Multiple Delusions: A Review of Literature
Delusions are false beliefs that a person holds despite evidence to the contrary (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). They are often associated with mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and delusional disorder (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Multiple delusions are a subtype of delusions in which a person holds multiple false beliefs simultaneously (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The purpose of this review is to examine the literature on multiple delusions and to provide a better understanding of this phenomenon.
The literature on multiple delusions has been limited, but there is evidence to suggest that they are more common in certain types of mental disorders. For instance, multiple delusions are more likely to be present in individuals with schizophrenia than in those with other types of mental illness (Bolton & Hill, 2006). Additionally, individuals with schizophrenia are more likely to experience delusions that involve themes of paranoia, persecution, or grandiosity (Bolton & Hill, 2006).
In terms of the content of multiple delusions, the literature suggests that they are often generated by the same underlying theme or set of beliefs. For example, some individuals with multiple delusions might experience beliefs that they are being controlled by a supernatural force or being watched by the government (Bolton & Hill, 2006). These beliefs may be related to paranoia or grandiosity.
The literature also suggests that multiple delusions are more resistant to treatment than single delusions. This is likely due to the fact that multiple delusions often involve a complex set of beliefs that are interconnected and difficult to address in therapy (Bolton & Hill, 2006). As such, individuals with multiple delusions often require more intensive treatment and may require a combination of medications and psychotherapy (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
There are a few potential explanations for why an individual may experience multiple delusions. One theory is that multiple delusions may be the result of cognitive deficits, such as reasoning deficits or difficulty in integrating information (Bolton & Hill, 2006). Additionally, some research suggests that multiple delusions may be the result of emotional distress or trauma (Bolton & Hill, 2006). Finally, some individuals may develop multiple delusions as a result of attempting to make sense of their experiences or to cope with stressful situations (Bolton & Hill, 2006).
In conclusion, multiple delusions are a type of false belief that is more common in certain types of mental illness. The literature suggests that multiple delusions often involve a set of interconnected beliefs that are related to paranoia, grandiosity, or other themes. Additionally, multiple delusions are more resistant to treatment than single delusions, and there are a few potential explanations for why an individual may experience them. Further research is needed to better understand the prevalence and characteristics of multiple delusions.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Bolton, D., & Hill, J. (2006). Multiple delusions: A review. Cognitive Neuropsychiatry, 11(2), 137-152.