[ Home ] [ Poems ] [ Personal Stories ] [ Short Articles ] [ Links ]

Delusional Disorder 
American Description 

Diagnostic Criteria
Nonbizarre delusions (i.e., involving situations that occur in real life, such as being followed, poisoned, infected, loved at a distance, or deceived by spouse or lover, or having a disease) of at least 1 month's duration. 
Criterion A for Schizophrenia has never been met. Note: Tactile and olfactory hallucinations may be present in Delusional Disorder if they are related to the delusional theme. 
Criterion A of Schizophrenia requires two (or more) of the following, each present for a significant portion of time during a 1-month period (or less if successfully treated): 
delusions 
hallucinations 
disorganized speech (e.g., frequent derailment or incoherence) 
grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior 
negative symptoms, i.e., affective flattening, alogia, or avolition 
Note: Criteria A of Schizophrenia requires only one symptom if delusions are bizarre or hallucinations consist of a voice keeping up a running commentary on the person's behavior or thoughts, or two or more voices conversing with each other.
Apart from the impact of the delusion(s) or its ramifications, functioning is not markedly impaired and behavior is not obviously odd or bizarre. 
If mood episodes have occurred concurrently with delusions, their total duration has been brief relative to the duration of the delusional periods. 
The disturbance is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition. 
Specify type (the following types are assigned based on the predominant delusional theme):
Erotomanic Type: delusions that another person, usually of higher status, is in love with the individual 
Grandiose Type: delusions of inflated worth, power, knowledge, identity, or special relationship to a deity or famous person 
Jealous Type: delusions that the individual's sexual partner is unfaithful 
Persecutory Type: delusions that the person (or someone to whom the person is close) is being malevolently treated in some way 
Somatic Type: delusions that the person has some physical defect or general medical condition 
Mixed Type: delusions characteristic of more than one of the above types but no one theme predominates 
Unspecified Type 

Associated Features
Psychotic 
Depressed Mood 
Somatic/Sexual Dysfunction 
Odd/Eccentric/Suspicious Personality 

Differential Diagnosis
A delirium, a dementia, or Psychotic Disorder Due to a General Medical Condition; Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorder; Schizophrenia; Schizophreniform Disorder; Mood Disorders With Psychotic Features; Psychotic Disorder Not Otherwise Specified; Depressive Disorder Not Otherwise Specified; Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified; Shared Psychotic Disorder; Brief Psychotic Disorder; Psychotic Disorder Not Otherwise Specified; Hypochondriasis; Body Dysmorphic Disorder; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Paranoid Personality Disorder. 

Internet Mental Health (www.mentalhealth.com) copyright © 1995-2000 by Phillip W. Long, M.D. 

 

 

BipolarConnection 2001 - 2008

Designed by

Although BipolarConnection Network strives for the highest quality in the resources offered here, unless otherwise noted, BipolarConnection Network is not responsible for the validity or accuracy of the material presented in.  The pages are thought to be accurate, but no warranties, expressed or implied, are made. The opinions of the authors are not necessarily the opinion of BipolarConnection Network.

The contents of BipolarConnection Network are for information purposes only and do not replace the assessment of a physician or psychotherapist..

Always consult a trained mental health professional before making any decision regarding treatment choice or changes in your treatment. Never discontinue treatment or medication without first consulting your physician, clinician or therapist. If you are feeling like you want to harm yourself or others, please consult a mental health professional or other health care professional IMMEDIATELY. Online resources are not meant to nor cannot replace the specialized training and professional judgment of a health care or mental health care professional.