{"formatVersion":"1.1","id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder","path":"/library/delusional-disorder","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder","title":"Delusional Disorder","family":"Library detail","description":"Someone with delusional disorder will have trouble differentiating between imagination and reality. It is a psychotic disorder that can last a month or more.","language":"en-US","access":{"audience":"public","indexable":true},"provenance":{"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder","wordpressId":"152","contentCompleteness":"complete","dateScope":"original-source"},"authors":[{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/jenni-jacobsen#person","name":"Jenni Jacobsen, Ph.D.","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/jenni-jacobsen"}],"reviewer":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/leila-khurshid#person","name":"Leila Khurshid, Pharm.D.","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/leila-khurshid"},"dates":{"datePublished":"2022-11-13T19:00:00Z","dateModified":"2026-05-17T19:02:52Z","lastReviewed":"2022-11-14"},"content":{"html":"

Delusional Disorder

Written by \"\"Jenni Jacobsen, Ph.D.Medically reviewed by \"\"Leila Khurshid, Pharm.D.

Published on · Updated on

People with delusional disorder experience irrational beliefs called delusions, typically treated with medication and therapy. The typical age of onset is around 40 years, but medical professionals can diagnose delusional order at any time during adulthood.

\"A

Key takeaways

  • Delusional disorder involves persistent false beliefs without meeting the full criteria for schizophrenia.
  • Assessment examines the duration and nature of beliefs while ruling out medical, substance-related, and other psychiatric explanations.
  • Antipsychotic medication and psychotherapy may help manage symptoms and their effects on relationships and daily life.

What is delusional disorder?

\nDelusional disorder is a mental health condition listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). People with delusional disorder experience at least one delusion, lasting for at least a month.

People who live with this mental health condition may have psychotic symptoms that appear similar to schizophrenia, but they do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia. When people with delusional disorder experience hallucinations, they must be related to the content of the delusions⁠[1].\n

Types of delusional disorder

\nDifferent types of delusional disorders can vary based on the content of a person’s delusions. These types are outlined below⁠[2]:\n

    \n
  • Erotomanic Type: People with this delusion believe that another person is in love with them. Typically, they think that someone famous or of high status has fallen in love with them.
    • \n
  • Grandiose Type: Grandiose delusions surround the belief that a person has incredible talent, power, or knowledge or is associated with influential people, such as celebrities or deities.
    • \n
  • Jealous Type: A person with jealous delusions believes that their significant other is being unfaithful.
    • \n
  • Persecutory: Persecutory delusions lead a person to believe that someone is conspiring against them, attacking them, or somehow stopping them from achieving their goals.
    • \n
  • Somatic Type: Somatic delusions are related to bodily sensations. People with somatic delusions may feel that their bodily functions or sensations are abnormal.
    • \n
  • Mixed Type: When a person has mixed delusions, they experience at least two types of delusions. For instance, they may have both somatic and grandiose delusions.
    • \n

Symptoms of delusional disorder

\nPeople with delusional disorder have one or more irrational beliefs, called delusions. In most cases, people with delusional disorders function well, and their behavior does not appear bizarre⁠[2].\nSome specific symptoms of delusional disorder are as follows⁠[2]:\n

    \n
  • Having a false belief that remains, even when a person is presented with evidence that the belief is not true
    • \n
  • Remaining fixed on a belief that most other people know is false
    • \n
  • Maintaining at least one delusional thought for a month or more
    • \n
  • Social isolation resulting from delusional thinking
    • \n

Diagnosing delusional disorder

\nA mental health provider, like a psychiatrist, can diagnose delusional disorder. To diagnose this condition, a mental health professional will look for the following criteria, which are contained in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM 5)⁠[2]:\n

    \n
  • The presence of at least one delusional thought, lasting for at least one month
    • \n
  • No evidence of a physiological, medical, or substance-related cause of the delusions
    • \n
  • No proof that another mental health disorder explains the delusional thinking
    • \n
  • Delusions that are non-bizarre, meaning that while they are false, they are situations that could happen in real life
    • \n

\nIn addition to performing a psychiatric evaluation to diagnose delusional disorder, a professional may conduct additional testing, such as a urine drug test, to rule out substance-induced delusions. Medical professionals may also consult friends and family members about the timeline of the delusions and any other symptoms a person has to rule out alternative psychiatric diagnoses.

In addition, since other mental health conditions can appear similar to delusional disorders, a mental health professional often has to evaluate the criteria of other mental health conditions, like schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, to rule out alternative diagnoses⁠[2].\n

\nWhen a clinician diagnoses delusional disorder, they will rule out related psychiatric conditions to ensure that they have made an accurate diagnosis. Some other conditions that may look similar to delusional disorder are as follows:\n

    \n
  • Schizophrenia: Individuals with schizophrenia experience at least two symptoms: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, catatonic behavior, or negative symptoms (lack of motivation, flat affect). They also have trouble in interpersonal relationships, at work, or caring for themselves. The difference between schizophrenia and delusional disorder is that a person with delusional disorder does not meet all the criteria for schizophrenia. They may experience hallucinations related to their delusions, but they do not have additional symptoms of schizophrenia, such as flat affect⁠[1].
    • \n
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): OCD may look like delusional disorder because people who live with this condition experience repeated, unwanted thoughts that cause them significant distress. They try to suppress these unwanted thoughts through compulsive behaviors, such as hand-washing. Obsessive thoughts may appear similar to delusions⁠[3].
    • \n
  • Bipolar Disorder: Sometimes, people experience delusions during mood episodes that occur with bipolar disorder. To be diagnosed with delusional disorder, delusions must last for longer than mood symptoms⁠[2].
    • \n
  • Major Depressive Disorder: Mood symptoms that occur with major depression can also result in delusions⁠[2]. For instance, a person who is depressed may have a delusional sense of guilt or feel as if they are worthless, with no evidence to support these beliefs⁠[4].
    • \n

Causes of delusional disorder

\nThere is not one single cause of delusional disorder, and experts disagree on the leading causes of the condition because so little research has been conducted. However, some of the following risk factors may contribute to the development of delusional disorder, based on what is known about the condition:\n

    \n
  • Biological Factors: Medical conditions and neurological problems could contribute to delusions in some people⁠[2].
    • \n
  • Substance Use: Drug and alcohol misuse has been found to precede delusional disorder, especially in men⁠[5].
    • \n
  • Other Mental Health Disorders: In men, paranoid personality disorders like schizoid and schizotypal personality disorder tend to develop before the onset of delusional disorder⁠[5].
    • \n
  • Genetics: Experts believe genetics may contribute to the risk of developing delusional disorder, because studies have shown that a family history of schizophrenia increases the risk of delusional disorder. Genetic variations associated with schizophrenia may also be linked to delusions⁠[6].
    • \n

Prevention of delusional disorder

\nThere are no known ways to prevent delusional disorder. Sometimes, a person may have a genetic risk factor that predisposing them to develop the condition. The best way to avoid severe impairment from delusional disorder is to seek early intervention as soon as symptoms appear. Then, with a diagnosis and professional treatment, people can learn to manage symptoms of delusional disorder.\n

Treatment for delusional disorder

\nIn most cases, delusional disorder is treated with a combination of medications and therapy. These options are discussed in more detail below.

First, it is helpful to understand that since delusional disorder is quite rare, experts have not conducted much research on treatments explicitly used for this condition. Instead, much of what is known about treating delusional disorder comes from research on treating other psychotic disorders like schizophrenia.\n

Medication for delusional disorder

\nDelusional disorder is often treated with antipsychotic medications. Specifically, a prescription medication called clozapine is often used as an effective treatment option for delusional disorder⁠[7].

A doctor can help you to determine the best dosage and medication to treat your symptoms.\nMedical professionals can recommend either first-generation (older) or second-generation (newer) antipsychotic medications for the treatment of delusional disorder⁠[7]. These medications are listed below⁠[8].\n

First Generation Antipsychotics

Second Generation Antipsychotics

Therapy for Delusional Disorder

\nTherapy can help patients with delusional disorder to develop coping skills and learn to manage their symptoms. A modality called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help process logical errors and anxiety surrounding delusions⁠[7]. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches people to replace irrational, unhelpful thoughts with different ways of thinking.\n

Metacognitive training helps people examine reasoning habits such as jumping to conclusions. A 2025 review found evidence of reduced delusions in schizophrenia, but rated the underlying evidence as weak. These findings do not establish the same benefit specifically for delusional disorder; treatment should be tailored to the individual⁠[9].

\nThese are not the only treatment modalities that may work for a person with delusional disorder, but they are the most heavily researched. Unfortunately, given the rarity of delusional disorder, it has not been the focus of a significant amount of research, so future studies need to be conducted to determine other methods for treating the condition.\n

Helping someone with delusional disorder

\nIf your loved one has symptoms of delusional disorder, there are things you can do to be supportive. First, when approaching your loved one, remember to remain positive. Avoid blaming them for their problems or accusing them of being illogical.\n

Attempting to talk your loved one out of their delusions is unlikely helpful. Instead, you can offer a listening ear, express that you understand their anxious thoughts, and encourage them to seek treatment.\n

Frequently asked questions about delusional disorder

What is the outlook for people with delusional disorder?

\nBased on what is known about delusional disorder, many people with this condition do not have significant impairment. In fact, they tend to function well psychologically when not discussing their delusion⁠[2].\n

Some people with delusional disorder may experience difficulties at work and social isolation. However, treatment can help. The prognosis with treatment is generally good, and nearly half of patients with delusional disorder will respond well to medication⁠[2].\n

Subject matter expert

\"\"

Allan Schwartz Ph.D.

Clinical social work and chronic mental illness

View experience

\nWhile people with delusional disorder generally function well, there can be complications if the condition is untreated. For instance, some patients may develop symptoms of depression because of the stress associated with delusions.

Others may have legal problems, as they may harass or stalk a person who is the object of delusional thinking, ultimately leading to criminal charges. People with delusional disorder may also become socially isolated because delusional thinking can interfere with relationships.\n

How common is delusional disorder?

\nDelusional disorder is rare, with estimates that just 0.02% of the population experiences this mental health condition. Compared to other conditions, such as schizophrenia and mood disorders, delusional disorder is uncommon. Prevalence rates of the condition may be underestimated, as not everyone with delusional disorder seeks treatment⁠[2].

References

  1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 Changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2016 Jun. Table 3.20, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Psychotic Disorders. National Library of Medicine. Accessed March 23 2023.
  2. Joseph SM, Siddiqui W. (2022, July 20). Delusional Disorder. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine.
  3. Brock H, Hany M. (2022, June 3). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine. Accessed May 11 2025.
  4. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). DSM-5 Changes: Implications for Child Serious Emotional Disturbance [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2016 Jun. Table 9, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Major Depressive Episode/Disorder Comparison. National Library of Medicine. Accessed June 7 2023.
  5. de Portugal, E., González, N., Miriam, V., Haro, J. M., Usall, J., & Cervilla, J. A. (2010, May). Gender differences in delusional disorder: Evidence from an outpatient sample. Psychiatry Research, 177(1–2), 235–239. PubMed.
  6. Chou, I. J., Kuo, C. F., Huang, Y. S., Grainge, M. J., Valdes, A. M., See, L. C., Yu, K. H., Luo, S. F., Huang, L. S., Tseng, W. Y., Zhang, W., & Doherty, M. (2016, November 21). Familial Aggregation and Heritability of Schizophrenia and Co-aggregation of Psychiatric Illnesses in Affected Families. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 43(5), 1070–1078. Oxford Academic. Accessed May 23 2025.
  7. Jalali Roudsari, M., Chun, J., & Manschreck, T. C. (2015, April 11). Current Treatments for Delusional Disorder. Current Treatment Options in Psychiatry, 2(2), 151–167. Springer. Accessed October 10 2026.
  8. Chokhawala K, Stevens L. (2022, March 8). Antipsychotic Medications. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine. Accessed May 9 2025.
  9. Meinhart, A., et al. (2025). Metacognitive training for psychosis (MCT): a systematic meta-review of its effectiveness. Translational Psychiatry, 15, 156. PubMed Central. Accessed October 10 2026.

Medical Content

The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy.

About MentalHealth.com

MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life.

\"\"

Author

Jenni Jacobsen, Ph.D.

Ph.D., LSW, MSW

Jenni Jacobsen, Ph.D. is a licensed social worker, behavioral health consultant and medical reviewer. She holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology.

Published
Updated
\"\"

Medical Reviewer

Leila Khurshid, Pharm.D.

Pharm.D., BCPS

Leila Khursid is a medical reviewer with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Residency from St. Mark's Hospital.

Reviewed
\"\"

Related community

Schizophrenia

A space for understanding schizophrenia and the experiences of individuals and loved ones.

Explore community
","text":"Home Library Mental Health Conditions Delusional Disorder Delusional Disorder Written by Jenni Jacobsen, Ph.D.Medically reviewed by Leila Khurshid, Pharm.D. Published on November 13, 2022 · Updated on May 17, 2026 People with delusional disorder experience irrational beliefs called delusions, typically treated with medication and therapy. The typical age of onset is around 40 years, but medical professionals can diagnose delusional order at any time during adulthood. Key takeaways Delusional disorder involves persistent false beliefs without meeting the full criteria for schizophrenia. Assessment examines the duration and nature of beliefs while ruling out medical, substance-related, and other psychiatric explanations. Antipsychotic medication and psychotherapy may help manage symptoms and their effects on relationships and daily life. What is delusional disorder? Delusional disorder is a mental health condition listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). People with delusional disorder experience at least one delusion, lasting for at least a month. People who live with this mental health condition may have psychotic symptoms that appear similar to schizophrenia, but they do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia. When people with delusional disorder experience hallucinations, they must be related to the content of the delusions⁠[1]. Types of delusional disorder Different types of delusional disorders can vary based on the content of a person’s delusions. These types are outlined below⁠[2]: Erotomanic Type: People with this delusion believe that another person is in love with them. Typically, they think that someone famous or of high status has fallen in love with them. Grandiose Type: Grandiose delusions surround the belief that a person has incredible talent, power, or knowledge or is associated with influential people, such as celebrities or deities. Jealous Type: A person with jealous delusions believes that their significant other is being unfaithful. Persecutory: Persecutory delusions lead a person to believe that someone is conspiring against them, attacking them, or somehow stopping them from achieving their goals. Somatic Type: Somatic delusions are related to bodily sensations. People with somatic delusions may feel that their bodily functions or sensations are abnormal. Mixed Type: When a person has mixed delusions, they experience at least two types of delusions. For instance, they may have both somatic and grandiose delusions. Symptoms of delusional disorder People with delusional disorder have one or more irrational beliefs, called delusions. In most cases, people with delusional disorders function well, and their behavior does not appear bizarre⁠[2]. Some specific symptoms of delusional disorder are as follows⁠[2]: Having a false belief that remains, even when a person is presented with evidence that the belief is not true Remaining fixed on a belief that most other people know is false Maintaining at least one delusional thought for a month or more Social isolation resulting from delusional thinking Diagnosing delusional disorder A mental health provider, like a psychiatrist, can diagnose delusional disorder. To diagnose this condition, a mental health professional will look for the following criteria, which are contained in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM 5)⁠[2]: The presence of at least one delusional thought, lasting for at least one month No evidence of a physiological, medical, or substance-related cause of the delusions No proof that another mental health disorder explains the delusional thinking Delusions that are non-bizarre, meaning that while they are false, they are situations that could happen in real life In addition to performing a psychiatric evaluation to diagnose delusional disorder, a professional may conduct additional testing, such as a urine drug test, to rule out substance-induced delusions. Medical professionals may also consult friends and family members about the timeline of the delusions and any other symptoms a person has to rule out alternative psychiatric diagnoses. In addition, since other mental health conditions can appear similar to delusional disorders, a mental health professional often has to evaluate the criteria of other mental health conditions, like schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, to rule out alternative diagnoses⁠[2]. Conditions related to delusional disorder When a clinician diagnoses delusional disorder, they will rule out related psychiatric conditions to ensure that they have made an accurate diagnosis. Some other conditions that may look similar to delusional disorder are as follows: Schizophrenia: Individuals with schizophrenia experience at least two symptoms: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, catatonic behavior, or negative symptoms (lack of motivation, flat affect). They also have trouble in interpersonal relationships, at work, or caring for themselves. The difference between schizophrenia and delusional disorder is that a person with delusional disorder does not meet all the criteria for schizophrenia. They may experience hallucinations related to their delusions, but they do not have additional symptoms of schizophrenia, such as flat affect⁠[1]. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): OCD may look like delusional disorder because people who live with this condition experience repeated, unwanted thoughts that cause them significant distress. They try to suppress these unwanted thoughts through compulsive behaviors, such as hand-washing. Obsessive thoughts may appear similar to delusions⁠[3]. Bipolar Disorder: Sometimes, people experience delusions during mood episodes that occur with bipolar disorder. To be diagnosed with delusional disorder, delusions must last for longer than mood symptoms⁠[2]. Major Depressive Disorder: Mood symptoms that occur with major depression can also result in delusions⁠[2]. For instance, a person who is depressed may have a delusional sense of guilt or feel as if they are worthless, with no evidence to support these beliefs⁠[4]. Causes of delusional disorder There is not one single cause of delusional disorder, and experts disagree on the leading causes of the condition because so little research has been conducted. However, some of the following risk factors may contribute to the development of delusional disorder, based on what is known about the condition: Biological Factors: Medical conditions and neurological problems could contribute to delusions in some people⁠[2]. Substance Use: Drug and alcohol misuse has been found to precede delusional disorder, especially in men⁠[5]. Other Mental Health Disorders: In men, paranoid personality disorders like schizoid and schizotypal personality disorder tend to develop before the onset of delusional disorder⁠[5]. Genetics: Experts believe genetics may contribute to the risk of developing delusional disorder, because studies have shown that a family history of schizophrenia increases the risk of delusional disorder. Genetic variations associated with schizophrenia may also be linked to delusions⁠[6]. Prevention of delusional disorder There are no known ways to prevent delusional disorder. Sometimes, a person may have a genetic risk factor that predisposing them to develop the condition. The best way to avoid severe impairment from delusional disorder is to seek early intervention as soon as symptoms appear. Then, with a diagnosis and professional treatment, people can learn to manage symptoms of delusional disorder. Treatment for delusional disorder In most cases, delusional disorder is treated with a combination of medications and therapy. These options are discussed in more detail below. First, it is helpful to understand that since delusional disorder is quite rare, experts have not conducted much research on treatments explicitly used for this condition. Instead, much of what is known about treating delusional disorder comes from research on treating other psychotic disorders like schizophrenia. Medication for delusional disorder Delusional disorder is often treated with antipsychotic medications. Specifically, a prescription medication called clozapine is often used as an effective treatment option for delusional disorder⁠[7]. A doctor can help you to determine the best dosage and medication to treat your symptoms. Medical professionals can recommend either first-generation (older) or second-generation (newer) antipsychotic medications for the treatment of delusional disorder⁠[7]. These medications are listed below⁠[8]. First Generation Antipsychotics Trifluoperazine Perphenazine Prochlorperazine Acetophenazine Triflupromazine Mesoridazine Haloperidol Thiothixene Chlorprothixene Loxapine Molindone Pimozide Second Generation Antipsychotics Risperidone Olanzapine Quetiapine Ziprasidone Aripiprazole Paliperidone Asenapine Lurasidone Iloperidone Cariprazine Brexpiprazole Clozapine Therapy for Delusional Disorder Therapy can help patients with delusional disorder to develop coping skills and learn to manage their symptoms. A modality called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help process logical errors and anxiety surrounding delusions⁠[7]. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches people to replace irrational, unhelpful thoughts with different ways of thinking. Metacognitive training helps people examine reasoning habits such as jumping to conclusions. A 2025 review found evidence of reduced delusions in schizophrenia, but rated the underlying evidence as weak. These findings do not establish the same benefit specifically for delusional disorder; treatment should be tailored to the individual⁠[9]. These are not the only treatment modalities that may work for a person with delusional disorder, but they are the most heavily researched. Unfortunately, given the rarity of delusional disorder, it has not been the focus of a significant amount of research, so future studies need to be conducted to determine other methods for treating the condition. Helping someone with delusional disorder If your loved one has symptoms of delusional disorder, there are things you can do to be supportive. First, when approaching your loved one, remember to remain positive. Avoid blaming them for their problems or accusing them of being illogical. Attempting to talk your loved one out of their delusions is unlikely helpful. Instead, you can offer a listening ear, express that you understand their anxious thoughts, and encourage them to seek treatment. Frequently asked questions about delusional disorder What is the outlook for people with delusional disorder? Based on what is known about delusional disorder, many people with this condition do not have significant impairment. In fact, they tend to function well psychologically when not discussing their delusion⁠[2]. Some people with delusional disorder may experience difficulties at work and social isolation. However, treatment can help. The prognosis with treatment is generally good, and nearly half of patients with delusional disorder will respond well to medication⁠[2]. Subject matter expert Allan Schwartz Ph.D. Clinical social work and chronic mental illness View experience Are there any long-term complications to delusional disorder? While people with delusional disorder generally function well, there can be complications if the condition is untreated. For instance, some patients may develop symptoms of depression because of the stress associated with delusions. Others may have legal problems, as they may harass or stalk a person who is the object of delusional thinking, ultimately leading to criminal charges. People with delusional disorder may also become socially isolated because delusional thinking can interfere with relationships. How common is delusional disorder? Delusional disorder is rare, with estimates that just 0.02% of the population experiences this mental health condition. Compared to other conditions, such as schizophrenia and mood disorders, delusional disorder is uncommon. Prevalence rates of the condition may be underestimated, as not everyone with delusional disorder seeks treatment⁠[2]. References Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 Changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2016 Jun. Table 3.20, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Psychotic Disorders. National Library of Medicine. Accessed March 23 2023. Joseph SM, Siddiqui W. (2022, July 20). Delusional Disorder. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine. Brock H, Hany M. (2022, June 3). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine. Accessed May 11 2025. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). DSM-5 Changes: Implications for Child Serious Emotional Disturbance [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2016 Jun. Table 9, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Major Depressive Episode/Disorder Comparison. National Library of Medicine. Accessed June 7 2023. de Portugal, E., González, N., Miriam, V., Haro, J. M., Usall, J., & Cervilla, J. A. (2010, May). Gender differences in delusional disorder: Evidence from an outpatient sample. Psychiatry Research, 177(1–2), 235–239. PubMed. Chou, I. J., Kuo, C. F., Huang, Y. S., Grainge, M. J., Valdes, A. M., See, L. C., Yu, K. H., Luo, S. F., Huang, L. S., Tseng, W. Y., Zhang, W., & Doherty, M. (2016, November 21). Familial Aggregation and Heritability of Schizophrenia and Co-aggregation of Psychiatric Illnesses in Affected Families. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 43(5), 1070–1078. Oxford Academic. Accessed May 23 2025. Jalali Roudsari, M., Chun, J., & Manschreck, T. C. (2015, April 11). Current Treatments for Delusional Disorder. Current Treatment Options in Psychiatry, 2(2), 151–167. Springer. Accessed October 10 2026. Chokhawala K, Stevens L. (2022, March 8). Antipsychotic Medications. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine. Accessed May 9 2025. Meinhart, A., et al. (2025). Metacognitive training for psychosis (MCT): a systematic meta-review of its effectiveness. Translational Psychiatry, 15, 156. PubMed Central. Accessed October 10 2026. Medical Content The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy. About MentalHealth.com MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life. Author Jenni Jacobsen, Ph.D. Ph.D., LSW, MSW Jenni Jacobsen, Ph.D. is a licensed social worker, behavioral health consultant and medical reviewer. She holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Published November 13, 2022 Updated May 17, 2026 Medical Reviewer Leila Khurshid, Pharm.D. Pharm.D., BCPS Leila Khursid is a medical reviewer with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Residency from St. Mark's Hospital. Reviewed November 14, 2022 Related community Schizophrenia A space for understanding schizophrenia and the experiences of individuals and loved ones. Explore community Table of contentsChoose a section What is delusional disorder? Types of delusional disorder Symptoms of delusional disorder Diagnosing delusional disorder Conditions related to delusional disorder Causes of delusional disorder Prevention of delusional disorder Treatment for delusional disorder Helping someone with delusional disorder Frequently asked questions about delusional disorder View more","wordCount":2293},"schema":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization","name":"MentalHealth.com","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","publishingPrinciples":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/publishing/editorial-policy"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#website","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","name":"MentalHealth.com","inLanguage":"en-US","publisher":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization"}},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Library","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Mental Health Conditions","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/mental-health-conditions"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Delusional Disorder","item":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder"}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#primaryimage","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/7cc36f49a0c81ea7b556e613.webp","contentUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/7cc36f49a0c81ea7b556e613.webp","width":1200,"height":800,"encodingFormat":"image/webp","caption":"A young man talks with a counselor who rests a reassuring hand on his shoulder."},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/jenni-jacobsen#person","name":"Jenni Jacobsen, Ph.D.","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/jenni-jacobsen","jobTitle":"Ph.D., LSW, MSW","image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/4f4e4293be2246dfe2e00d7c.jpg","memberOf":[{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/clinical-affairs#department"},{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/publishing#department"}]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/leila-khurshid#person","name":"Leila Khurshid, Pharm.D.","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/leila-khurshid","jobTitle":"Pharm.D., BCPS","image":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/90339bb61ace127cee8df5f2.webp","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-khurshid-pharmd-bcps/"],"memberOf":[{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/clinical-affairs#department"}]},{"@type":"Article","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#article","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder","headline":"Delusional Disorder","description":"Someone with delusional disorder will have trouble differentiating between imagination and reality. It is a psychotic disorder that can last a month or more.","wordCount":1694,"mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#webpage"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization"},"articleSection":"Mental Health Conditions","citation":[{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 Changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2016 Jun. Table 3.20, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Psychotic Disorders. National Library of Medicine. Accessed March 23 2023.","url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t20/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Joseph SM, Siddiqui W. (2022, July 20). Delusional Disorder. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine.","url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539855/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Brock H, Hany M. (2022, June 3). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine. Accessed May 11 2025.","url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553162/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). DSM-5 Changes: Implications for Child Serious Emotional Disturbance [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2016 Jun. Table 9, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Major Depressive Episode/Disorder Comparison. National Library of Medicine. Accessed June 7 2023.","url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519712/table/ch3.t5/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"de Portugal, E., González, N., Miriam, V., Haro, J. M., Usall, J., & Cervilla, J. A. (2010, May). Gender differences in delusional disorder: Evidence from an outpatient sample. Psychiatry Research, 177(1–2), 235–239. PubMed.","url":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20334930/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Chou, I. J., Kuo, C. F., Huang, Y. S., Grainge, M. J., Valdes, A. M., See, L. C., Yu, K. H., Luo, S. F., Huang, L. S., Tseng, W. Y., Zhang, W., & Doherty, M. (2016, November 21). Familial Aggregation and Heritability of Schizophrenia and Co-aggregation of Psychiatric Illnesses in Affected Families. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 43(5), 1070–1078. Oxford Academic. Accessed May 23 2025.","url":"https://academic.oup.com/schizophreniabulletin/article/43/5/1070/2549014/Familial-Aggregation-and-Heritability-of?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Jalali Roudsari, M., Chun, J., & Manschreck, T. C. (2015, April 11). Current Treatments for Delusional Disorder. Current Treatment Options in Psychiatry, 2(2), 151–167. Springer. Accessed October 10 2026.","url":"https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40501-015-0044-7?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Chokhawala K, Stevens L. (2022, March 8). Antipsychotic Medications. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine. Accessed May 9 2025.","url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519503/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Meinhart, A., et al. (2025). Metacognitive training for psychosis (MCT): a systematic meta-review of its effectiveness. Translational Psychiatry, 15, 156. PubMed Central. Accessed October 10 2026.","url":"https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12015532/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"}],"inLanguage":"en-US","author":[{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/jenni-jacobsen#person"}],"image":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#primaryimage"},"about":{"@type":"Thing","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/mental-health-conditions#topic","name":"Mental Health Conditions"},"datePublished":"2022-11-13T19:00:00Z","dateModified":"2026-05-17T19:02:52Z"},{"@type":"MedicalWebPage","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#webpage","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder","name":"Delusional Disorder","description":"Someone with delusional disorder will have trouble differentiating between imagination and reality. It is a psychotic disorder that can last a month or more.","inLanguage":"en-US","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/mental-health-conditions#webpage"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#breadcrumb"},"mainEntity":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#article"},"relatedLink":["https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/psychotic-disorders","https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/acute-stress-disorder-asd","https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/mental-disorders","https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/treatment-for-bdd","https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/top-dissociative-disorder-articles","https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/allan-schwartz"],"publisher":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/#organization"},"medicalAudience":{"@type":"MedicalAudience","audienceType":"General public"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#primaryimage"},"reviewedBy":{"@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/leila-khurshid#person"},"about":{"@type":"Thing","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/mental-health-conditions#topic","name":"Mental Health Conditions"},"citation":[{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 Changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2016 Jun. Table 3.20, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Psychotic Disorders. National Library of Medicine. Accessed March 23 2023.","url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t20/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Joseph SM, Siddiqui W. (2022, July 20). Delusional Disorder. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine.","url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539855/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Brock H, Hany M. (2022, June 3). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine. Accessed May 11 2025.","url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553162/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). DSM-5 Changes: Implications for Child Serious Emotional Disturbance [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2016 Jun. Table 9, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Major Depressive Episode/Disorder Comparison. National Library of Medicine. Accessed June 7 2023.","url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519712/table/ch3.t5/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"de Portugal, E., González, N., Miriam, V., Haro, J. M., Usall, J., & Cervilla, J. A. (2010, May). Gender differences in delusional disorder: Evidence from an outpatient sample. Psychiatry Research, 177(1–2), 235–239. PubMed.","url":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20334930/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Chou, I. J., Kuo, C. F., Huang, Y. S., Grainge, M. J., Valdes, A. M., See, L. C., Yu, K. H., Luo, S. F., Huang, L. S., Tseng, W. Y., Zhang, W., & Doherty, M. (2016, November 21). Familial Aggregation and Heritability of Schizophrenia and Co-aggregation of Psychiatric Illnesses in Affected Families. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 43(5), 1070–1078. Oxford Academic. Accessed May 23 2025.","url":"https://academic.oup.com/schizophreniabulletin/article/43/5/1070/2549014/Familial-Aggregation-and-Heritability-of?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Jalali Roudsari, M., Chun, J., & Manschreck, T. C. (2015, April 11). Current Treatments for Delusional Disorder. Current Treatment Options in Psychiatry, 2(2), 151–167. Springer. Accessed October 10 2026.","url":"https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40501-015-0044-7?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Chokhawala K, Stevens L. (2022, March 8). Antipsychotic Medications. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine. Accessed May 9 2025.","url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519503/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Meinhart, A., et al. (2025). Metacognitive training for psychosis (MCT): a systematic meta-review of its effectiveness. Translational Psychiatry, 15, 156. PubMed Central. Accessed October 10 2026.","url":"https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12015532/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"}],"datePublished":"2022-11-13T19:00:00Z","dateModified":"2026-05-17T19:02:52Z","lastReviewed":"2022-11-14"}]},"representations":{"html":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder","json":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/data/library/delusional-disorder.json","jsonLd":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/data/library/delusional-disorder.ld.json"},"$schema":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/data/page.schema.json","images":[{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/4f4e4293be2246dfe2e00d7c.jpg","alt":"","width":22,"height":22},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/90339bb61ace127cee8df5f2.webp","alt":"","width":22,"height":22},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/7cc36f49a0c81ea7b556e613.webp","alt":"A young man talks with a counselor who rests a reassuring hand on his shoulder.","width":1200,"height":800},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/3f1145a76c69b3ca318ecb8b.jpg","alt":"","width":64,"height":64},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/responsive/7ac24e0ce396ff34bfa53399.webp","alt":"","width":800,"height":449}],"sections":[{"id":"key-takeaways","title":"Key takeaways","level":2,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#key-takeaways"},{"id":"what-is-delusional-disorder","title":"What is delusional disorder?","level":2,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#what-is-delusional-disorder"},{"id":"types-of-delusional-disorder","title":"Types of delusional disorder","level":2,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#types-of-delusional-disorder"},{"id":"symptoms-of-delusional-disorder","title":"Symptoms of delusional disorder","level":2,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#symptoms-of-delusional-disorder"},{"id":"diagnosing-delusional-disorder","title":"Diagnosing delusional disorder","level":2,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#diagnosing-delusional-disorder"},{"id":"conditions-related-to-delusional-disorder","title":"Conditions related to delusional disorder","level":2,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#conditions-related-to-delusional-disorder"},{"id":"causes-of-delusional-disorder","title":"Causes of delusional disorder","level":2,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#causes-of-delusional-disorder"},{"id":"prevention-of-delusional-disorder","title":"Prevention of delusional disorder","level":2,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#prevention-of-delusional-disorder"},{"id":"treatment-for-delusional-disorder","title":"Treatment for delusional disorder","level":2,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#treatment-for-delusional-disorder"},{"id":"medication-for-delusional-disorder-delusional-disorder-is-often-treated-with-antipsychotic-medications-specifically-a-prescription-medication-called","title":"Medication for delusional disorder","level":3,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#medication-for-delusional-disorder-delusional-disorder-is-often-treated-with-antipsychotic-medications-specifically-a-prescription-medication-called"},{"id":"first-generation-antipsychotics","title":"First Generation Antipsychotics","level":3,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#first-generation-antipsychotics"},{"id":"second-generation-antipsychotics","title":"Second Generation Antipsychotics","level":3,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#second-generation-antipsychotics"},{"id":"therapy-for-delusional-disorder-therapy-can-help-patients-with-delusional-disorder-to-develop-coping-skills-and-learn-to-manage-their-symptoms-a-modality-called-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-cbt-can-help-process-logical-errors-and-anxiety-surrounding-delusions","title":"Therapy for Delusional Disorder","level":3,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#therapy-for-delusional-disorder-therapy-can-help-patients-with-delusional-disorder-to-develop-coping-skills-and-learn-to-manage-their-symptoms-a-modality-called-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-cbt-can-help-process-logical-errors-and-anxiety-surrounding-delusions"},{"id":"helping-someone-with-delusional-disorder","title":"Helping someone with delusional disorder","level":2,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#helping-someone-with-delusional-disorder"},{"id":"frequently-asked-questions-about-delusional-disorder","title":"Frequently asked questions about delusional disorder","level":2,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#frequently-asked-questions-about-delusional-disorder"},{"id":"what-is-the-outlook-for-people-with-delusional-disorder-based-on-what-is-known-about-delusional-disorder-many-people-with-this-condition-do-not-have-significant-impairment-in-fact-they-tend-to-function-well-psychologically-when-not-discussing-their-delusion","title":"What is the outlook for people with delusional disorder?","level":3,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#what-is-the-outlook-for-people-with-delusional-disorder-based-on-what-is-known-about-delusional-disorder-many-people-with-this-condition-do-not-have-significant-impairment-in-fact-they-tend-to-function-well-psychologically-when-not-discussing-their-delusion"},{"id":"are-there-any-long-term-complications-to-delusional-disorder-while-people-with-delusional-disorder-generally-function-well-there-can-be-complications-if-the-condition-is-untreated-for-instance-some-patients-may-develop-symptoms-of-depression-because-of-the-stress-associated-with-delusions-others-may-have-legal-problems-as-they-may-harass-or-stalk-a-person-who-is-the-object-of-delusional-thinking-ultimately-leading-to-criminal-charges-people-with-delusional-disorder-may-also-become-socially-isolated-because-delusional-thinking-can-interfere-with-relationships","title":"Are there any long-term complications to delusional disorder?","level":3,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#are-there-any-long-term-complications-to-delusional-disorder-while-people-with-delusional-disorder-generally-function-well-there-can-be-complications-if-the-condition-is-untreated-for-instance-some-patients-may-develop-symptoms-of-depression-because-of-the-stress-associated-with-delusions-others-may-have-legal-problems-as-they-may-harass-or-stalk-a-person-who-is-the-object-of-delusional-thinking-ultimately-leading-to-criminal-charges-people-with-delusional-disorder-may-also-become-socially-isolated-because-delusional-thinking-can-interfere-with-relationships"},{"id":"how-common-is-delusional-disorder-delusional-disorder-is-rare-with-estimates-that-just-0-02-of-the-population-experiences-this-mental-health-condition-compared-to-other-conditions-such-as-schizophrenia-and-mood-disorders-delusional-disorder-is-uncommon-prevalence-rates-of-the-condition-may-be-underestimated-as-not-everyone-with-delusional-disorder-seeks-treatment","title":"How common is delusional disorder?","level":3,"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#how-common-is-delusional-disorder-delusional-disorder-is-rare-with-estimates-that-just-0-02-of-the-population-experiences-this-mental-health-condition-compared-to-other-conditions-such-as-schizophrenia-and-mood-disorders-delusional-disorder-is-uncommon-prevalence-rates-of-the-condition-may-be-underestimated-as-not-everyone-with-delusional-disorder-seeks-treatment"}],"references":[{"number":1,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#substance-abuse-mental-health-services-administration","text":"Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 Changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2016 Jun. Table 3.20, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Psychotic Disorders. National Library of Medicine. Accessed March 23 2023.","links":[{"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t20/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"National Library of Medicine"}],"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t20/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"number":2,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan","text":"Joseph SM, Siddiqui W. (2022, July 20). Delusional Disorder. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine.","links":[{"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539855/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"National Library of Medicine"}],"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539855/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"number":3,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan-source","text":"Brock H, Hany M. (2022, June 3). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine. Accessed May 11 2025.","links":[{"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553162/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"National Library of Medicine"}],"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553162/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"number":4,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#substance-abuse-mental-health-services-administration-source","text":"Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). DSM-5 Changes: Implications for Child Serious Emotional Disturbance [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2016 Jun. Table 9, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Major Depressive Episode/Disorder Comparison. National Library of Medicine. Accessed June 7 2023.","links":[{"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519712/table/ch3.t5/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"National Library of Medicine"}],"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519712/table/ch3.t5/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"number":5,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#gender-differences-delusional-disorder-evidence-outpatient-sample","text":"de Portugal, E., González, N., Miriam, V., Haro, J. M., Usall, J., & Cervilla, J. A. (2010, May). Gender differences in delusional disorder: Evidence from an outpatient sample. Psychiatry Research, 177(1–2), 235–239. PubMed.","links":[{"url":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20334930/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"PubMed"}],"url":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20334930/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"number":6,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#familial-aggregation-heritability-schizophrenia-co-aggregation-psychiatric-illnesses-aff","text":"Chou, I. J., Kuo, C. F., Huang, Y. S., Grainge, M. J., Valdes, A. M., See, L. C., Yu, K. H., Luo, S. F., Huang, L. S., Tseng, W. Y., Zhang, W., & Doherty, M. (2016, November 21). Familial Aggregation and Heritability of Schizophrenia and Co-aggregation of Psychiatric Illnesses in Affected Families. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 43(5), 1070–1078. Oxford Academic. Accessed May 23 2025.","links":[{"url":"https://academic.oup.com/schizophreniabulletin/article/43/5/1070/2549014/Familial-Aggregation-and-Heritability-of?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"Oxford Academic"}],"url":"https://academic.oup.com/schizophreniabulletin/article/43/5/1070/2549014/Familial-Aggregation-and-Heritability-of?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"number":7,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#current-treatments-delusional-disorder","text":"Jalali Roudsari, M., Chun, J., & Manschreck, T. C. (2015, April 11). Current Treatments for Delusional Disorder. Current Treatment Options in Psychiatry, 2(2), 151–167. Springer. Accessed October 10 2026.","links":[{"url":"https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40501-015-0044-7?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"Springer"}],"url":"https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40501-015-0044-7?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"number":8,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan-2","text":"Chokhawala K, Stevens L. (2022, March 8). Antipsychotic Medications. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. National Library of Medicine. Accessed May 9 2025.","links":[{"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519503/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"National Library of Medicine"}],"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519503/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"},{"number":9,"id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#individualized-metacognitive-therapy-delusions-randomized-controlled-rater-blind-study","text":"Meinhart, A., et al. (2025). Metacognitive training for psychosis (MCT): a systematic meta-review of its effectiveness. Translational Psychiatry, 15, 156. PubMed Central. Accessed October 10 2026.","links":[{"url":"https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12015532/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"PubMed Central"}],"url":"https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12015532/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com"}],"relatedReading":[],"links":[{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/","label":"Home"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library","label":"Library"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/mental-health-conditions","label":"Mental Health Conditions"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/jenni-jacobsen","label":"Jenni Jacobsen, Ph.D."},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/leila-khurshid","label":"Leila Khurshid, Pharm.D."},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/schizophrenia","label":"schizophrenia"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#substance-abuse-mental-health-services-administration","label":"[1]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan","label":"[2]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan","label":"[2]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan","label":"[2]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/dsm-5","label":"Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan","label":"[2]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/schizoaffective-disorder-as-a-disability","label":"schizoaffective disorder"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan","label":"[2]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#substance-abuse-mental-health-services-administration","label":"[1]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan-source","label":"[3]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan","label":"[2]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan","label":"[2]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#substance-abuse-mental-health-services-administration-source","label":"[4]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan","label":"[2]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#gender-differences-delusional-disorder-evidence-outpatient-sample","label":"[5]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#gender-differences-delusional-disorder-evidence-outpatient-sample","label":"[5]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#familial-aggregation-heritability-schizophrenia-co-aggregation-psychiatric-illnesses-aff","label":"[6]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/clozapine-uses-dosage-side-effects","label":"clozapine"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#current-treatments-delusional-disorder","label":"[7]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#current-treatments-delusional-disorder","label":"[7]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan-2","label":"[8]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/trifluoperazine-uses-dosage-side-effects","label":"Trifluoperazine"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/perphenazine-use-dosage-interactions-effects","label":"Perphenazine"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/haloperidol-uses-dosage-side-effects","label":"Haloperidol"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/loxapine-uses-dosage-side-effects","label":"Loxapine"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/molindone-uses-side-effects-interactions","label":"Molindone"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/risperidone-use-doses-side-effects","label":"Risperidone"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/olanzapine-use-dosage-risks","label":"Olanzapine"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/quetiapine-uses-dosage-side-effects","label":"Quetiapine"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/ziprasidone-uses-dosage-side-effects","label":"Ziprasidone"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/aripiprazole-uses-dosage-side-effects","label":"Aripiprazole"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#current-treatments-delusional-disorder","label":"[7]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#individualized-metacognitive-therapy-delusions-randomized-controlled-rater-blind-study","label":"[9]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan","label":"[2]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan","label":"[2]"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/allan-schwartz","label":"Allan Schwartz Ph.D."},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/allan-schwartz","label":"View experience"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan","label":"[2]"},{"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t20/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"National Library of Medicine"},{"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539855/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"National Library of Medicine"},{"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553162/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"National Library of Medicine"},{"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519712/table/ch3.t5/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"National Library of Medicine"},{"url":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20334930/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"PubMed"},{"url":"https://academic.oup.com/schizophreniabulletin/article/43/5/1070/2549014/Familial-Aggregation-and-Heritability-of?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"Oxford Academic"},{"url":"https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40501-015-0044-7?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"Springer"},{"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519503/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"National Library of Medicine"},{"url":"https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12015532/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=libra&utm_content=external_resource&utm_id=site-library-delusional-disorder&utm_source=mentalhealth.com","label":"PubMed Central"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/clinical-affairs","label":"The Clinical Affairs Team"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/publishing/editorial-policy","label":"Editorial Policy"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/jenni-jacobsen","label":"Jenni Jacobsen, Ph.D."},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/leila-khurshid","label":"Leila Khurshid, Pharm.D."},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/community/schizophrenia","label":"Explore community"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#what-is-delusional-disorder","label":"What is delusional disorder?"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#types-of-delusional-disorder","label":"Types of delusional disorder"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#symptoms-of-delusional-disorder","label":"Symptoms of delusional disorder"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#diagnosing-delusional-disorder","label":"Diagnosing delusional disorder"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#conditions-related-to-delusional-disorder","label":"Conditions related to delusional disorder"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#causes-of-delusional-disorder","label":"Causes of delusional disorder"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#prevention-of-delusional-disorder","label":"Prevention of delusional disorder"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#treatment-for-delusional-disorder","label":"Treatment for delusional disorder"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#helping-someone-with-delusional-disorder","label":"Helping someone with delusional disorder"},{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder#frequently-asked-questions-about-delusional-disorder","label":"Frequently asked questions about delusional disorder"}],"seo":{"title":"Delusional Disorder | MentalHealth.com","description":"Someone with delusional disorder will have trouble differentiating between imagination and reality. It is a psychotic disorder that can last a month or more.","canonical":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder","robots":"index,follow","socialImage":{"url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/ec9b0cb47c0207d45e88634d.png","width":1200,"height":630,"alt":"MentalHealth.com — Library","type":"image/png","sitemapGroup":"library"}},"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/"},{"name":"Library","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library"},{"name":"Mental Health Conditions","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/mental-health-conditions"},{"name":"Delusional Disorder","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/delusional-disorder"}],"subjectMatterExpert":{"name":"Allan Schwartz, Ph.D.","url":"/people/allan-schwartz","profileId":"6386","topic":"wellbeing","focus":"Clinical social work and chronic mental illness","selectionBasis":"Documented expertise in the existing published profile","reviewAttribution":false},"keyTakeaways":["Delusional disorder involves persistent false beliefs without meeting the full criteria for schizophrenia.","Assessment examines the duration and nature of beliefs while ruling out medical, substance-related, and other psychiatric explanations.","Antipsychotic medication and psychotherapy may help manage symptoms and their effects on relationships and daily life."],"introduction":{"html":"People with delusional disorder experience irrational beliefs called delusions, typically treated with medication and therapy. The typical age of onset is around 40 years, but medical professionals can diagnose delusional order at any time during adulthood.","text":"People with delusional disorder experience irrational beliefs called delusions, typically treated with medication and therapy. The typical age of onset is around 40 years, but medical professionals can diagnose delusional order at any time during adulthood.","sourceField":"hero"},"navigation":[{"label":"What is delusional disorder?","href":"#what-is-delusional-disorder","heading":"What is delusional disorder?"},{"label":"Types of delusional disorder","href":"#types-of-delusional-disorder","heading":"Types of delusional disorder"},{"label":"Symptoms of delusional disorder","href":"#symptoms-of-delusional-disorder","heading":"Symptoms of delusional disorder"},{"label":"Diagnosing delusional disorder","href":"#diagnosing-delusional-disorder","heading":"Diagnosing delusional disorder"},{"label":"Conditions related to delusional disorder","href":"#conditions-related-to-delusional-disorder","heading":"Conditions related to delusional disorder"},{"label":"Causes of delusional disorder","href":"#causes-of-delusional-disorder","heading":"Causes of delusional disorder"},{"label":"Prevention of delusional disorder","href":"#prevention-of-delusional-disorder","heading":"Prevention of delusional disorder"},{"label":"Treatment for delusional disorder","href":"#treatment-for-delusional-disorder","heading":"Treatment for delusional disorder"},{"label":"Helping someone with delusional disorder","href":"#helping-someone-with-delusional-disorder","heading":"Helping someone with delusional disorder"},{"label":"Frequently asked questions about delusional disorder","href":"#frequently-asked-questions-about-delusional-disorder","heading":"Frequently asked questions about delusional disorder"}],"relatedCommunity":{"community":"/community/schizophrenia","basis":"topic match"},"referencePresentation":"Numbered author–date references with italic work titles, publication details, linked source names, and documented access dates. Missing publication dates use n.d.","collections":[]}