Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Delusional Disorder
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
A person with a delusional disorder has beliefs or perceptions that he or she thinks are true, but which are illogical or wrong. These beliefs or perceptions often last for at least a month.
There are six types of delusions:
What is going on in the body?
This is a psychological disorder. Some psychological disorders are triggered by chemical imbalances in the brain.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
This disorder usually begins when a person is between the ages of 40 and 55 but may occur at a younger age. It affects less than 1% of the population. It occurs equally in men and women.
This disorder may be caused by:
Symptoms & Signs
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?
Symptoms of this disorder may include:
Diagnosis & Tests
How is the condition diagnosed?
A healthcare provider will take a complete medical history and do a physical exam. Lab tests are usually done to rule out other health problems that could be causing the delusions.
Prevention & Expectations
What can be done to prevent the condition?
There is no known way to prevent this condition.
What are the long-term effects of the condition?
This disorder usually lasts for many years. It may interfere with social and marital relationships.
What are the risks to others?
Some people with this disorder may become violent.
Treatment & Monitoring
What are the treatments for the condition?
The long-term goal of treatment is to correct the behavior and mood disturbances that result from the delusions. To do this, a positive doctor-patient relationship is helpful. If the person is dangerous to himself or others, he or she may need to be hospitalized.
Medicine may be prescribed. Antipsychotic medicines can reduce hallucinations as well as anxiety and agitation. Antidepressant medicines may be used to control other symptoms.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Side effects of medicines may include drowsiness, dizziness, excessive salivation, and increased heart rate.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
Delusional disorder usually does not lead to severe impairment or changes in personality. Most people do well and are able to remain employed.
How is the condition monitored?
The person is asked to monitor his or her symptoms and report them to the doctor. Regular checkups are needed because medicines may need to be adjusted. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the doctor.
Attribution
Author:Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS
Date Written:
Editor:Crist, Gayle P., MS, BA
Edit Date:06/14/02
Reviewer:Vincent J. Toups, MD
Date Reviewed:05/07/01
Sources
The Merck Manual of Medical Information: Home Edition, 1997
Professional Guide to Diseases, 1998
Hales, Robert, Textbook of Psychiatry, 2nd edition, American Psychiatric Press, 1994.