Q: Which doctor should I consult for delusions?
A: The primary care physician may refer you to a psychiatrist or a psychologist, depending on the underlying cause of the delusions. Usually, the person with delusion believes his view point and may not feel it necessary to consult a doctor about the condition. Usually, a friend or a family brings him or her in the pretext of some other problem.
Q: How is delusion different from delirium?
A: Delirium is a confused and disoriented state of mind while delusion is a symptom, characterized by clarity of the false belief.
Q: What are the various health conditions that present with delusion as a symptom?
A: Delusions can occur as a symptom in various types of psychiatric, psychological and organic conditions associated with brain. Schizophrenia, paranoia and major depression are the psychiatric conditions in which delusions occur. Psychological conditions such as delirium and dementia also present with delusions. Drug abuse or tumors are organic conditions in which delusions occur.
Q: Do delusions have any basis with real life events?
A: Delusions are usually based on some real experiences and are pathological exaggeration of normal tendencies to rationalization and wishful thinking. For example, delusions of grandeur can occur in persons who wish to be famous but feel that they are insignificant members of the society. A person with delusions may not have any history of mental disorders or disturbances prior to the event.
Q: Do hallucinations and delusions occur together?
A: Not always. Hallucinations are false experiences while delusions are beliefs. Delusions can also occur in the absences of hallucinations and vice versa.
