PARANOID PSYCHOSIS
April 2007
Definition
Paranoid psychosis is more commonly known as delusional disorder . The
American Psychiatric Association (APA ) defines this disorder as the
presence of a non-bizarre delusion or delusions , over a considerable
period of time (as cited in Taylor , 2006 , p . 314 O 'Connor et al , 2007 ,
183 . Delusions are beliefs persistently held by individuals that go
contrary to both actual fact and what society deems as plausible and
that remain unchanged despite substantial proof to the contrary . In
delusional disorders the delusions , though not correct are also not
strange or out of the realm of reality . According to O 'Connor et al (2007 ) these delusions ``can conceivably appear in real life (p . 183 .
An example is the belief that one is famous is perfectly possible but
may not be true for that individual .
It is important to distinguish between paranoid psychosis that is based
on delusions and other mental disorders that have an element of
psychopathology (O 'Connor et al , 2007 ) in which violent and aggressive
thoughts and behaviors are present . Therefore there is a marked contrast
from disorders such as schizophrenia and depression and there are no
hallucinations manifested with the disorder . Bizarre delusions are
usually a feature of these mental illnesses (Cardno McGuffin , 2006 . A
person who is delusional has therefore lost contact with reality , to
some extent , but is completely convinced of the veracity of the
delusion .
The APA , in delimiting the criteria for diagnosing the behavior also
specifies that symptoms must have been present for at least a month (as
cited in Taylor , 2006 , p . 314 . Further there could be just one or
several delusions present . In diagnosing the disorder a psychologist
assesses the patient and determines whether there is the present of
absence of delusions and whether or not those delusions are bizarre .
Types
Five major types of delusional disorders have been identified and their
classification is based on the nature of the delusion that the
individual is experiencing (O 'Connor et al , 2007 . The five types are
erotomanic , somatic , jealousy , grandiose and persecutory . Individuals
who are erotomanic , which is also known as de Clerembault 's syndrome ,
believe that someone is in love with them (Delusion Part I , 1999 . The
perceived love interest is usually of a much higher social class or in
some way or otherwise unattainable . Erotomanics would sometimes attempt
to contact the love interest whether by letter , phone calls , visits ,
stalking or similar means .
Somatics have delusions about their body which may include a belief that
they have a physical defect or deformity , that their body is being
infested by parasites , that they are giving off a foul odor among
others .
The jealousy type of delusional disorder involves the belief that their
sexual partner is unfaithful . This delusion is manifested with
delusional interpretations of what they believe to be evidence of
infidelity .
The grandiose delusional disorder involves the belief that one has
alarming abilities and talents . Additional beliefs are that they are
famous or are intimately connected with such...
