Delusion

Question 1

What is a delusion?

Answer 1

A false, fixed belief that is firmly maintained despite evidence to the contrary.

Question 2

Are delusions part of thought process or thought content?

Answer 2

Thought content

Question 3

What is referential thinking (ideas of reference)?

Answer 3

The irrational belief that random events relate specifically to oneself.

Question 4

Example of an idea of reference?

Answer 4

Believing a billboard or TV message is meant specifically for you.

Question 5

Key difference between a delusion and referential thinking?

Answer 5

Delusion = fixed false belief

Idea of reference = misinterpreting random events as personally meaningful

Question 6

What are common types of delusions?

Answer 6

Persecutory

Grandiose

Religious

Somatic

Jealous

Erotomanic

Mixed

Question 7

What is a persecutory delusion?

Answer 7

Belief that others are trying to harm, spy on, or persecute the person.

Question 8

What is a grandiose delusion?

Answer 8

Belief that one has special powers, talent, knowledge, or divine connection.

Question 9

What is a somatic delusion?

Answer 9

False belief about bodily functions or sensations (e.g., body emits odor).

Question 10

What is a jealous delusion?

Answer 10

False belief that a spouse/partner is unfaithful without evidence.

Question 11

What is an erotomanic delusion?

Answer 11

False belief that someone (often famous or powerful) is in love with the client.
Erotomania → think celebrity stalking scenario.

Question 12

What is the defining feature of delusional disorder?

Answer 12

One or more nonbizarre delusions lasting ≥ 1 month

Question 13

How is functioning in delusional disorder?

Answer 13

Generally not impaired except around the delusion.

Question 14

Are hallucinations common in delusional disorder?

Answer 14

Rare and not prominent.

Question 15

What is the mean age of onset?

Answer 15

Around 40 years old

Question 16

Which gender is more likely to have paranoid/persecutory delusions?

Answer 16

men

Question 17

Which gender is more likely to have erotomanic delusions?

Answer 17

Women

Question 18

What is typically normal in delusional disorder?

Answer 18

Appearance, cognition, and most behavior (except delusional content).

Question 19

What may be impaired during delusional episodes?

Answer 19

Abstract thinking (may interpret proverbs concretely)

Question 20

What is often seen in thought process?

Answer 20

Perseveration on delusional themes