Also know as paranoia by many, delusional disorder symptoms consists of a cluster of symptoms that make the sufferer unable to distinguish between reality and imagination. People with this disorder live in a constant state of unrealism where they see, hear, smell and taste things beyond reality. Delusional disorder generally brings about symptoms such as memory impairments, persistent false beliefs, sense of detachment and fear, frustration and sorrow relating to the delusions. A sense of mania is also a possible symptom.
The interesting fact about this is that according to the strongest traits of delusional disorder symptoms, it can be categorized into several types – erectomanic, jealous, somatic, grandiose, persecutory and mixed. It is important to understand the different varieties of delusions in order to provide better therapy for the sufferers.
Erectomanic delusional disorder is characterized by a biased belief that a person is in love with him or her. Stalking behavior and attempts to associate with the make-believe lover are commonly seen among erectomanics. They may intrude the other person to a great degree and even act out of compulsion. Some studies on rapists have indicated that erectomania is a possible cause for these sexual impulses. Thus, in the cases of severe suffers, the victim is endangered. Jealous type of delusions occur when the suffer believes that a close friend, family member or spouse is cheating on them. Most often, people with this kind of symptoms of delusional disorder may read non-existent cues as clues of infidelity. They may even go to the extent of harming the other or engaging in violent behavior.
Somatic delusions include believing that he or she is suffering from a severe physical disorder such as cancer or heart problems. These individuals may go out of their way to get a satisfactory diagnosis in spite of repeated medical reassurance. They may spend thousands of dollars and neglect their daily routes just to find signs of a sickness. Typically, a small physical distress such as a stomach ache or a cold may be interpreted as a sign of their perceived disease. Those with the grandiose type of delusion usually have an over inflated sense of power, worth and wisdom. They may believe that they have some talent or ability that deserves recognition. History believes that king Nero of the Roman Empire was one such figure.
Delusion of persecution usually makes the sufferer believe that they or someone that matter to them are being mistreated. Feeling like someone is spying on them and that the legal assistance is insufficient to help them are two common distorted beliefs of those suffering from this condition. When none of the above traits can be distinguished, the delusions are placed under the mixed type.
Studies have indicated that erectomania and persecution disorder are the commonest delusional disorder symptoms among younger patients, whereas delusions of grandiosity are more common among patients over the age of 70. In order to treat individuals suffering from this relatively rare disorder better, understanding their specific symptoms as indicated above is a must.
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