Persecutory delusion

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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

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

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

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

Individuals with persecutory delusions often exhibit:

• Intense suspicion and mistrust
• Fear and anxiety
• Social withdrawal
• Difficulty functioning in daily life

Diagnosis and Assessment

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

Treatment typically includes:

• Psychotherapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Antipsychotic medication in some cases
• Addressing underlying conditions or contributing factors

Challenges in Treatment

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

Persecutory delusions can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, affecting relationships, work, and overall well-being.

Research and Future Directions

Ongoing research aims to better understand the underlying mechanisms of persecutory delusions and to develop more effective treatment strategies.

See Also

• Paranoia
• Schizophrenia
• Mental Health Disorders

External Links

• American Psychiatric Association - What is Schizophrenia
• National Institute of Mental Health - Schizophrenia

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