Types of Delusions and Common Delusional Themes

One common myth about delusions is that people who experience them are aware that they are delusional. In reality, people with delusions often believe their distorted perceptions or beliefs are accurate, and they may not recognise that their thoughts are not in touch with reality. This is an important aspect of delusion - as they are typically profoundly held despite evidence pointing to the contrary.

Think about it. We, the creatures of thought, the creatures of reason, cannot even reason under the firm grip of dementia. And it is more prevalent than you think. In India, almost 8% of our population above 60 are living with dementia, and that’s just the reported number.

So, it is high time we learn about this enigma called dementia. Let’s dive in!

There are several types of delusional disorder, which are determined based on the primary theme of the delusions that the person goes through. The types of delusional disorders include :-

Erotomaniac

People suffering from this type of delusional disorder believe that another person, often someone of note, important or famous, is in love with them. They might try to contact the person of the delusion and engage in stalking behaviour.

Grandiose

People with this type of delusional behaviour suffer from an overinflated sense of self-worth, power, identity or knowledge. They might believe they have been bestowed with great talent or made an important discovery.

Jealous

People with this type of delusional disorder believe that their spouse or sexual partner is cheating on them, even though they may not have any concrete. They may interpret ordinary or ambiguous actions as proof of infidelity.

Persecutory

People with this type of delusional disorder believe that someone or something is mistreating, spying on or trying to harm them or someone close to them. People with this type of delusional disorder might make repeated complaints to legal authorities.

Somatic

People with this type of delusional disorder think that they have a physical issue or medical issue, such as a parasite or foul odour.

Mixed

People with this delusional disorder have two or more of the types of delusions that have been enumerated above.

Religious Delusions

A person with religious delusions might believe that they have a special connection to a divine being or that they are on a mission directed by a higher power. They might also think that they are a prophet or have been chosen for a particular purpose.

Control Delusions

People having control delusions believe that external sources, like aliens, the government or other people, are governing their thoughts, feelings or actions. They might feel as if their mind is being hacked or manipulated.

Reference Delusions

A person with this delusion believes that everyday events, objects, or other people’s actions are directly related to them. For instance, they might think that a news broadcast or a song on the radio is trying to tell them something personal.

Nihilistic Delusions

These delusions involve the belief that something important is nonexistent or has been destroyed, such as believing that the world is ending or that one’s body is dead or rotting.

Paranoid Delusions

A person with paranoid delusions might believe that others are conspiring against them or have bad intentions. This could include people thinking others are attempting to sabotage their life, reputation or well-being without evidence.

Bizarre Delusions

These delusions are extremely implausible and not grounded in reality. For instance, believing that one can fly, that one's body is made of grass, or that one is being controlled by extraterrestrial forces.

Capgras Delusion

People suffering from this delusion believe an identical-looking imposter has replaced a close family member, partner or friend. This delusion is often associated with certain types of psychoses, including schizophrenia.

Folie a Deux (Shared Psychotic Disorder)

This is a rare phenomenon where two people share the same delusional belief. One individual usually has the delusional disorder, while the other person adopts the delusion through close proximity to them.

External Agency Delusions

A person thinks that their thoughts, actions or feelings are controlled by an external force or agency. This could include the belief that their thoughts are being broadcast to others or that their actions are being dictated by an outside entity.

Identity Delusions

Individuals might experience delusions related to their identity, such as believing that they are someone else, like a historical figure, celebrity or even a different gender. This might involve delusions of grandeur or a shift in personal identity.

Delusions of Misidentification

This includes themes where the person misidentifies people, places or objects. For instance, they might believe that a family member or friend is actually a stranger or that their house isn’t really their own.

Delusions of Poverty

A person might have the delusion that they are destitute or have lost all their money or possessions despite evidence to the contrary. They might believe that they are living in extreme financial hardship when this is not the case.

Magical Thinking

In magical thinking delusions, a person believes that their thoughts, words, or actions can influence events in the world, often in an irrational or impossible way. For example, they may think that they can control the weather or influence others' behaviour by just thinking about it.

Somatopsychic Delusions

This involves a belief that one’s body is morphing in a way that is not physically possible, such as thinking that one’s body is shrinking, growing or deteriorating due to an illness that isn't there.

Delusions of Control

These delusions involve the belief that a person’s thoughts, feelings, or body are being governed by external forces, such as people, aliens, or invisible beings. They can also involve the belief that the person is manipulating other people’s thoughts and actions.

Cultural Delusions

In certain cases, delusions are governed by cultural or societal beliefs. For instance, someone might believe they are destined to fulfil a specific artistic or political role or are involved in a large-scale conspiracy that fits societal narratives.

Historical Delusions

Certain people might have delusions about significant historical events or people. For example, they might believe that they are reincarnations of a famous historical figure or that they have been selected to change the course of history.

Delusion Projection

This is when people project their unwanted feelings, thoughts or actions onto others. For instance, a person might believe that others are angry or suspicious of them when they are feeling that way.

In conclusion, delusional disorders are complex mental health conditions characterised by the presence of persistent, false beliefs that are disconnected from reality. Such delusions can manifest in different forms, such as persecutory, grandiose or somatic delusions and can significantly impact an individual’s ability to function in daily life and maintain healthy relationships.

Recognising the signs of delusional thinking is vital for early intervention and proper treatment. With a combination of psychotherapy, medication and supportive care, individuals with delusional disorders can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.

If you or someone you know is experiencing delusions or related symptoms, looking for professional help is an important step in understanding and addressing the underlying causes of such beliefs. Compassionate treatment and support can help individuals with delusional thoughts regain control over their thoughts and improve their overall well-being.

What is a delusion?

A delusion is a false belief that is firmly held despite evidence to the contrary. It is often a symptom of mental health conditions like schizophrenia, delusional disorder, or bipolar disorder and can affect a person's thoughts, behaviour, and perception of reality.

What are the common types of delusions?

Common types of delusions include persecutory (believing others are out to harm you), grandiose (feeling you have special powers or importance), somatic (assuming you have a serious illness), and erotomanic (believing someone is in love with you), among others.

What causes delusions?

Various factors, including mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, brain injuries, substance abuse, trauma, or extreme stress, can cause delusions. Genetic and environmental factors may also play a role.

How can delusions be treated?

Treatment for delusions often involves a combination of medication (such as antipsychotics) and psychotherapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective in helping individuals challenge and reframe delusional thoughts.

When should I seek help for delusions?

If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent false beliefs that interfere with daily life or cause distress, it's important to seek professional help. Early intervention can lead to better management of symptoms and improved quality of life.