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Delusion: Difference between revisions
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''' | A '''delusion''' is a false belief based on incorrect inference about external reality that is firmly held despite what almost everyone else believes and despite what constitutes incontrovertible and obvious proof or evidence to the contrary. The belief is not ordinarily accepted by other members of the person's culture or subculture (i.e., it is not an article of religious faith). When a false belief involves a value judgement, it is regarded as a delusion only when the judgement is so extreme as to defy credibility. Delusional conviction can sometimes be inferred from an overvalued idea (in which case the individual has an unreasonable belief or idea but does not hold it as firmly as is the case with a delusion).<ref name="DSM5Glossary">{{cite journal|title=Glossary of Technical Terms|journal=Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.)|year=2013|pages=819-20|doi=10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596.GlossaryofTechnicalTerms}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Kiran, C.)), ((Chaudhury, S.)) | journal=Industrial Psychiatry Journal | title=Understanding delusions | volume=18 | issue=1 | pages=3 | date=1 January 2009 | url=https://www.industrialpsychiatry.org/article.asp?issn=0972-6748;year=2009;volume=18;issue=1;spage=3;epage=18;aulast=Kiran;type=0 | issn=0972-6748 | doi=10.4103/0972-6748.57851}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Garety, P. A.)), ((Freeman, D.)) | journal=British Journal of Clinical Psychology | title=Cognitive approaches to delusions: A critical review of theories and evidence | volume=38 | issue=2 | pages=113–154 | date= June 1999 | url=https://doi.wiley.com/10.1348/014466599162700 | issn=01446657 | doi=10.1348/014466599162700}}</ref> | ||
This article focuses primarily on the types of delusion that are commonly induced by hallucinogens or other psychoactive substances, as opposed to the various categories that are listed within the DSM as occurring within people who suffer from psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. Although there are common themes between these two causes of delusion, the underlying circumstances are distinct enough that they are seemingly very different in their themes, behaviour, and frequency of occurrence. | |||
Within the context of psychoactive substance usage, delusions can usually be broken out of when overwhelming evidence is provided to the contrary or when the person has sobered up enough to logically analyse the situation. It is exceedingly rare for hallucinogen induced delusions to persist into sobriety. | |||
Delusions are most commonly induced under the influence of [[dosage#heavy|heavy]] [[dosage|dosages]] of [[hallucinogen|hallucinogenic]] compounds, such as [[psychedelic|psychedelics]], [[deliriant|deliriants]], and [[dissociative|dissociatives]]. However, they can also occur to a lesser extent under the influence of [[cannabinoid|cannabinoids]], [[stimulant psychosis]], and [[sleep deprivation]]. | It is also worth noting that delusions can often spread between individuals in group settings.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Arnone, D.)), ((Patel, A.)), ((Tan, G. M.-Y.)) | journal=Annals of General Psychiatry | title=The nosological significance of Folie à Deux: a review of the literature | volume=5 | issue=1 | pages=11 | date=8 August 2006 | url=https://doi.org/10.1186/1744-859X-5-11 | issn=1744-859X | doi=10.1186/1744-859X-5-11}}</ref> For example, if one person makes a verbal statement regarding a delusional belief they are currently holding while in the presence of other similarly intoxicated people, these other people may also begin to hold the same delusion. This can result in shared hallucinations and a general reinforcement of the level of conviction in which they are each holding the delusional belief. | ||
Delusions are most commonly induced under the influence of [[dosage#heavy|heavy]] [[dosage|dosages]] of [[hallucinogen|hallucinogenic]] compounds, such as [[psychedelic|psychedelics]], [[deliriant|deliriants]], and [[dissociative|dissociatives]]. However, they can also occur to a lesser extent under the influence of [[cannabinoid|cannabinoids]], [[stimulant psychosis]], and [[sleep deprivation]]. They are most likely to occur during states of [[memory suppression]] and share common themes and elements with clinical schizophrenia.</onlyinclude> | |||
====Types==== | ====Types==== | ||
All delusions can be categorized by whether or not they are bizarre and whether or not they are mood-congruent. These various different types are described and documented below: | All delusions can be categorized by whether or not they are bizarre and whether or not they are mood-congruent. These various different types are described and documented below: | ||
* '''Bizarre delusion:''' A delusion that is characteristically absurd and completely implausible. An example of a bizarre delusion could be the belief that aliens have removed the delusional person's brain. | |||
* '''Non-bizarre delusion:''' A delusion that, though false, is at least theoretically plausible. An example of this could be the belief that the delusional person is currently under police surveillance. | *'''Bizarre delusion:''' A delusion that is characteristically absurd and completely implausible. An example of a bizarre delusion could be the belief that aliens have removed the delusional person's brain. | ||
* '''Mood-congruent delusion:''' A delusion with content consistent with either a [[depression|depressive]] or [[Mania|manic]] state. For example, a depressed person may believe that a news anchor on television highly disapproves of them as a person or that the world is ending. However, a manic person might believe that they are a powerful deity, that they have special talents, a special higher purpose, or are a famous person. | *'''Non-bizarre delusion:''' A delusion that, though false, is at least theoretically plausible. An example of this could be the belief that the delusional person is currently under police surveillance. | ||
* '''Mood-neutral delusion:''' A delusion that does not relate to the sufferer's emotional state. For example, a belief that an extra limb is growing out of the back of one's head would likely be neutral to a persons depression or mania. | *'''Mood-congruent delusion:''' A delusion with content consistent with either a [[depression|depressive]] or [[Mania|manic]] state. For example, a depressed person may believe that a news anchor on television highly disapproves of them as a person or that the world is ending. However, a manic person might believe that they are a powerful deity, that they have special talents, a special higher purpose, or are a famous person. | ||
*'''Mood-neutral delusion:''' A delusion that does not relate to the sufferer's emotional state. For example, a belief that an extra limb is growing out of the back of one's head would likely be neutral to a persons depression or mania. | |||
====Themes==== | ====Themes==== | ||
In addition to these categories, delusions can be classified by their thematic content. Although delusions can have any theme, certain underlying themes are commonly found amongst different people. Some of the more common delusional themes which are induced by psychoactive substances are described and documented below: | In addition to these categories, delusions can be classified by their thematic content. Although delusions can have any theme, certain underlying themes are commonly found amongst different people. Some of the more common delusional themes which are induced by psychoactive substances are described and documented below: | ||
====='''Delusion of reference'''===== | ====='''Delusion of reference'''===== | ||
Delusions of reference are perhaps the most common type of delusion. This delusion typically entails the falsely held belief that an insignificant remark, event, coincidence, or object in the person's environment is either a reaction to the individual or has significant personal meaning relating directly back to their life. | Delusions of reference (also referred to as ideas of reference) are perhaps the most common type of delusion. This delusion typically entails the falsely held belief that an insignificant remark, event, coincidence, or object in the person's environment is either a reaction to the individual or has significant personal meaning relating directly back to their life.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Startup, M.)), ((Bucci, S.)), ((Langdon, R.)) | journal=Cognitive Neuropsychiatry | title=Delusions of reference: A new theoretical model | volume=14 | issue=2 | pages=110–126 | date= March 2009 | url=http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13546800902864229 | issn=1354-6805 | doi=10.1080/13546800902864229}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Menon, M.)), ((Schmitz, T. W.)), ((Anderson, A. K.)), ((Graff, A.)), ((Korostil, M.)), ((Mamo, D.)), ((Gerretsen, P.)), ((Addington, J.)), ((Remington, G.)), ((Kapur, S.)) | journal=Biological Psychiatry | title=Exploring the Neural Correlates of Delusions of Reference | volume=70 | issue=12 | pages=1127–1133 | date= December 2011 | url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0006322311006342 | issn=00063223 | doi=10.1016/j.biopsych.2011.05.037}}</ref> | ||
In psychiatry, delusions of reference form part of the diagnostic criteria for illnesses such as schizophrenia, delusional disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizotypal personality disorder.{{citation needed}} To a lesser extent, they can also be a symptom of paranoid personality disorder.{{citation needed}} They can also be caused by intoxication, especially with [[hallucinogens]] or during [[stimulant psychosis]]. | In psychiatry, delusions of reference form part of the diagnostic criteria for illnesses such as schizophrenia, delusional disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizotypal personality disorder.{{citation needed}} To a lesser extent, they can also be a symptom of paranoid personality disorder.{{citation needed}} They can also be caused by intoxication, especially with [[hallucinogens]] or during [[stimulant psychosis]]. | ||
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*Believing that the normal function of cell phones, computers, and other electronic devices are sending secret and significant messages that only they can understand or believe. | *Believing that the normal function of cell phones, computers, and other electronic devices are sending secret and significant messages that only they can understand or believe. | ||
*Believing that objects or events are being set up deliberately to convey a special or particular meaning to themselves. | *Believing that objects or events are being set up deliberately to convey a special or particular meaning to themselves. | ||
*Believing that the slightest careless movement on the part of another person has a significant and deliberate meaning . | *Believing that the slightest careless movement on the part of another person has a significant and deliberate meaning. | ||
*Believing that posts on social network websites or Internet blogs have hidden meanings pertaining to them. | *Believing that posts on social network websites or Internet blogs have hidden meanings pertaining to them. | ||
====='''Delusion of sobriety'''===== | ====='''Delusion of sobriety'''===== | ||
A delusion of sobriety typically entails the falsely held belief that one is perfectly sober despite obvious evidence to the contrary such as severe [[cognitive suppressions|cognitive impairment]], significant [[motor control loss]], and an [[language suppression|inability to fully communicate]] with others. | A delusion of sobriety typically entails the falsely held belief that one is perfectly sober despite obvious evidence to the contrary such as severe [[cognitive suppressions|cognitive impairment]], significant [[motor control loss]], and an [[language suppression|inability to fully communicate]] with others. | ||
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Delusions of enlightenment typically entail the sudden realization the person has suddenly become "enlightened" and has figured out or been shown the supposed answer or meaning to life, the universe and everything. This delusion may be accompanied with euphoria from the belief that one has learned the fundamental truth about life. During the experience, this answer is felt to be incredibly simplistic and self-evident but is usually immediately forgotten or realized to be nonsensical once the person has sufficiently sobered up. | Delusions of enlightenment typically entail the sudden realization the person has suddenly become "enlightened" and has figured out or been shown the supposed answer or meaning to life, the universe and everything. This delusion may be accompanied with euphoria from the belief that one has learned the fundamental truth about life. During the experience, this answer is felt to be incredibly simplistic and self-evident but is usually immediately forgotten or realized to be nonsensical once the person has sufficiently sobered up. | ||
Delusions of enlightenment are one of the most common type of delusion under the influence of short acting [[ego | Delusions of enlightenment are one of the most common type of delusion under the influence of short acting [[Memory suppression|ego dissolution]] inducing [[hallucinogenic]] compounds such as [[DMT]], [[nitrous oxide]], and [[salvia]]. | ||
====='''Delusion of death'''===== | ====='''Delusion of death'''===== | ||
Delusions of death are the falsely held belief that the person is about to die, is currently dying, no longer exists, or has already died. This delusion seems to be a result of [[anxiety]] caused by misinterpreting the experience of the person losing their sense of self during states of high level [[ego | Delusions of death are the falsely held belief that the person is about to die, is currently dying, no longer exists, or has already died. This delusion seems to be a result of [[anxiety]] caused by misinterpreting the experience of the person losing their sense of self during states of high level [[Memory suppression|ego dissolution]]. This type of delusion is usually very distressing for the person experiencing it. | ||
Delusions of death are commonly experienced under the influence of [[dosage#heavy|heavy]] [[dosage|dosages]] [[psychedelic]] and [[dissociative]] compounds. | Delusions of death are commonly experienced under the influence of [[dosage#heavy|heavy]] [[dosage|dosages]] [[psychedelic]] and [[dissociative]] compounds. | ||
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Delusions of guilt are commonly experienced under the influence of [[dosage#heavy|heavy]] [[dosage|dosages]] [[psychedelic]] and [[dissociative]] compounds. | Delusions of guilt are commonly experienced under the influence of [[dosage#heavy|heavy]] [[dosage|dosages]] [[psychedelic]] and [[dissociative]] compounds. | ||
====='''Delusion of reality'''===== | ====='''Delusion of reality'''===== | ||
Delusions of reality are the unfounded belief that something fictional such as the plot of a TV show, film, video game, or book is an actual real life event. This delusion may manifest as the perception that the fictional events are genuinely occurring in one's immediate vicinity, or simply that the media being portrayed is real. For example, one may have the sensation that fictional media is occurring around them, or may believe they are watching events occurring in real life, but elsewhere. This delusion seems to be a result of high level [[immersion | Delusions of reality are the unfounded belief that something fictional such as the plot of a TV show, film, video game, or book is an actual real life event. This delusion may manifest as the perception that the fictional events are genuinely occurring in one's immediate vicinity, or simply that the media being portrayed is real. For example, one may have the sensation that fictional media is occurring around them, or may believe they are watching events occurring in real life, but elsewhere. This delusion seems to be a result of high level [[Immersion intensification|immersion intensification]] combining with [[memory suppression]] to create a state of mind in which somebody is highly engrossed in media while no longer having a functional long term memory that can recall the difference between reality and fiction. | ||
Delusions of reality are commonly experienced under the influence of [[dosage#heavy|heavy]] [[dosage|dosages]] of [[dissociative]] and occasionally [[psychedelic]] compounds. | Delusions of reality are commonly experienced under the influence of [[dosage#heavy|heavy]] [[dosage|dosages]] of [[dissociative]] and occasionally [[psychedelic]] compounds. | ||
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Delusions of unreality are commonly experienced under the influence of [[dosage#heavy|heavy]] [[dosage|dosages]] of [[hallucinogen]]s and occasionally during [[stimulant psychosis]]. | Delusions of unreality are commonly experienced under the influence of [[dosage#heavy|heavy]] [[dosage|dosages]] of [[hallucinogen]]s and occasionally during [[stimulant psychosis]]. | ||
====='''Delusion of | ====='''Delusion of grandeur'''===== | ||
Delusions of | Delusions of grandeur are the unfounded belief that oneself or another person is or has become god-like, immortal, a visionary genius, or celebrity.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Smith, N.)), ((Freeman, D.)), ((Kuipers, E.)) | journal=Journal of Nervous & Mental Disease | title=Grandiose Delusions: An Experimental Investigation of the Delusion as Defense | volume=193 | issue=7 | pages=480–487 | date= July 2005 | url=https://journals.lww.com/00005053-200507000-00008 | issn=0022-3018 | doi=10.1097/01.nmd.0000168235.60469.cc}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Knowles, R.)), ((McCarthy-Jones, S.)), ((Rowse, G.)) | journal=Clinical Psychology Review | title=Grandiose delusions: A review and theoretical integration of cognitive and affective perspectives | volume=31 | issue=4 | pages=684–696 | date= June 2011 | url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0272735811000481 | issn=02727358 | doi=10.1016/j.cpr.2011.02.009}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Garety, P. A.)), ((Gittins, M.)), ((Jolley, S.)), ((Bebbington, P.)), ((Dunn, G.)), ((Kuipers, E.)), ((Fowler, D.)), ((Freeman, D.)) | journal=Schizophrenia Bulletin | title=Differences in Cognitive and Emotional Processes Between Persecutory and Grandiose Delusions | volume=39 | issue=3 | pages=629–639 | date=1 May 2013 | url=https://academic.oup.com/schizophreniabulletin/article-lookup/doi/10.1093/schbul/sbs059 | issn=0586-7614 | doi=10.1093/schbul/sbs059}}</ref> | ||
The delusion of having become godlike is seemingly a result of high level [[ego inflation]] and [[mania]]. The experience of thinking that another person or the people around them have become godlike is commonly the result of those people being more sober than the delusional person. This causes the delusional person to misinterpret that the other person/people are somehow more capable than a normal human being, when in fact it is just the delusional person who has become comparatively less capable due to [[cognitive suppressions]] such as [[memory suppression]]. | The delusion of having become godlike is often seemingly a result of high level [[ego inflation]] and [[mania]]. The experience of thinking that another person or the people around them have become godlike is commonly the result of those people being more sober than the delusional person. This causes the delusional person to misinterpret that the other person/people are somehow more capable than a normal human being, when in fact it is just the delusional person who has become comparatively less capable due to [[cognitive suppressions]] such as [[memory suppression]]. | ||
Delusions of grandeur attributed to oneself more commonly occur during [[stimulant psychosis]]. However, delusions of grandiosity which are attributed to other people are most commonly experienced under the influence of [[dosage#heavy|heavy]] [[dosage|dosages]] of psychedelics. | |||
====='''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delusional_parasitosis Delusional Parasitosis]'''===== | ====='''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delusional_parasitosis Delusional Parasitosis]'''===== | ||
Delusional parasitosis, also known as Ekbom's syndrome,<ref> | Delusional parasitosis, also known as Ekbom's syndrome,<ref name="Hinkle2011">{{cite journal | vauthors=((Hinkle, N. C.)) | journal=Current Psychiatry Reports | title=Ekbom Syndrome: A Delusional Condition of “Bugs in the Skin” | volume=13 | issue=3 | pages=178–186 | date=1 June 2011 | url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-011-0188-0 | issn=1535-1645 | doi=10.1007/s11920-011-0188-0}}</ref> is a form of psychosis in which victims acquire a strong delusional belief that they are infested with parasites, whereas in reality no such parasites are present. | ||
</ref> is a form of psychosis in which victims acquire a strong delusional belief that they are infested with parasites, whereas in reality no such parasites are present. | |||
Sufferers may injure themselves in attempts to rid themselves of the "parasites." Some are able to induce the condition in others through suggestion, in which case the term folie à deux may be applicable.<ref | Sufferers may injure themselves in attempts to rid themselves of the "parasites." Some are able to induce the condition in others through suggestion, in which case the term folie à deux may be applicable.<ref name="Hinkle2011" /> Nearly any marking upon the skin, or small object or particle found on the person or his clothing can be interpreted as evidence for the parasitic infestation, and sufferers commonly compulsively gather such "evidence" and then present it to medical professionals when seeking help. | ||
In the context of [[psychoactive substances]], it is particularly common during [[stimulant psychosis]] after prolonged chronic usage of [[cocaine]].<ref>Cocaine Bugs: A Case Report of Cocaine-Induced Delusions of Parasitosis | | In the context of [[psychoactive substances]], it is particularly common during [[stimulant psychosis]] after prolonged chronic usage of [[cocaine]].<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Elliott, A.)), ((Mahmood, T.)), ((Smalligan, R. D.)) | journal=The American Journal on Addictions | title=Cocaine Bugs: A Case Report of Cocaine-Induced Delusions of Parasitosis: Cocaine Bugs | volume=21 | issue=2 | pages=180–181 | date= March 2012 | url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1521-0391.2011.00208.x | issn=10550496 | doi=10.1111/j.1521-0391.2011.00208.x}}</ref> | ||
</onlyinclude> | </onlyinclude> | ||
===Psychoactive substances=== | ===Psychoactive substances=== | ||
Compounds within our [[psychoactive substance index]] which may cause this effect include: | Compounds within our [[psychoactive substance index]] which may cause this effect include: | ||
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{{#ask:[[Category:Experience]][[Effect::Delusions]]|format=ul|Columns=2}} | {{#ask:[[Category:Experience]][[Effect::Delusions]]|format=ul|Columns=2}} | ||
===See also=== | ===See also=== | ||
*[[Responsible use]] | *[[Responsible use]] | ||
*[[Subjective effects index]] | *[[Subjective effects index]] | ||
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*[[Dissociatives#Subjective_effects|Dissociatives - Subjective effects]] | *[[Dissociatives#Subjective_effects|Dissociatives - Subjective effects]] | ||
*[[Deliriants#Subjective_effects|Deliriants - Subjective effects]] | *[[Deliriants#Subjective_effects|Deliriants - Subjective effects]] | ||
===External links=== | ===External links=== | ||
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delusion Delusion (Wikipedia)] | |||
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delusional_parasitosis Delusional parasitosis (Wikipedia)] | *[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delusion Delusion (Wikipedia)] | ||
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delusional_parasitosis Delusional parasitosis (Wikipedia)] | |||
===References=== | ===References=== | ||
<references/> | <references /> | ||
[[Category:Cognitive]] | [[Category:Cognitive]] | ||
[[Category:Effect]] | |||
{{#set:Featured=true | {{#set:Featured=true | ||
|Belongs to=Cognitive effects | |Belongs to=Cognitive effects | ||
}} | }} | ||