Delusion Psychology Definition: A Cognitive Distortion

Delusion psychology definition

In psychology, a delusion can be defined as a strong, persistent belief in something that is untrue. This belief is generally not part of a larger culture and is typically understood by others to be false. These false beliefs are often distressing and disruptive and usually come in nine different types, including grandiose delusions, jealous delusions, and bizarre delusions. Individuals experiencing delusional thinking can often experience relief through treatment that involves therapy and medication. Online therapy may be a valid treatment option for those who aren’t currently experiencing acute psychosis.

Belief distortion: False perception in delusion vs. delusional disorder

A delusion can be seen as a false belief, and may be part of some mental illnesses, like delusional disorder, which is usually categorized as a form of psychotic disorder. People with delusional disorder may believe one or more non-bizarre delusions. These can be defined as delusions that could be possible in real life, such as believing that someone is following them or that another person is in love with them. 

Delusions may also be a symptom of a mental health condition or a mental illness, and these are typically what are called bizarre delusions. This can mean that they are at odds with reality. Alien abductions may be a common example of a bizarre delusion. 

Symptoms of certain psychotic disorders or other mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, paranoia, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder, may involve delusions. Some individuals with dementia, Parkinson’s, or substance-induced psychotic disorder may also exhibit delusional beliefs. 

With delusional disorder, the delusions typically do not interfere with socialization or functioning, and the delusions may not be obvious to the people around them. However, some people who experience delusional disorder may become so focused on their delusions that they disrupt their day-to-day lives. There’s no known way to prevent delusional disorder. However, early diagnosis and treatment may help someone successfully manage symptoms, therefore reducing long-term symptom severity and disruption to one’s life.

Delusion psychology definition: The core concept

Delusion, in psychology, is defined as a strong belief in something that is demonstrably untrue. This belief is typically resistant to contrary evidence and is not part of the individual’s cultural or religious beliefs.

Types of delusions

The National Library of Medicine generally recognizes nine common types of delusions.

Grandiose

A grandiose delusion can be defined as a belief that the individual is extremely important in some way. They might think they have special powers, are close to a celebrity, or have made an important discovery. Someone with grandiose delusions often has an overinflated sense of self-worth, power, fame, intelligence, or talent, despite what the facts tell them. 

False erotomanic beliefs

An erotomanic delusion occurs when a person believes that a famous person or someone of high social standing is in love with them. Stalking behavior can be common with this form of delusional disorder, and an individual may believe that a famous person is communicating with them through secret messages. 

Persecutory

One of the most common types of delusions, persecutory delusions occur when an individual believes that someone or a group is “out to get them” somehow. They may believe people are following them, spying on them, or planning to harm them. People with this delusional disorder may contact law enforcement agencies for help. A person with paranoid schizophrenia may experience persecutory delusions. 

Jealous perception and irrational beliefs

A jealous perception often leads to irrational beliefs. For example, a jealous delusion can be described as the belief that your romantic partner is cheating on you despite a lack of evidence. Someone with this delusion may believe their partner is meeting with a lover when they are not with them. 

Somatic

A somatic delusion typically involves the belief that one has a medical condition, despite what the facts say. Someone who has somatic delusions may believe they are experiencing physical sensations, such as bugs crawling under their skin, or bodily dysfunctions, such as a physical deformity. 

Bizarre misconception

A bizarre misconception often leads to a bizarre delusion normally involves believing in something outside of the normal human experience.

Thought broadcasting: Cognitive distortion and belief

Thought broadcasting is usually defined as the belief that other people can hear one’s thoughts.

Thought insertion

Thought insertion can involve the belief that one’s thoughts do not belong to them. A person may believe that their thoughts are inserted into their mind by an external entity.

Mixed delusions

A mixed delusion is generally when someone exhibits two or more types of delusions from the above list at the same time.

Risk factors and misconception about delusions

As with many other psychotic disorders, the cause of delusions or delusion disorders is not fully understood. However, researchers continue to investigate how delusional disorders develop. Some risk factors for developing delusions may include:

• Age: Delusions tend to be more commonly seen in individuals of middle age or above. 

• Genetics: Individuals with family members who have either delusional disorder or schizophrenia can be more likely to develop the condition themselves. 

• Biological sources: Those who have experienced damage to the brain through trauma, stroke, or disease may be more likely to develop delusions. 

• Sensory impairment: Someone with visual or auditory impairment may have challenges with perception that may lead to delusion, although this is not true of most people with sensory impairments. 

• Environmental factors: These can include things like substance misuse, stressful life events, or social isolation. These factors can sometimes create a brief psychotic disorder that may trigger delusions. 

It's also important to address some common misconceptions about delusions. Many believe that delusions make people violent, but most individuals with delusional disorders are not dangerous. Another misconception is that delusions can be easily corrected with logic, when in fact, they are deeply ingrained. Delusions do not reflect low intelligence; they can affect anyone.

Treatment for irrational beliefs in delusional disorder

Treatment is available for those who experience psychotic disorders that include delusions, but getting them to accept the help of mental health professionals may be difficult. People with delusional disorder may not seek treatment because they may not realize that their delusions are false or disruptive. 

According to the diagnostic criteria outlined by the American Psychiatric Association,  delusional disorder is diagnosed when someone experiences one month of delusions, with no other psychotic symptoms, that cannot be explained by any other medical or mental health condition. Healthcare providers must rule out other mental disorders or mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder. If no other symptoms can be found to explain the delusions, then the next step is often a consultation with a psychiatrist or psychologist. 

Please note that you should never start, stop, or change the way you take medication without first consulting a licensed medical professional.

Benefits of online therapy

For individuals experiencing delusional disorder, therapy may be a lifelong process. When they’re not experiencing acute symptoms, online therapy can be a convenient option. Online therapy typically offers more options for those who live in a geographical area without many therapists. With an online therapy platform, you can be matched with a licensed therapist and meet with them from the comfort of your home or office. It can also be more affordable than in-person therapy because it usually eliminates certain costs, like transportation.

Virtual care for delusions

Online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy when it comes to treating various mental health conditions. According to a 2018 study, online cognitive behavioral therapy may effectively treat psychotic disorder and schizophrenia, two conditions that can cause delusions.