Delirium, also known as delusional disorder, is the alteration of the content of thought, arising when one strongly believes in an idea that is not the truth. Some of the signs of delirium are believing to have super powers or being pursued by enemies, for example, being difficult to distinguish the imagination from reality.
Delirium arises in isolation or may be a symptom of people with psychosis, schizophrenia, alcohol and drug abuse, after a brain injury or in the presence of other mental disorders, so it requires treatment with the psychiatrist. It is also common for delirium to emerge accompanied by hallucinations that, instead of ideas, are perceptions of things that do not exist, such as hearing voices, seeing monsters or feeling bitten by insects.
It is important not to confuse delirium with delirium, which is a state of mental confusion related to changes in brain activity, and usually affects elderly people in hospital or with some type of dementia. Learn more about delirium and its main causes.
Main types
There are several types of delirium, and the main ones are:
1. Delusion of persecution or paranoia
The bearer of this kind of delusion believes that he is being the victim of a persecution, and states that there are enemies who are trying to kill, poison, defame or want to harm him, without this being true.
2. Delusion of grandeur
In this case, the person believes that he is superior to other people, for an important position or for having fantastic abilities, such as having superpowers, being God or the president of the republic, for example.
3. Delusion of self-reference
One has the conviction that some event or object, even insignificant, has special meaning. This feels the center of observation and attention and even the most insignificant of events is endowed with very important significance.
4. Delirium of jealousy
In this type of delirium, the person is convinced that he or she is being deceived by the partner or partner, and sees any signs, such as looks, words or attitudes as evidence of their suspicion. This situation may lead to the emergence of domestic violence and aggression.
5. Delirium of control or influence
The affected person believes that their actions and thinking are controlled by another person, a group of people, or external forces. They may also believe that they are influenced by radiations, telepaths or special machines controlled by enemies to harm them.
6. Other types
There are other types of delirium, for example, the erotomaniac, in which the person believes that another person, usually famous, is in love with her, the somatic, in which there are beliefs about altered bodily sensations, as well as others, such as the mystic or revenge.
In addition, there may be mixed delusional disorder, in which types of delirium may vary, there being no predominant type.
What causes delirium
The delusional disorder is a psychiatric disease, and although its exact causes have not yet been clarified, it is known that its onset is related to genetic alterations, since it is more common among people of the same family, besides environmental risk factors, which may include drug use, head trauma, certain infections or negative psychological experiences, for example.
Delirium can also be a symptom that is part of or can be confused with other psychiatric illnesses, such as schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, brain injuries, obsessive-compulsive disorder, severe depression or bipolar disorder, for example. Learn more about what schizophrenia is and how to identify it.
Confirmation of the diagnosis of delirium is made after the psychiatrist's evaluation, which will observe the signs and symptoms presented, the way the patient talks and, if necessary, request tests to identify other types of diseases that may influence the case.
How is the treatment done?
The treatment of delirium depends on its cause, and it is generally necessary to use antipsychotic drugs, such as Haloperidol or Quetiapine, for example, antidepressants or tranquilizers, according to each case, which are indicated by the psychiatrist.
It is also very important to perform psychotherapy, with cognitive-behavioral therapy. The family may also need help, so it is necessary to guide family members and suggest support groups. The evolution of delirium and the time of treatment is variable and may last for hours, days, months or years, depending on the severity and clinical condition of the patient.
Are delirium and hallucination the same?
Delusions and hallucinations are different symptoms because while delirium is believing something impossible, hallucinations are misperceptions, manifested through sight, hearing, touch or smell, such as visualizing dead people or monsters, hearing voices, feeling stings or smells that they do not exist, for example.
These symptoms may arise separately or be together in the same person, and usually arise in the presence of other mental disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, schizoid disorders, psychosis or drug intoxication, for example.
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