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Schizophrenia spectrum and psychosis

Delusional disorder

Presence of one or more delusional thoughts (of persecution, jealousy, illness, etc.) for at least a month, without other major symptoms of psychosis. Outside of that subject, the person usually functions normally.

Common signs

Firm conviction in something unrealisticGreat distress or conflict over that ideaThe rest of life seems unaffected

Tips

For you

  1. Don't argue about the idea: validate the emotion behind it
  2. Encourage them to seek help for the distress it causes
  3. Therapy and medical treatment can help

For family and friends

  1. Don't agree or contradict: listen to how they feel
  2. Encourage them to seek help for the distress, not the idea

When to ask for help

  1. If the idea leads them to threaten or attack: 112
  2. If they stop eating for fear of being poisoned

Are you having a really hard time? If you're thinking of harming yourself, call 024 (free, 24 hours) or 112.

Warning signs

List of warning signs. Tick "Yes" for the ones you have noticed. There are 8 questions and you get your result straight away. Your answers are not saved or sent.

0 of 8
1. Is convinced of something that doesn't match reality
2. This idea takes up much of their time
3. Doesn't accept other explanations
4. The idea causes conflicts with other people
5. Has taken action because of this idea (complaints, moving house, surveillance)
6. Apart from that topic, behaves normally
7. Has had this idea for more than a month
8. Suffers a lot because of this belief

Free resources

Downloadable PDF sheetSigns, tips and resources to print or saveConfederación SALUD MENTAL ESPAÑA (Spanish mental health confederation)Free external resourceAll our free guidesFree resource from Clínica Vivaldi

Related disorders

SchizophreniaSchizophrenia spectrum and psychosisSchizophreniform disorderSchizophrenia spectrum and psychosisBrief psychotic disorderSchizophrenia spectrum and psychosisSchizoaffective disorderSchizophrenia spectrum and psychosis

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Reviewed by María Teresa Fernández Vicente, health psychologist and neuropsychologist (registration no. CV17304), in November 2026. Educational information prepared by the Clínica Vivaldi team based on the DSM-5-TR classification. It does not replace a professional assessment and cannot be used to diagnose.