"N8WWM" wrote in message
lkaboutradio.com...
I need a referral source for doctors specializing in dementia around the
Toledo area.




This is Doug in a nutshell...no pun intended...oh well, why lie, it was
intended.

Delusions
Definition

A delusion is an unshakable belief in something untrue. These irrational
beliefs defy normal reasoning, and remain firm even when overwhelming proof
is presented to dispute them. Delusions are often accompanied by
hallucinations and/or feelings of paranoia, which act to strengthen
confidence in the delusion. Delusions are distinct from culturally or
religiously based beliefs that may be seen as untrue by outsiders.

Description

Delusions are a common symptom of several mood and personality-related
mental illnesses, including schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, shared
psychotic disorder, major depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder. They
are also the major feature of delusional disorder. Individuals with
delusional disorder suffer from long-term, complex delusions that fall into
one of six categories: persecutory, grandiose, jealousy, erotomanic,
somatic, or mixed. There are also delusional disorders such as dementia that
clearly have organic or physical causes.

Persecutory

Individuals with persecutory delusional disorder are plagued by feelings of
paranoia and an irrational yet unshakable belief that someone is plotting
against them, or out to harm them.

Grandiose

Individuals with grandiose delusional disorder have an over-inflated sense
of self-worth. Their delusions center on their own importance, such as
believing that they have done or created something of extreme value or have
a "special mission."

Jealousy

Jealous delusions are unjustified and irrational beliefs that an
individual's spouse or significant other has been unfaithful.

Erotomanic

Individuals with erotomanic delusional disorder believe that another person,
often a stranger, is in love with them. The object of their affection is
typically of a higher social status, sometimes a celebrity. This type of
delusional disorder may lead to stalking or other potentially dangerous
behavior.

Somatic

Somatic delusions involve the belief that something is physically wrong with
the individual. The delusion may involve a medical condition or illness or a
perceived deformity. This condition differs from hypochondriasis in that the
deformity is perceived as a fixed condition not a temporary illness.

Mixed

Mixed delusions are those characterized by two or more of persecutory,
grandiose, jealousy, erotomanic, or somatic themes.

Causes & symptoms

Some studies have indicated that delusions may be generated by abnormalities
in the limbic system, the portion of the brain on the inner edge of the
cerebral cortex that is believed to regulate emotions. The exact source of
delusions has not been conclusively found, but potential causes include
genetics, neurological abnormalities, and changes in brain chemistry.
Delusions are also a known possible side effect of drug use and abuse (e.g.,
amphetamines, cocaine, PCP).

Diagnosis

Patients with delusional symptoms should undergo a thorough physical
examination and patient history to rule out possible organic causes (such as
dementia). If a psychological cause is suspected, a mental health
professional will typically conduct an interview with the patient and
administer one of several clinical inventories, or tests, to evaluate mental
status.

Treatment

Delusions that are symptomatic of delusional disorder should be treated by a
psychologist and/or psychiatrist. Though antipsychotic drugs are often not
effective, antipsychotic medication such as thioridazine (Mellaril),
haloperidol (Haldol), chlorpromazine (Thorazine), clozapine (Clozaril), or
risperidone (Risperdal) may be prescribed, and cognitive therapy or
psychotherapy may be attempted.

If an underlying condition such as schizophrenia, depression, or drug abuse
is found to be triggering the delusions, an appropriate course of medication
and/or psychosocial therapy is employed to treat the primary disorder. The
medication, typically, will include an antipsychotic agent.

Prognosis

Delusional disorder is typically a chronic condition, but with appropriate
treatment, a remission of delusional symptoms occurs in up to 50% of
patients. However, because of their strong belief in the reality of their
delusions and a lack of insight into their condition, individuals with this
disorder may never seek treatment, or may be resistant to exploring their
condition in psychotherapy.



So Doug, IF you get proper help, there is hope you can rejoin the planet.