Do I Have Shared Psychotic Disorder?

Are you experiencing a delusion in the context of a close relationship with another person(s), who has an already-established delusion?

Is the delusion similar in content to that of the person who already has the established delusion?

Can you make sure that the disturbance is not better accounted for by another psychotic disorder (e.g., schizophrenia) or a mood disorder with psychotic features and is not due to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have a shared psychotic disorder. A shared psychotic disorder is a delusion that develops in someone who is in a close relationship with another person who already suffers from a psychotic disorder with prominent delusions. In case you would like to know more about the disorder, it may be helpful to plan a visit to your doctor.

Based on your answers, you are displaying one or two signs related to shared psychotic disorder. It may be useful to discuss this with your doctor. A shared psychotic disorder is a rare condition in which a person starts to experience the same delusions as someone close to him or her who has a psychotic disorder. Imagine your husband has a psychotic disorder and believes aliens are coming after him. If you have shared psychotic disorder, you will also start to believe in the same delusion. However, your thoughts and behavior are normal. Your doctor will rule out other causes for your symptom(s) first and if he can’t find any physical reason, he may refer you to a mental health professional.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have shared psychotic disorder. It may be recommended to seek medical attention. Shared psychotic disorder is a delusion that develops in someone who is in a close relationship with another person who already suffers from a psychotic disorder with prominent delusions. It’s a rare condition. Treatment usually involves separating the person who has the shared psychotic disorder from the person who has the psychotic disorder. Besides, treatment includes psychotherapy, family therapy, and medication. Psychotherapy aims t manage emotional distress from the condition and the relationship with the delusional person.