Early symptoms may include feeling exploited, being preoccupied with the loyalty or trustworthiness of friends, reading threatening meanings into benign remarks or events, bearing grudges for a long time, and responding readily to perceived slights. After ruling out other specific conditions that are associated with delusions, a doctor bases the diagnosis of delusional disorder largely on the person's history. It is particularly important for the doctor to assess the degree of dangerousness, particularly the extent to which the person is willing to act on his delusions. Prognosis and Treatment Delusional disorder does not generally lead to severe impairment or changes in personality. However, the person may become progressively involved with the delusion.
Most people are able to remain employed.
A good doctor-patient relationship helps in the treatment of delusional disorder. Hospitalization may be needed if the doctor believes the patient is dangerous. Antipsychotic drugs aren't generally used but are sometimes effective in suppressing symptoms in some cases. A long-term treatment goal is to shift the person's focus away from the delusion to a more constructive and gratifying area, although this goal is frequently difficult to achieve. All rights reserved.