Magical Thinking and Mystical Experience: An Exploration of Delusional Disorder in Schizophrenic Patients

Abstract

Background: Delusions are common positive symptoms in schizophrenic patients. Individuals with delusional disorders have different experiences in memory and beliefs. Exploring patients' delusional beliefs is crucial to ascertaining appropriate psychotherapy programs. A few studies have explored the meanings of delusions for delusional patients. This study explores how schizophrenic patients lived experiences about their delusional beliefs. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out at a psychiatric hospital in Indonesia in 2021. The participants included 30 adult schizophrenic patients who had delusional life experiences and were able to communicate. Open-ended questions and probes were applied during in-depth interviews. We interviewed family members as well to improve the rigor of the research. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used in this study. Results: The patients' clinical history revealed the experiences of failure and loss. Two main themes shaping their delusional experiences included demonic forces and magical powers. Conclusions: Patients with delusions had similar themes, but each had a different specific experience. The findings suggest that each patient may require a unique cognitive therapy based on their experience.