Delusional Disorder
Delusional Disorder Types
Based on the predominant delusional theme,
there are six subtypes of delusional disorder.
Erotomanic Type (also known as erotomania,
psychose passionelle, Clerambault syndrome, or old
maid's insanity):
Individuals affected by this subtype believe that another person is secretly
in love with them. The person believed to be in love with the patient
can be either someone with a higher status or unattainable (such as a
famous person, a superior from work, or someone married), or a complete
stranger. The delusion of love is usually intense in nature and "...often
concerns idealized romantic love and spiritual union rather than sexual
attraction." (1)
Although in some cases the delusion is kept secret, in most cases the
patient attempts to contact the object of their delusion either through
telephone calls, letters, gifts, visits, even stalking them. In some cases,
individuals affected by this form of delusional disorder (especially males)
have problems with the law because they abusively attempt to pursue the
object of their delusion in a "misguided" effort to
"rescue" that person from an imaginary danger. "Signs
of denial of love are falsely interpreted as affirmation of love."(2)
Although
in clinical samples more women than men are diagnosed with this
subtype of delusional disorder, in the forensic samples -more
men than women are diagnosed with the erotomanic type.
Grandiose Type
Individuals diagnosed with this subtype live with the conviction
that they are important and unique, a conviction that can take
several forms: (1) believing that they posses a great (but unrecognized)
talent, insight, or that they made a great discovery, (2) believing
that they are a prominent person (situation when the actual person
may be regarded as an impostor) or have a special relationship
or remarkable connections with a prominent person (an adviser
to the president), (3) believe they have a special power or ability
[especially in individuals (cult leaders) with religious related
delusions- the person believes that they have a special message
from a deity].
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Jealous Type
Individuals diagnosed with this form of delusional disorder are firmly
convinced of the infidelity of their spouse or partner despite contrary
evidence. The infidelity belief is based on incorrect or minimal evidence
such as a messy bedspread, disarrayed clothes, spots on the sheets, or
more cigarettes in the ashtray than normal. Individuals affected by this
form of delusional disorder tend to gather what they consider to be evidence
of the spouse/partner's infidelity to confront them and even intervene
in this imaginary infidelity by restricting the spouse/partner's activities
and autonomy. Unfortunately, in most cases, this form of delusional disorder
leads to aggression and injuries towards others.
Persecutory Type
Individuals diagnosed with this form of delusional disorder believe that
they are "...being conspired against, cheated, spied on, followed,
poisoned or drugged, maliciously maligned, harassed, or obstructed in
the pursuit of long-term goals." (1) These individuals can often
be involved in formal litigations against their persecutors, considering
that their injustice must be remedied through legal actions. They usually
try to obtain satisfaction by repeated appeals to courts and other government
agencies. Such individuals are often resentful, angry, irritable, and
may use violence against the object of their delusions.
Somatic Type
Individuals diagnosed with this form of delusion disorder are excessively
concerned or have irrational ideas about bodily functions and sensations.
The somatic delusions can take several forms: (1) the personal conviction
that they are emitting a foul odor from the skin, mouth, rectum, or vagina,
(2) the belief that there is an infestation of parasites or insects on
or in the skin, (3) the belief that certain parts of the body are mis-shaped,
deformed, or ugly, or (4) the belief that some parts of the body are not
functional.
Mixed Type
Individuals diagnosed with this form of delusional disorder exhibit more
than one delusions simultaneously, without any of the delusions as predominant.
Unspecified Type
Individuals diagnosed with this form of delusional disorder exhibit delusions
that cannot be clearly determined or falls outside the specific categories.
Article by Alina Morrow
MS Psychology
Medical Writer
OmniMedicalSearch.com
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