Is delusional disorder a mental illness or a psychological disorder?

Generally, delusional disorder (medically referred to as delusional disorder) falls within the category of mental illness. Its occurrence is related to psychological factors, but it must be diagnosed and treated within the framework of psychiatric disorders. If there are concerns, early medical consultation is recommended. A detailed analysis is as follows:

From a diagnostic classification perspective, the core feature of delusional disorder is persistent delusions (such as persecutory delusions or referential delusions), with delusional content lacking factual basis and resistant to correction through reasoning. These symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria for mental illness and differ from emotional issues caused solely by psychological stress. The cognitive distortions in delusional disorder are more fixed and may be accompanied by perceptual disturbances, requiring professional medical evaluation for accurate diagnosis.

Regarding pathogenesis and intervention approaches, delusional disorder may arise from multiple factors including brain dysfunction, genetic predisposition, and psychological trauma. In clinical practice, treatment often requires not only psychotherapy to help adjust cognition but also psychiatric medications to alleviate symptoms. This differs significantly from the intervention models used for psychological conditions that primarily rely on counseling, further supporting its classification within the spectrum of mental illnesses.

If you or someone else exhibits persistent delusions, marked cognitive distortions, or significant impairment in daily functioning, prompt consultation at a psychiatric healthcare facility is essential. Delaying treatment may lead to symptom worsening and negatively impact social functioning and quality of life.