. A delusion is a false belief and may be caused by genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.