Definition:
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th Ed. (DSM-IV), delusional disorder involves a persistent belief in a situation that is imagined but not impossible. Examples include but are not limited to:
- a belief that one has an unusual disease
- a belief that one has a special relationship with a celebrity
- a belief that one is being persecuted
The belief must persist for longer than one month despite evidence to the contrary and must not be caused by substance abuse or another mental disorder. The sufferer’s general functioning is not impaired or bizarre.
Pronunciation: dee-loozh-un-al
Common Misspellings: dilusional disorder
Examples:
When John insisted that his wife was cheating at work, despite her coworkers assurances that she was not, she began to wonder if he had a delusional disorder.
