Hospitalization may be necessary for treating risk factors.
If you are arrested, cooperate. Seek any treatment suggested. You may want to request a psychological evaluation or participate in an addictions program as part of treatment.
Think about how you feel and how you relate to others. Have you noticed changes? Are you more paranoid, distrusting, or negative in your perception of people and things than you were before? Do you socially alienate yourself? Do you experience happiness and fulfillment every day?
Find a therapist who makes you feel unconditionally supported and not “crazy. ” Keep in mind that therapists and other mental health professionals take confidentiality very seriously. It is part of their professional code and they are also bound by federal and state laws to keep your information confidential. The only reason why a therapist might be required to report something that you said during a therapy session is if you are suicidal, someone else is at risk of being harmed, you or someone else is being abused, or the therapist has received a court order.
Find a therapist that will be direct and honest with you. Subtle cues may be less effective than direct comments.
Deep breathing: Place your attention on your breath and slowly inhale and exhale. As you relax, feel the flow of each breath and the sensation of breath. Slowly lengthen your breath as you relax. You may choose to count the length of each inhale and exhale, lengthening each breath. [8] X Trustworthy Source Greater Good in Action An initiative by UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center promoting science-based practices for a meaningful life Go to source Muscle relaxation: Release physical tension by systematically tensing and relaxing each muscle in your body. Start with your toes, feet, and legs, then move up to your pelvic area, stomach, chest, arms, neck, and face. [9] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source Challenging negative thoughts: Recognize when you engage in catastrophizing (assuming the worst), personalization (taking blame), or “all or nothing” thoughts. Ask yourself, “Is this accurate? Am I making assumptions? Am I only seeing the negative? Are there any positive aspects to think about?”[10] X Research source
The therapist will gently and gradually challenge the beliefs. This may include gentle questioning, such as, “You say a celebrity is in love with you. That must feel nice. When was the last time she visited you?”
Remind yourself that you are working to improve your life and this can take time.
Find a therapist who works with families of people with delusional disorder.
Ask questions if you feel hesitant to begin medication. If you trust your therapist, trust that he or she has your best interests in mind and wants your life to improve.
Other medications used to treat delusional disorder include atypical antipsychotics, antianxiety medications, and antidepressant medications. Antianxiety medications may be used if the delusions cause distress and anxiety, or if the person has difficulty sleeping. Antidepressants may be used with people who struggle with depression, which is common in those with delusional disorder. [17] X Research source See a psychiatrist to obtain proper medication and to monitor use.
