What are the characteristics of delusional disorder?

Features of delusional disorder include firmly held abnormal beliefs, belief content that is absurd and detached from reality, refusal to accept rational counterarguments, associated emotional and behavioral abnormalities, impaired social functioning, and other characteristics that persist and significantly affect daily life. If such symptoms last for more than one month, prompt medical evaluation is recommended.

1. Firmly held abnormal beliefs: Patients hold unshakable convictions in beliefs that are fabricated or distorted, even in the absence of objective evidence. These beliefs cannot be corrected through reasoning and permeate their thinking and behavior.

2. Belief content that is absurd and detached from reality: Delusional content often defies common sense and logic, such as being followed or persecuted, being loved from afar, or having a special mission, all of which are severely inconsistent with actual circumstances.

3. Refusal to accept rational counterarguments: No matter how much factual evidence or logical reasoning others provide, patients adamantly refuse to acknowledge any abnormality in their beliefs and resist changing their mindset.

4. Associated emotional and behavioral abnormalities: Patients may experience emotions such as anxiety, anger, or fear, and may engage in abnormal behaviors based on their delusions, such as repeated checking, avoiding others, or confronting imagined enemies.

5. Impaired social functioning: Delusional beliefs interfere with interpersonal relationships, work, study, or daily activities, leading to social withdrawal and an inability to adapt normally to the social environment.

Provide patients with a supportive and understanding environment. Avoid directly challenging their delusional content. Encourage participation in gentle social and recreational activities, maintain regular sleep patterns, minimize environmental stimuli, and help stabilize their emotional state.