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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.

Keyclowns are not "the planet". You post anything that floats your
boat, just remember that we know all you want to do is run the AKC
off. Never happen, get used to it. You have not been able to do
anything yet.