Persecution mania
Persecution mania (delusions of persecution): signs of a mental disorder
Persecution mania is a mental disorder in which the patient has obsessive thoughts about persecution, espionage by a certain person or group. The patient develops confidence that they want to rob him, maim him, kill him, or in some other way harm him. At the same time, delusional ideas can concern both real-life personalities and fictional characters or groups (for example, the “secret world government”).
The term “persecution mania” itself is incorrect from the point of view of medicine, but it has been widely used in colloquial speech. The correct name of this pathology is “delirium of persecution”.
Delusions of persecution are not a separate disease, but a syndrome that can manifest itself in various diseases. In some cases, delusions of persecution are a key sign of delusional disorder (acute or chronic) or paranoid schizophrenia. It is also important to distinguish paranoid personality disorder from isolated delusional disorder: in the first case, the patient develops unhealthy, unjustified suspicion, in the second – a more pronounced delusion of persecution is formed.
CLASSIFICATION OF DELUSIONAL DISORDERS
In the ICD-10, delusional disorders are allocated to items F22 (chronic) and F23 (acute, transient psychotic disorders). In addition, there is also an induced delusional disorder in which symptoms occur in two people who are in close contact, despite the fact that only one of them is really sick.
It is worth remembering that all cases of delusional persecution are not limited to these points. This syndrome can manifest itself in other diseases, including alcohol or drug poisoning, Alzheimer’s disease, etc.
SYMPTOMS OF DELUSIONAL PERSECUTION
Externally, the delirium of persecution is manifested by the isolation of the patient, excessive suspicion and attacks of aggression. A person ceases to trust others (including loved ones), becomes prone to self-isolation, easily loses his temper, often begins to suffer from insomnia. The patient has a constant feeling of fear, fear for his life, health or property.
STAGES OF DELIRIUM OF PERSECUTION
There are three stages of this disorder, from the milder to the most severe.
At the first stage, the first signs of a violation appear: an obsessive feeling of anxiety, isolation, irritability.
At the second stage, delirium becomes pronounced, the asociality of the patient is noticeable, the patient loses the ability to communicate with loved ones and, in most cases, perform professional duties.
At the third stage, the general condition worsens extremely, symptoms of depression appear, aggressiveness increases, as does the feeling of fear. This stage is extremely dangerous, because often the patient under the influence of delirium makes attempts to harm others or himself, up to actions of a suicidal nature.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
If the patient shows signs of delusional persecution, first of all, the doctor must determine the stage of the disease. Very often, patients need urgent hospitalization to stop the most serious manifestations of delirium. Since insomnia and constant nervous tension only aggravate the condition, sedatives and tranquilizers are used to allow the patient to sleep. Further treatment strongly depends on the cause that caused the delirium of persecution.
Delusional ideas can be caused by genetic predisposition, brain damage, stress, alcohol poisoning. It is important to carefully study the anamnesis (including family history) and identify an accurate diagnosis, with all concomitant pathologies.
Treatment in each case is individual, as well as its timing. In some cases (for example, with delusions of persecution caused by a strong stress reaction), relief comes after a few days, and sometimes treatment can take years.
HOW TO HELP A LOVED ONE COPE WITH PERSECUTION MANIA
If you notice signs of delusional persecution in a friend or relative, it is important to remember that the patient is unable to realize the true state of things. In most cases, attempts to convince the patient, to prove to him that the ideas of persecution are false, will be completely useless.
Delirium of persecution is a serious mental disorder, it cannot be cured by talking and calling to “calm down”. The only correct way out in this situation is to consult a qualified psychiatrist and fully comply with all doctor’s prescriptions.
