How to Deal with Delusional Disorder

Dealing with a mental illness is extremely stressful. The illness not only affects the person but all of his family and friends. Psychosis, or delusional disorder, is where an individual cannot discern between the real and the imaginary. The same family and friends he falsely accuses must also play primary and secondary support roles in the patient's life.

Instructions

1. Learn about the disorder. Ignorance and fear can overwhelm both you and your support network. The six types are erotomanic, grandiose, persecutory, jealous, mixed and somatic. Education is the key for successful management. Patients must distinguish delusional disorder from other mental illnesses.

2. Accept that your views can be wrong. This is the hardest part for patients with a mental illness. Some have to suffer for years before reaching this point. The intense conflict can break up marriages and friendships and disrupt families.

3. Pursue your diagnosis. Doctors can't determine what causes delusional disorder. They have many theories but lack hard proof. Many doctors will misdiagnose your illness.

4. Maintain a strong support network. This disorder makes it hard to maintain relationships. Communicate with your friends and family members. Make a covenant with four or five of them to be open and honest with each other.

5. Ask for help and involve others in your life. Patients can withdraw from their relationships quickly with this condition, so stay actively involved. You are part of the .03 percent of the U.S. population to suffer with this illness.

Tips & Warnings

• The best treatment plan combines psychotherapy with medication.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish