Module 9

Segment 3. Delusional Disorder: False Belief

· Delusional disorder, previously called paranoid disorder, is a type of serious

mental illness — called a “psychosis”— in which a person cannot tell what is real
from what is imagined. The main feature of this disorder is the presence of
delusions, which are unshakable beliefs in something untrue.

· People with delusional disorder experience non-bizarre delusions, which involve

situations that could occur in real life, such as being followed, poisoned, deceived,
conspired against, or loved from a distance. These delusions usually involve the
misinterpretation of perceptions or experiences.

There are different types of delusional disorder based on the main theme of the delusions
experienced. The types of delusional disorder include:

1. Erotomanic

Someone with this type of delusional disorder believes that another person, often someone
important or famous, is in love with him or her. The person might attempt to contact the object of
the delusion, and stalking behavior is not uncommon.

2. Grandiose

A person with this type of delusional disorder has an over-inflated sense of worth, power,
knowledge, or identity. The person might believe he or she has a great talent or has made an
important discovery.

3. Persecutory

People with this type of delusional disorder believe that they (or someone close to them) are
being mistreated, or that someone is spying on them or planning to harm them. It is not
uncommon for people with this type of delusional disorder to make repeated complaints to legal
authorities.

4. Somatic

A person with this type of delusional disorder believes that he or she has a physical defect or
medical problem.

5. Mixed
People with this type of delusional disorder have two or more of the types of delusions listed
above.

6. Jealous

A person with this type of delusional disorder believes that his or her spouse or sexual partner is
unfaithful.

What causes delusional disorder?

As with many other psychotic disorders, the exact cause of delusional disorder is not yet known.
Researchers are, however, looking at the role of various genetic, biological, and environmental
or psychological factors.

· Genetic

The fact that delusional disorder is more common in people who have family members with
delusional disorder or schizophrenia suggests there might be a genetic factor involved. It is
believed that, as with other mental disorders, a tendency to develop delusional disorder might
be passed on from parents to their children.

· Biological

Researchers are studying how abnormalities of certain areas of the brain might be involved in
the development of delusional disorders. An imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain, called
neurotransmitters, also has been linked to the formation of delusional symptoms.
Neurotransmitters are substances that help nerve cells in the brain send messages to each
other. An imbalance in these chemicals can interfere with the transmission of messages, leading
to symptoms.

· Environmental/psychological
Evidence suggests that delusional disorder can be triggered by stress. Alcohol and drug abuse
also might contribute to the condition. People who tend to be isolated, such as immigrants or
those with poor sight and hearing, appear to be more vulnerable to developing delusional
disorder.

Segment 4. Mood Disorder

If you have a mood disorder, your general emotional state or mood is distorted or inconsistent
with your circumstances and interferes with your ability to function. You may be extremely sad,
empty or irritable (depressed), or you may have periods of depression alternating with being
excessively happy (mania).

Some examples of mood disorders include:

a. Major depressive disorder — prolonged and persistent periods of extreme sadness

b. Bipolar disorder — also called manic depression or bipolar affective disorder, depression
that includes alternating times of depression and mania

Two Phases of Bipolar

1. Manic Phase - In the manic phase of bipolar disorder, it’s common to experience
feelings of heightened energy, creativity, and euphoria. If you’re experiencing a
manic episode, you may talk a mile a minute, sleep very little, and be hyperactive. You
may also feel like you’re all-powerful, invincible, or destined for greatness

2. Depressive Episode – the other side of the bipolar coin is the depressive episode.
Bipolar depressed patients often sleep more than usual and are lethargic. During
bipolar depressive episodes, a patient may also show irritability.

c. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) — a form of depression most often associated with
fewer hours of daylight in the far northern and southern latitudes from late fall to early spring.
d. Cyclothymic disorder — a disorder that causes emotional ups and downs that are less
extreme than bipolar disorder

e. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder — mood changes and irritability that occur during the
premenstrual phase of a woman's cycle and go away with the onset of menses

f. Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) — a long-term (chronic) form of depression

g. Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder — a disorder of chronic, severe and persistent

irritability in children that often includes frequent temper outbursts that are inconsistent with the
child's developmental age

h. Depression related to medical illness — a persistent depressed mood and a significant

loss of pleasure in most or all activities that's directly related to the physical effects of another
medical condition

i. Depression induced by substance use or medication ― depression symptoms that

develop during or soon after substance use or withdrawal or after exposure to a medication

Segment 5. Personality Disorder

A personality disorder is a type of mental disorder in which you have a rigid and
unhealthy pattern of thinking, functioning and behaving. A person with a personality disorder
has trouble perceiving and relating to situations and people. This causes significant problems
and limitations in relationships, social activities, work and school.

Ten Types of Personality Disorder

Personality disorders are a type of mental illness in which a person’s thought patterns
and behaviors cause them distress. Often, people with a personality disorder experience
inflexible thoughts that impair their ability to adapt to stress, problem-solve, or engage in healthy
relationships with others.
 There are many types of personality disorders, and only a skilled mental health
professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker, can diagnose a personality
disorder. The signs and symptoms of many personality disorders can overlap each other,
though each specific type usually involves a defining feature.

1. Borderline Personality Disorder

This common personality disorder is characterized by self-harm, an extremely unstable mood,

and a tendency to view oneself or others as wholly good or bad. People with borderline
personality disorder (BPD) usually experience great difficulty engaging in (or sustaining)
meaningful interpersonal relationships. Chaotic behaviors, emotional instability, and fears of
abandonment help to define BPD.

2. Antisocial Personality Disorder

People with antisocial personality disorder seem to thrive on conflict. They may get into verbal
or physical altercations with people they don’t even know, such as a clerk in a shop, because
they don’t care about the usual social conventions against that sort of behavior. They also tend
to get into frequent legal disputes and litigations. People with antisocial personality disorder can
be abusive in interpersonal relationships and show no remorse. Antisocial personality disorder
also can lead to substance misuse.

3. Histrionic Personality Disorder

Histrionic personality disorder is marked by extremely emotional, overwrought or dramatic

behavior in situations that do not warrant such a response. The purpose of such dramatic
behavior is to call attention to the person. People with histrionic personality disorder often pay
excessive attention to their appearance and constantly seek others’ approval of them.

4. Narcissistic Personality Disorder

People with narcissistic personality disorder tend to experience feelings of great self-importance
that belie their underlying insecurity. In interpersonal relationships, narcissists tend to exploit the
other person without feeling remorseful. Narcissists tend to be extremely sensitive to criticism or
failure. People with this disorder often complain of physical aches and pains that cannot
ultimately be attributed to any medical cause.
5. Avoidant Personality Disorder

Avoidant personality disorder is marked by extreme fear of rejection and criticism that leads to
an inability to engage in meaningful relationships with other people. Avoidant personalities feel a
strong need to be liked by everyone and feel crushed if they believe they said or did something
foolish in front of others. As a result of their emotional fragility, they tend to avoid social
situations as often as possible.

6. Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is not the same thing as

obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD is a more serious mental health issue that involves
uncontrollable thoughts coupled with repeated behaviors. OCPD, on the other hand, is a
disorder characterized by perfectionism at the expense of flexibility and inclusiveness. People
with OCPD tend to take a “my way or the highway” attitude toward work and life routines and
tasks. OCPD usually involves very rigid systems of decision-making that must not be deviated
from.

7. Schizoid Personality Disorder

Schizoid personality disorder is not the same thing as schizophrenia—a very serious mental
health condition that usually includes hallucinations and extremely disordered thinking. A person
with schizoid personality disorder may be described as “withdrawn” or “solitary.” People with
schizoid personality disorder often appear emotionally cold and preoccupied with their own
internal fantasies than with the realities of life. They might be described as “dreamers” instead of
“realists.”

8. Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Again, this personality disorder is not the same thing as schizophrenia. In schizotypal
personality disorder, a person may behave very eccentrically or express bizarre beliefs that
ostracize them from others. Schizotypal personality disorder often goes hand-in-hand with
extreme social anxiety. Some people with schizotypal personality disorder believe they can read
other people’s minds.
9. Paranoid Personality Disorder

People with paranoid personality disorder tend to be extremely distrustful of all other people.
They view every interpersonal interaction as a threat. This skewed viewpoint leads people with
paranoid personality disorder to behave in very guarded or secretive ways. Paranoid people
also may turn violent quickly if they perceive someone is ridiculing or threatening them.

10. Dependent Personality Disorder

The defining feature of dependent personality disorder is an unwillingness or inability to make

your own decisions or to actively participate in managing your own life. People with dependent
personality disorder tend to be very submissive or timid and rarely initiate relationships or
projects. In dependent personality disorder, even inconsequential decision-making can become
an overwhelming task that requires input and reassurance from multiple other people.

Personality disorders often can be treated with medications and cognitive behavioral therapy
(CBT). But no one should self-diagnose any kind of mental illness. Only a psychiatrist,
psychologist or social worker can diagnose a personality disorder and create a treatment plan.

Prepared by: Libre – Jover, Marizzelle RC

Activity 8

Name: ________________________________________ Year & Block: ___________________

1. Explain Delusional Disorder.

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2. Explain Mood Disorder.

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3. Explain Personality Disorder.

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