what is a good treatment for persecutory delusions

Common Causes

What is the best treatment for delusional disorder? These drugs include risperidone (Risperdal®), clozapine (Clozaril®), quetiapine (Seroquel®), ziprasidone (Geodon®) and olanzapine (Zyprexa®). Other medications that might be used to treat delusional disorder include tranquilizers and antidepressants.

Related Conditions

What is Persecutory Delusional Disorder? Persecutory delusional disorder is a type of psychosis surrounding the belief that one will be harmed, or someone (a person, agency, organization, or group) intends to cause them harm. Those suffering from this type of delusional disorder may also believe they are being spied on, sometimes resulting in repeated, unfounded allegations and police reports.

What is the best treatment for delusions?

Persecutory delusions occur when someone believes others are out to harm them despite evidence to the contrary. It’s a type of paranoid thinking that can be part of several different mental illnesses .

What is delusional disorder persecutory type?

Delusional disorder is often treated with antipsychotics, also called neuroleptics. It appears that antipsychotics are generally effective for many people with delusional disorder, regardless of what antipsychotic medication is used. [18]

What is delusion of persecution?

How are delusions treated?

Is persecutory delusions curable?

Therapy: A 2014 study found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be an effective intervention. 8 When therapists helped patients reduce worry and rumination, persecutory delusions decreased. CBT also led to significant reductions in other psychiatric symptoms and general levels of paranoia.

What therapy is used for delusions?

Treatment Summary: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one of the research-proven methods for treating patients diagnosed with any of the subtypes of Delusional Disorder. The first step involves the therapist working to establish a strong therapeutic alliance with the patient.

Why do I have persecutory delusions?

As with other mental illnesses it is thought that genetics, environment, and brain abnormalities all play a role in making someone more susceptible to experiencing persecutory delusions. Stressful life experiences and trauma may be important triggers for people who develop delusional disorder.

Which antipsychotic is best for delusions?

Antipsychotic treatment was associated with a high positive response rate (recovery 64.4 % or partial improvement 28.8 %), with risperidone as the most frequent medication followed by olanzapine (Table 3). Among SGAs, risperidone appears to be the most frequent antipsychotic that has been used in DD treatment.

Can medication stop delusions?

Antipsychotic Medications. Antipsychotic medications can reduce or relieve symptoms of psychosis, such as delusions (false beliefs) and hallucinations (seeing or hearing something that is not there).

How do you get rid of delusions?

Individual psychotherapy can help the person recognize and correct the thinking that has become distorted. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help the person learn to recognize and change thought patterns and behaviors that lead to troublesome feelings.

How do you treat a persecution complex?

Your doctor likely will prescribe medication first. Studies show that antipsychotic drugs such as olanzapine (Zyprexa) and risperidone (Risperdal) can help most people. Talk therapy. Studies suggest that a type of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy may help lower delusional thinking.

Can anxiety cause persecutory delusions?

Paranoid anxiety may reach the level of a persecutory anxiety state (a form of panic attack), including various levels of persecutory delusions (the preferred term to paranoid delusions).

Can delusions be cured?

Delusional disorder is a type of mental health condition in which a person can't tell what's real from what's imagined. There are many types, including persecutory, jealous and grandiose types. It's treatable with psychotherapy and medication.

Does Abilify help with delusional thinking?

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that aripiprazole may be an effective treatment for delusional disorders with good tolerability. Further studies comparing aripiprazole with other antipsychotics in the treatment of delusional disorders are needed.

Does Seroquel help with delusions?

Quetiapine may also be helpful when prescribed "off-label" for delusional parasitosis, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder, delirium in the intensive care unit, and obsessive compulsive disorder.

Does Risperdal help with delusions?

Risperidone may also be helpful when prescribed “off-label” for adjunctive treatment of major depression disorder (risperidone is used in addition to an antidepressant), delusional parasitosis, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Tourette syndrome, and other mental health conditions.

What is the best treatment for delusions?

Antipsychotic drugs, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology are not the only potential forms of treatment for individuals with delusions. Cognitive therapy is an effective form of aid for particular patients. Cognitive therapy uses questions and behavioral experiments to assess persons experiencing various delusions.

How to help someone with delusions?

Spending time with loved ones can also be helpful to someone who is overcoming delusions. Family members and friends can be a world-class support system and help mitigate the overall fear that accompanies delusions, persecutory or otherwise. Every one of us needs help sometimes.

How many people have persecutory delusions?

Of the general population who have psychosis, approximately 10-15% experience persecutory delusions.

What is a persecutory delusional?

Persecutorydelusions indicate a serious medical disorder that should be professionally treated. Telling someone to simply "get over it" is unhelpful and will make their plight even worse. Many delusions are caused by trauma or underlying causes that need to be addressed by licensed specialists.

What is the best form of therapy?

The best form of overall therapy entails seeking one of the forms above of professional treatment. As one undergoes the process of therapy, they might find that gradually adopting positive thoughts and beliefs may help them as they work to overcome persecutory delusions.

What is the delusion of persecution?

A delusion of persecution is defined as "the false conviction that others are threatening or conspiring against one.". This delusion usually manifests itself when someone thinks misfortune is either happening or going to happen. Those living with this delusion might believe a "persecutor" is out to get them. As the name implies, this state of mind ...

What is the purpose of psychotherapy?

This form of treatment hones in on the exact requirements of the individual and works to help them regain healthy social skills and better their lifestyle. Psychotherapy and psychopharmacology are gradual forms of treatment.

Abstract

Persecutory delusions are a central psychotic experience, at the severe end of a paranoia spectrum in the general population.

Introduction

Two distressing concerns are at the heart of persecutory delusions: harm is going to occur and others intend it [ 2 ]. Almost half of individuals with persecutory delusions have levels of psychological well-being in the lowest 2 % of the general population [ 3 ].

Acknowledgments

DF is supported by a Medical Research Council (MRC) Senior Clinical Fellowship (G0902308). This study presents independent research for which PG was part-funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London.

What is a persecutory delusional?

Persecutory delusions occur when someone believes others are out to harm them despite evidence to the contrary. It’s a type of paranoid thinking that can be part of several different mental illnesses . Whether people with this condition think co-workers are sabotaging their work or they believe the government is trying to kill them, ...

What happens when someone has persecutory delusions?

When nothing happens, they often grow suspicious that the authorities are somehow involved. They also grow frustrated when no one will help them.

How common are delusions in dementia?

It's also common for individuals with dementia to develop delusions. It's estimated that 27% of individuals with dementia experience persecutory delusions at one time or another. Delusional disorders are far less common than other mental illnesses that may involve psychosis.

Why do people with persecutory delusions feel vulnerable?

One study found that people with persecutory delusions tend to be high in interpersonal sensitivity, meaning that they feel vulnerable in the presence of others due to fear of criticism or rejection. 6 

What are the different types of delusions?

Less common types of delusions include: 1 Somatic delusions: the fixed false belief that one has a physical defect or medical problem 2 Erotomanic delusions: the conviction that someone is in love with them

What percentage of people have delusions?

It’s estimated that only 0.2% of the population experiences delusional disorder. 1. Less common types of delusions include: Somatic delusions: the fixed false belief that one has a physical defect or medical problem. Erotomanic delusions: the conviction that someone is in love with them.

How to contact the SAMHSA for delusions?

If you or a loved one are struggling with persecutory delusions, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.

What are some examples of delusions of persecution?

Keep in mind that this is a short list and that many specifics regarding delusions of persecution are subject to significant individual variation. Being followed: A very common example of a delusion of persecution is when an individual believes they are being followed, but they really aren’t.

What is the delusional of persecution?

Delusions of persecution refer to false beliefs or perceptions in which a person believes that they are being treated with malicious intent, hostility, or harassment – despite significant evidence to suggest otherwise . Imagine waking up and thinking that your next-door neighbor was plotting to kill you, or that your spouse had sprinkled some poison ...

What are the most common types of persecution?

Most popular types of persecution are related to religious affiliation, ethnicity, and political affiliation – these are not usually justified with rationality. Delusions of Persecution: This is a phrase combining the term delusion (a false belief held despite significant contradictory evidence), with the term persecution (mistreatment, ...

What percentage of people have persecutory delusions?

Perceiving that someone is out to harm your reputation or sabotage your life are common themes of persecutory delusions. It is estimated that approximately 10% to 15% of the general population will experience paranoid thoughts, and in some cases these thoughts result in persecutory delusions.

What are the causes of delusions?

In other cases, the delusions may result from drug abuse, genetic polymorphisms, neurotransmitter concentrations, and receptor densities (of specific neurochemicals). Brain anatomy: It is believed that among those with persecutory delusions, there may be anatomical differences of specific brain regions.

What is the term for mistreatment of a person?

These false beliefs or perceptions are usually refuted with legitimate science, refuting logic, or rationality. Persecution: This is a term that refers to mistreatment, discrimination, or victimization of a person or group of people for a specific reason. In some cases, there may be a logically valid reason for persecution such as torturous ...

Can temporal lobe injuries cause persecutory delusions?

In some cases, a combination of both temporal and frontal lobe injuries may be responsible for causing persecutory delusions.

Difference between conspiracy theories and persecutory delusions

Persecutory delusions are a mental health symptom. Conspiracy theories may be the result of a mental health symptom but not always.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia often involves delusions. Persecutory delusions are the most common delusions in schizophrenia.

Schizoaffective disorder

Schizoaffective disorder includes symptoms of schizophrenia and a mood disorder (either depression or bipolar disorder). These symptoms can include persecutory delusions.

Bipolar disorder

Some people with bipolar disorder might experience symptoms of psychosis, including delusions.

Major depressive disorder with psychotic features

Major depressive disorder (MDD) with psychotic features, previously called psychotic depression, can include persecutory delusions as part of the episodes of psychosis.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Persecutory delusions can also occur in people with PTSD. These delusions might be about the traumatic event itself.

Physical illnesses and conditions

Delusions, including those with a persecutory theme, can be caused by physical conditions and illnesses, particularly those that affect the brain.

How to help a delusional person?

Strategies for Loved Ones 1 Work with a specialist. One of the best things you can do is to see a therapist who specializes in treating individuals with psychotic disorders to learn how to successfully support your loved one. You might learn how to talk to your loved one when they bring up their delusion, encourage them to seek help, and/or encourage them to take their medication. (Unfortunately, individuals with delusional disorder tend to be hesitant about taking medication.) 2 Learn as much as you can. Become an expert on delusional disorder. For example, check out this piece on Psych Central, which features 10 helpful strategies for helping someone who’s struggling with delusional thoughts, including expressing empathy, offering to seek therapy together, learning about cognitive distortions, and modeling reality testing. This piece on the National Alliance on Mental Illness, written by a woman who recovered from psychosis, also includes valuable tips on helping a loved one. This articulate piece is written by a man who’s been diagnosed with delusional disorder. 3 Seek out support. For instance, the Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America (SARDAA) offers a family and friends support group every Tuesday at 7 p.m. EST., which you can access over the phone (and includes other resources). Schizophrenia.com offers online forums for family and friends.

Why is delusional disorder so difficult to treat?

Delusional disorder is challenging to treat because individuals typically lack insight into their illness. That is, they don’t think they’re sick, so they seldom seek help or want treatment. However, there are effective ways to treat this condition. Both medication and psychotherapy are valuable interventions.

How long does it take for a delusional person to have a delusional disorder?

Individuals diagnosed with delusional disorder have one or more delusions for at least one month. These fixed, false beliefs typically concern situations that can occur in real life (though there’s a specification in the DSM-5 for bizarre content). For instance, individuals might think someone is trying to poison them or they’re suffering ...

What is the most common delusion?

The most common delusion is persecutory, where individuals believe that someone is spying on them, following them, or trying to harm them (or their loved one). Individuals with delusional disorder aren’t functionally impaired, and their actions don’t appear bizarre or strange. In other words, aside from the delusion (and associated behavior), ...

What is slow mo therapy?

For instance, SlowMo is a digital therapy that helps individuals decelerate their thinking. Metacognitive training (MCT) is another promising intervention that addresses reasoning biases and challenges the content of delusional beliefs. Both group and individual versions have been developed.

Is psychotherapy good for delusions?

Still, psychotherapy is valuable for treating delusional disorder—and is especially important because medication doesn’t decrease delusions for everyone. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) seems to be the best studied intervention—and has explored everything from worry to sleep issues in individuals with delusions.

Is psychotherapy a good treatment for delusional disorder?

Both medication and psychotherapy are valuable interventions. It’s common for delusional disorder to co-occur with other conditions, particularly depression and anxiety, so it’s critical for treatment to address these concerns, as well.

How to deal with delusions?

If the behaviors resulting from the delusions pose a threat to the self or to someone else, go immediately to the emergency department or call emergency services. Any dangerous actions (such as running into traffic, feeling suicidal, or stalking an individual) should be addressed first.

What are some medications that help with delusions?

Other medications used to treat delusional disorder include atypical antipsychotics, antianxiety medications, and antidepressant medications . Antianxiety medications may be used if the delusions cause distress and anxiety, or if the person has difficulty sleeping.

How to help a family with delusions?

1. Attend family therapy. Family therapy can help you and your family cope with delusional disorder. Therapy can help the family understand the delusions you encounter. Then, your family will be better equipped to contribute to a more positive outcome for you.

What is a delusional disorder?

Delusional disorders are characterized by a person not recognizing what is perceived and what is imagined. Often delusions include feelings of being followed, poisoned, or being conspired against. Other delusions can include believing you are famous or in power, or that a celebrity is in love with you.

Why do people with delusional disorder need a therapist?

Because people with delusional disorder tend to be distrustful of others, establishing a solid relationship with a therapist is a must. If you don’t feel comfortable with your therapist, find a different one that helps you feel safe, trusting, and supported.

What are some goals that a therapist can help you achieve?

You may have your own goals (such as reducing distress), and the therapist may suggest goals such as improving social skills, engaging in positive behaviors, and improving personal, social, and occupational functioning.

Can delusions be cured with medication?

Some people with delusional disorder may resist medication as part of the delusions .Therapists offer medication to help you with your symptoms. The medication is used to help benefit you. Ask questions if you feel hesitant to begin medication.