Delusional Disorder

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Tuesday, June 03, 2008
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Delusional disorder is sometimes confused with schizophrenia as both share delusions as a characteristic. What distinguishes delusional disorder is the presence of plausible delusions, as opposed to the more bizarre delusions that may accompany schizophrenia. Delusions are generally thought o...

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Boyfriend with delusional disorder
Fancy
Friday, October 02, 2009 at 03:08 PM
I am a registered nurse and have some limited experience with mental health patients. I believe my boyfriend has delusional disorder. I have discussed this with him and provided evidence that what he believes is not reality but he continues to have false beliefs and says that in time he will provide evidence that his stories are true. He has many odd beliefs but for example he believes that many country music singers are singing about him. And, oddly enough, with the stretch of imagination the songs he references do seem like his life. BUT,,,,they can also seem life my life too. He also has a persistent belief that I am unfaithful, and that government agencies are watching out for him because he is a close relationship to past presidents. He says that he was a close personal friend of president Ford.... SO, how to I help him? He is a great guy and functions normally in nearly all aspects of his life but these beliefs will eventually end our relationship. He refuses to consider the possiblity that he needs help.

re: Boyfriend with delusional disorder
Jerry Kennard
Saturday, October 03, 2009 at 01:53 PM

I think it's too soon to assume delusional disorder without a thorough assessment. Some of what you say could fall within parameters of normality. The difficult issue here is getting someone to sign up to the idea that there may be a problem. Many people hold unusual beliefs but function perfectly well in society. If someone cannot be persuaded and they are no danger to themselves or anyone else, there is very little you can do.

If your boyfriend is assessed and if delusional disorder is the diagnosis, treatment as I mentioned in the sharepost, is likely to revolve around CBT.