A case of delusional disorder

Abstract

Introduction

Functioning of patients with delusional disorder may be impaired, particularly if the delusional thinking is chronic rather than episodic. They refuse to characterize their beliefs as false and view opposing views with surprise, if not hostility and disdain, dismissing or ignoring them, and continuing their struggle to find resolution or restitution for the wrongs they have endured or the illnesses from which they suffer. They typically reject and often resent the suggestion that they are mentally compromised. They are a difficult group to engage clinically, often refusing to meet with a clinician about their delusions and/or to take medication. The first-line treatment of delusional disorder is antipsychotic medication rather than other clinical interventions. Patients with the disorder often reject psychiatric treatment, it is particularly important that medication be prescribed in the context of a therapeutic relationship that includes support, education, encouragement of healthier pursuits, and discouragement of damaging, delusion-inspired actions.

Methods

We describe a case of a 55-year-old woman with a delusional disorder that was diagnosed 4 years before. The supervision of the right take of the treatment was not possible and the intensity of behavioral disturbances increased. Then we started the treatment with long-acting injectable aripiprazole.

Results

Within the 4 months following the start of treatment, her mental state improved by attenuation of psychotic symptoms.

Conclusions

Long-acting aripiprazole could be an effective tool for treatment of psychotic symptoms in patients with no insight and difficulties to check the proper treatment take.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.