Being delusional is a disorder, health expert says

The word delusion has become a part of our vocabulary, especially among teenagers and youths most of the time.

Instead of saying delusional, they have come up with a phrase called delulu is the solulu meaning that being delusional is the only solution.

The Star interviewed an expert psychologist Hope Vanessa to get what she had to say on the matter.

What is Delusion?

This is a fixed belief based on an inaccurate interpretation of an external reality despite contrary evidence.

Here a delusional disorder is categorised as a psychotic disorder. Where there are symptoms of strong unshakable false beliefs

Are there different types of delusion?

There quite several different types of delusions

Grandiose delusions

Belief that one has exceptional abilities wealth or fame

Persecutory

The patient believes that he/she is being plotted against or being spied on

Somatic

This type of delusion is related to the body, the patient believes there is a parasite in their body or a non-existing deformity.

The two types of delusions that distinguish delusional disorder are:

Non-bizarre delusions

This could be situations that could occur like being followed, being deceived by a partner 

Bizarre delusions

These are implausible situations like one feels like they have been fitted with a chip that tells certain people where they are.

What causes delusion?

These three factors could result in a person becoming delusional

Genetics 

This is mostly more common in people who have family members with the same delusional disorder or schizophrenia.

It might be passed on from parents to their biological children.

Biological

An imbalance of chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters) could lead to the formation of delusional symptoms

Environmental

These are the daily activities/interactions one has, it could be alcohol induced/substance-induced or triggered by stress.

Sometimes even extensive social isolation could lead to delusions.

What are the signs of delusion?

Untrustworthiness amongst the people around them like family or friends.

Readiness to react over perceived thoughts without confirming them to be true

sometimes disorganised speech, either derailment or incoherence

How is delusion cured?

Medications - prescribed by a psychiatrist (antipsychotics, sometimes antidepressants and others)

Psychotherapy which is basically therapy- individual therapy and also family for the caregivers.

Do you think that if someone believes they are delusional they will eventually become delusional?

No, not really, delusions have to be strong and unfazed beliefs. Which makes one behave in mostly a negative way.

Can this disorder be permanently cured?

This disorder like any other disorder can only be managed but not permanently cured.

The patient is just taught ways of handling themselves through therapy and living a normal life.

So when triggered then you'd find a patient having the psychotic episodes.

Do you think how teenagers and youths use the phrase delulu is the solulu can count as one having a delusional disorder?

Mostly I'll say we misuse the term coz it encourages people to maintain untrue things and it sometimes leads to unhealthy habits/behavior.

Social media has created ways for "comforting" and affirming certain behaviours but it doesn't count as a disorder unless there are symptoms like those that I have mentioned above for at least one month continuously and the false beliefs are affecting the day-to-day life of an individual.

Plus I think that statement is just to sell the whole idea of do you, it'll keep you moving as long as you aren't harming anyone.

But I wouldn't encourage it, from a professional perspective.