Persecutory delusion: Difference between revisions
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= Persecutory | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
== | | name = Persecutory delusion | ||
| image = [[File:Types_of_Delusional_Disorders_1.png|250px]] | |||
| caption = Types of Delusional Disorders | |||
| field = [[Psychiatry]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Delusion]]s of being persecuted, [[paranoia]] | |||
| complications = [[Social isolation]], [[anxiety]], [[depression (mood)|depression]] | |||
| onset = Typically in [[adulthood]] | |||
| duration = Can be [[chronic (medicine)|chronic]] | |||
| types = [[Non-bizarre delusion]] | |||
| causes = [[Genetic predisposition]], [[psychosocial stressors]] | |||
| risks = [[Family history]] of delusional disorders, [[substance abuse]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Clinical assessment]], [[DSM-5]] criteria | |||
| differential = [[Schizophrenia]], [[bipolar disorder]], [[schizoaffective disorder]] | |||
| treatment = [[Antipsychotic]]s, [[cognitive behavioral therapy]] | |||
| medication = [[Antipsychotic]]s such as [[risperidone]], [[olanzapine]] | |||
| prognosis = Varies; some may improve with treatment, others may have persistent symptoms | |||
| frequency = Unknown, but considered a common type of [[delusional disorder]] | |||
}} | |||
'''Persecutory delusions''' are a form of psychological disorder where individuals firmly believe they are being persecuted, despite a lack of objective evidence. These delusions are characterized by feelings of being targeted, harassed, or conspired against. | '''Persecutory delusions''' are a form of psychological disorder where individuals firmly believe they are being persecuted, despite a lack of objective evidence. These delusions are characterized by feelings of being targeted, harassed, or conspired against. | ||
== Definition and Characteristics == | == Definition and Characteristics == | ||
Persecutory delusions are defined by two core elements: | Persecutory delusions are defined by two core elements: | ||
* The belief that harm is occurring or will occur | * The belief that harm is occurring or will occur | ||
* The belief that a persecutor intends to cause harm | * The belief that a persecutor intends to cause harm | ||
== Epidemiology and Prevalence == | == Epidemiology and Prevalence == | ||
A 2020 study by Sheridan et al. highlighted the prevalence of a common form of persecutory delusion | A 2020 study by Sheridan et al. highlighted the prevalence of a common form of persecutory delusion — perceived stalking by groups. The study found a lifetime prevalence of 0.66% in adult women and 0.17% in adult men. | ||
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== Causes and Risk Factors == | == Causes and Risk Factors == | ||
Factors contributing to the development of persecutory delusions include: | Factors contributing to the development of persecutory delusions include: | ||
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* Certain mental health conditions, like schizophrenia | * Certain mental health conditions, like schizophrenia | ||
* Substance abuse | * Substance abuse | ||
== Clinical Presentation == | == Clinical Presentation == | ||
Individuals with persecutory delusions often exhibit: | Individuals with persecutory delusions often exhibit: | ||
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* Social withdrawal | * Social withdrawal | ||
* Difficulty functioning in daily life | * Difficulty functioning in daily life | ||
== Diagnosis and Assessment == | == Diagnosis and Assessment == | ||
Diagnosing persecutory delusions involves: | Diagnosing persecutory delusions involves: | ||
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* Psychological assessment to rule out other mental health disorders | * Psychological assessment to rule out other mental health disorders | ||
* Consideration of the individual's history and current mental state | * Consideration of the individual's history and current mental state | ||
== Treatment and Management == | == Treatment and Management == | ||
Treatment typically includes: | Treatment typically includes: | ||
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* Antipsychotic medication in some cases | * Antipsychotic medication in some cases | ||
* Addressing underlying conditions or contributing factors | * Addressing underlying conditions or contributing factors | ||
== Challenges in Treatment == | == Challenges in Treatment == | ||
Treatment of persecutory delusions can be challenging due to: | Treatment of persecutory delusions can be challenging due to: | ||
* The patient's mistrust and reluctance to seek help | * The patient's mistrust and reluctance to seek help | ||
* Difficulty in changing firmly held beliefs | * Difficulty in changing firmly held beliefs | ||
== Impact on Quality of Life == | == Impact on Quality of Life == | ||
Persecutory delusions can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, affecting relationships, work, and overall well-being. | Persecutory delusions can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, affecting relationships, work, and overall well-being. | ||
== Research and Future Directions == | == Research and Future Directions == | ||
Ongoing research aims to better understand the underlying mechanisms of persecutory delusions and to develop more effective treatment strategies. | Ongoing research aims to better understand the underlying mechanisms of persecutory delusions and to develop more effective treatment strategies. | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Paranoia]] | * [[Paranoia]] | ||
* [[Schizophrenia]] | * [[Schizophrenia]] | ||
* [[Mental Health Disorders]] | * [[Mental Health Disorders]] | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
<references> | <references> | ||
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* Patel, S., & Green, M.T. (2022). ''Epidemiology of Persecutory Delusions''. Clinical Psychology Review. 49(1), 101-110. | * Patel, S., & Green, M.T. (2022). ''Epidemiology of Persecutory Delusions''. Clinical Psychology Review. 49(1), 101-110. | ||
</references> | </references> | ||
== External Links == | == External Links == | ||
* [https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/schizophrenia/what-is-schizophrenia American Psychiatric Association - What is Schizophrenia] | * [https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/schizophrenia/what-is-schizophrenia American Psychiatric Association - What is Schizophrenia] | ||
| Line 80: | Line 80: | ||
[[Category:Mental Health Disorders]] | [[Category:Mental Health Disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Psychology]] | [[Category:Psychology]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 05:09, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Persecutory delusion | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Delusions of being persecuted, paranoia |
| Complications | Social isolation, anxiety, depression |
| Onset | Typically in adulthood |
| Duration | Can be chronic |
| Types | Non-bizarre delusion |
| Causes | Genetic predisposition, psychosocial stressors |
| Risks | Family history of delusional disorders, substance abuse |
| Diagnosis | Clinical assessment, DSM-5 criteria |
| Differential diagnosis | Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Antipsychotics, cognitive behavioral therapy |
| Medication | Antipsychotics such as risperidone, olanzapine |
| Prognosis | Varies; some may improve with treatment, others may have persistent symptoms |
| Frequency | Unknown, but considered a common type of delusional disorder |
| Deaths | N/A |
Persecutory delusions are a form of psychological disorder where individuals firmly believe they are being persecuted, despite a lack of objective evidence. These delusions are characterized by feelings of being targeted, harassed, or conspired against.
Definition and Characteristics[edit]
Persecutory delusions are defined by two core elements:
- The belief that harm is occurring or will occur
- The belief that a persecutor intends to cause harm
Epidemiology and Prevalence[edit]
A 2020 study by Sheridan et al. highlighted the prevalence of a common form of persecutory delusion — perceived stalking by groups. The study found a lifetime prevalence of 0.66% in adult women and 0.17% in adult men.
Causes and Risk Factors[edit]
Factors contributing to the development of persecutory delusions include:
- Psychological stress and trauma
- Paranoia and distrust
- Certain mental health conditions, like schizophrenia
- Substance abuse
Clinical Presentation[edit]
Individuals with persecutory delusions often exhibit:
- Intense suspicion and mistrust
- Fear and anxiety
- Social withdrawal
- Difficulty functioning in daily life
Diagnosis and Assessment[edit]
Diagnosing persecutory delusions involves:
- Clinical evaluation by mental health professionals
- Psychological assessment to rule out other mental health disorders
- Consideration of the individual's history and current mental state
Treatment and Management[edit]
Treatment typically includes:
- Psychotherapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Antipsychotic medication in some cases
- Addressing underlying conditions or contributing factors
Challenges in Treatment[edit]
Treatment of persecutory delusions can be challenging due to:
- The patient's mistrust and reluctance to seek help
- Difficulty in changing firmly held beliefs
Impact on Quality of Life[edit]
Persecutory delusions can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, affecting relationships, work, and overall well-being.
Research and Future Directions[edit]
Ongoing research aims to better understand the underlying mechanisms of persecutory delusions and to develop more effective treatment strategies.
See Also[edit]
References[edit]
<references>
- Johnson, K.L., & Smith, A.R. (2023). Persecutory Delusions: Understanding and Treatment. Journal of Mental Health. 38(2), 154-162.
- Patel, S., & Green, M.T. (2022). Epidemiology of Persecutory Delusions. Clinical Psychology Review. 49(1), 101-110.
</references>
