Treating the untreatable? The biopsychosocial treatment of delusional disorder: a case study

Abstract

Objective: Delusional disorder (DD) is well recognised, but its treatment is controversial. This article presents a case study that highlights the therapeutic benefits associated with assertive biopsychosocial treatment of DD. Method: The literature on pharmacological and psychological treatments for DD is briefly reviewed, and a case example from the Queensland Fixated Threat Assessment Centre is given to illustrate a comprehensive biopsychosocial treatment framework. Results: Combined pharmacological and psychosocial intervention resulted in stabilisation and improvement in mental state for the case described. Conclusions: There is an emergent evidence base for an assertive biopsychosocial approach to treating DD. The case study demonstrates that a range of therapeutic goals is achievable.

A Case Report of Russell’s Sign in a 50-Year-Old Female With Persistent Delusion

“…Individuals might hesitate to seek assistance as they lack a complete understanding of their needs and the disorder's impact on their lives. 10 Previous studies reveal that individuals with delusional disorder may exhibit compromised verbal memory and executive functions compared to healthy counterparts, pointing to potential dysfunction in the prefrontal cortex and temporolimbic structures. Such impairments in encoding, retrieval of verbal information, and cognitive flexibility can lead to difficulties in acquiring social skills and applying effective problem-solving strategies, consequently impacting social cognition.…”