Delusional disorder

Abstract

Delusional disorder (or persistent delusional disorder) is a psychotic disorder characterised by delusions, whereas other relevant psychopathological symptoms are missing. Its prevalence is estimated at approximately 0.18 % in the general population and at 2-3 % in patients with psychotic disorders. There seem to be no relevant gender differences, except that the onset of the disorder in females is later in life than in males. Delusional disorder is predominantly an illness of middle to late adult life. The diagnostic stability is very high. The disorder is chronic and the treatment more difficult than in other psychotic disorders. Co-morbidity with major depression is relatively frequent, but the delusional disorder is independent of the co-morbid disorder. In some patients, the disorder is a risk for criminal behaviour. Nevertheless, the majority of patients do not have significant deficits in social functioning and stay autarkic. © 2011 Touch Briefings.