Delusional Disorder

Delusional Disorder

Delusional Disorder

Delusional disorder (originally called paranoid disorder) is a rare mental health condition characterized by the presence of delusions —fixed false beliefs held with absolute certainty, despite strong evidence to the contrary.

Delusions can be bizarre or non-bizarre. Non-bizarre delusions involve situations that could realistically occur, such as being hurt, deceived, or conspired against. These delusions are usually inconsistent with a person’s cultural beliefs.

Prevalence

About 0.2% of people have delusional disorder, with the main type being persecutory. Delusional disorder tends to develop in mid to later life and affects women and men equally.

Schizophrenia vs Delusional Disorder

Unlike schizophrenia, mood symptoms in delusional disorder tend to be brief or absent, and hallucinations are not usually present. If they are, they are often minimal.