Delusional Disorders

Question 1

What is a delusion?

Answer 1

A fixed, firmly held false belief that is held with unshakeable conviction despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary and cannot be explained by the subjects cultural/religious background

Question 2

What is the aetiology of delusional disorders?

Answer 2

• genetics
• biological
• environmental/ psychosocial: stress, alcohol, drug abuse

Question 3

How long should the delusions last for, for a delusional disorder to be diagnosed?

Answer 3

A month or longer

Question 4

What is a persecutory delusional disorder?

Answer 4

• individuals believe that they are being persecuted

- they believe that they are in harm or that harm is going to occur

Question 5

What is othello syndrome in delusional disorders?

Answer 5

• the delusional believe that partner is having an affair/ having sex with others
• no evidence, misinterprets minor evidence
• associated with alcohol dependence and sexual dysfunction
• risk of stalking and or violence to partner

Question 6

What is De Clerambaults syndrome in delusional disorders?

Answer 6

• delusional belief that another person who is usually famous/ higher social status is in live with them
• can’t declare love so occurs via secret signs/ communication
  (Erotomania)

Question 7

What is capgras syndrome in delusional disorders?

Answer 7

• delusional misidentification
• relative/ spouse/ close relation/ friend replaced by identical looking double or impostor
• M:F 2:3

Question 8

What is ekboms syndrome in delusional disorders?

Answer 8

• delusional parasitises
• infested with parasites
• no evidence (only little freckles/spots)
• associated with formificariob
• risk of self harm trying to get rid of parasites
• presents to derm
• house or home infestation- delusional
  Cleptoparasitosis

Question 9

What is folie a deux in delusional disorders?

Answer 9

• an induced delusional disorder

- psychosis shared by 2 people

Question 10

What is Fregoli syndrome in delusional disorders?

Answer 10

• different people are a single person who changes appearance or is in disguise
• often believe they are being persecuted by that person

Question 11

What is cotards syndrome in delusional disorders?

Answer 11

• dellusion of being dead, dying, non-existent, rotting, lost parts of the body/organs
• associated with depression

Question 12

How do you want to Investigate a patient who is presenting with a delusional disorder

Answer 12

– Exclude other causes
Cognitive screening
Urine test/drug test
Bloods
CT/MRI scan

Question 13

Why might it be difficult to treat a person who is presenting with a delusional disorder?

Answer 13

They may be in denial that they have a psychiatric problem, therefore they may have difficulties in excepting medical treatment.

Question 14

How could you treat a delusional disorder

Answer 14

With antipsychotics, and sometimes in combination with antidepressants
Can also give CBT or ECT and supportive psychotherapy

Question 15

How could you assess the intensity of a patient solutions (examples of questions)

Answer 15

– From what you’ve said I feel that you feel… Is there any other explanation for this at all?
– Is there any chance that this is not happening?
-How certain are you that this is really happening/it’s not a coincidence?

Question 16

How would you assess for delusions of control

Answer 16

Do you feel like an outside force is trying to control you?
Do you feel your thoughts/emotions and actions are being controlled?
Do you feel like you’re made to do things that you don’t want to do?

Question 17

How could you assess for persecutory delusions?

Answer 17

Do you feel that anyone is trying to harm you?
Here, how and why would they want To harm you?
Have you ever taken any steps to protect yourself?