Persecutory delusions are unwarranted fears, beliefs, or hallucinations that others seek to harm the individual. They can be managed with medication and counseling, but getting the person to accept help can be difficult. Genetics, chemical imbalances, and excessive stress may cause delusions. Treatment involves antipsychotic medication and psychotherapy.
Persecutory delusions are characteristic symptoms of a type of paranoid psychosis. They are described by psychologists as unwarranted fears, beliefs, or hallucinations that other people seek to cause harm to the individual. Most people who experience such delusions are still able to function normally in their daily lives, although they may feel constantly anxious and irritable. Delusional disorders can usually be managed with a combination of medication and counseling, although getting a person with persecutory delusions to accept help from others can be extremely difficult.
Some people experience delusions in conjunction with other mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, although most people who have persecutory thoughts are otherwise healthy. An individual may feel constantly watched or followed by others who want to harm him. A sufferer might think that colleagues are plotting against him or that government spies are constantly carrying out surveillance. Delusions can include fears of being poisoned in restaurants or being attacked by strangers when out for a walk or car ride.
A person who has persecutory delusions often creates entire belief systems or mental constructs to justify their fears. In the mind of a paranoid individual, beliefs are rationalized to the point where he is absolutely convinced that the threats are real and imminent. It is very common for delusional people to make frequent calls to the police and to file civil suits against others, even if they are not actually being harassed or harmed.
Doctors and psychologists are not sure of the exact causes of persecutory delusions. Research suggests that genetics play a significant role in the development of delusional disorders, as many people have family histories of mental illness. These delusions may also be linked to the same chemical imbalances in the brain that cause depression and schizophrenia. Finally, some psychologists believe that excessive stress can cause persecutory delusions.
Doctors can diagnose delusional disorders by asking questions about symptoms and conducting brain imaging tests to check for abnormalities. Once a patient has been diagnosed, they are usually given antipsychotic medications and scheduled to attend regular meetings with a psychologist or psychiatrist. Psychotherapy can be very effective if a patient is willing to be open and honest with his psychologist. Support and reassurance from loved ones are also important to help the individual feel at ease and begin to build trust.
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