Delusional Disorder is a mental illness in which a person can not tell what is real from what is not real. Delusional disorder by itself, without an underlying cause such as schizophrenia, is usually rare. It is more common to find delusional disorder in women than men and usually occurs during middle to late life. Treatment can be difficult because the person with delusional disorder really believes that the delusions are real, so do not think there is anything wrong nor any need for treatment.

With delusional disorder, the delusions tend to be non-bizarre, not odd or not impossible. They refers to scenarios that can occur in real life such as being stalked, being loved by a public figure, having a parasitic infection, or being deceived by one's spouse.

On the other hand a bizarre delusion is impossible. An example of a bizarre behavior is when a person believes that he has invisible wings and can fly. This would be a bizarre delusion.

Also, sufferers of delusional disorder may not appear to be strange or peculiar, even when actively ill. Most people with delusional disorder continue to function normally and do not behave in an odd or bizarre manner other than their delusion.

1. Originally referred to as paranoid disorder
2. Cause unknown
3. Risk: 1 in 1000
4. 5 types: paranoid, erotomantic, somatic, grandoise and jealous
5. Sufferers experience hallucinations less frequently than people with schizophrenia
6. Can occur for the first time in people between the ages of 18 and 90
7. Othello syndrome: Delusional jealousy
8. De Clerambault's Syndrome: Delusion of passion (erotomanic delusion), also called old maid's insanity
9. Can persist for months or years
10. Treatments: psychotherapy and medications
11. No prevention

Disclaimer: The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have Delusional Disorder , please consult your doctor.