Psychosis
Delusional Disorder
One or more persistent false beliefs held with conviction, without the other features of schizophrenia, and often not obviously unusual from the outside.
What it can feel like
- A fixed belief others see as untrue (being watched, deceived, loved at a distance)
- Behaviour driven by the belief
- Irritability or defensiveness when it is questioned
- Generally functioning well outside the belief
- Difficulty accepting help
Not everyone has every symptom, and you do not need a label to deserve support.
Things that help
Do not argue the content
Directly challenging the belief usually hardens it. Focus on shared goals such as sleep, stress and relationships.
Reduce isolation
Regular, low-pressure contact with people outside the belief system is protective.
Involve someone you trust
A family member or friend at appointments helps treatment stay joined up.
Want to actually do these? Save them to your practices and tick them off as you go.
Add to my practicesWhen to reach for more support
Talk to a GP, ideally alongside someone you trust. Specialist assessment and treatment can help considerably.
Often looked at together
Schizoaffective Disorder
Psychotic symptoms happening alongside significant mood episodes, where both are present and prominent over time.
Schizophrenia
A condition involving episodes of psychosis, where thoughts and perceptions become disconnected from shared reality, often alongside withdrawal and reduced motivation.