An informational post about a delusional disorder:
What is a delusional disorder?
A. It is a condition in which there is a loss of reality; the true facts get twisted and convoluted.
How do we recognize it?
A. This is very difficult to recognize because the person can seem normal, logical, rather high functioning, and even quite charming as long as you don’t challenge the delusion.
What types of delusions are there?
A. There are several. However, two we often see are delusions of grandeur (self-importance) and persecution (how unfairly they perceive they are being treated).
Can people outgrow the disorder as they age?
A. No, this is a chronic, lifelong disorder that tends to get worse with age.
What happens if they take a lie detector test?
A. They will pass it with flying colors because they believe their lies.
What happens if you try to reason with them showing them the facts?
A. Because delusions are central to their existence, challenging them elicits a jolting and visceral reaction from them. It will often set the person off in tirades as they spit out hurtful statements.
Can you approach them in a gentle way just suggesting a true fact?
A. Not really, as the smallest slight or suggestion of a doubt of their reality sets them off and they become suspicious, hyper-vigilant, angry, hostile, and paranoid. They often develop an obsession for vengeance.
Many choose to separate themselves from the delusional person and many shut down, not saying anything – like walking on eggshells. Life is very chaotic and full of drama being around a delusional disorder. This is a tough call because often it is about protecting yourself and your sanity from the delusional person.
Stay sane and centered.
Doc