Why I Can’t tell What is Real And What Is My Imagination?

Did you have one (or more) delusions (fixed beliefs in something impossible or false that don’t change) with a duration of 1 month or longer?

Can you confirm that you have never met two or more of the criteria for schizophrenia (i.e., delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, muscular rigidity and unresponsiveness to the environment, and diminished emotional expression)?

Is your functioning not markedly impaired, apart from the impact of the delusion(s)?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have a problem with distinguishing reality from your imagination. Someone who suffers from delusional disorder shows at least one delusion for one month or longer. Behavior is not odd and the functioning is normal, with the exception of the delusion. Although delusions may be a sign of a disorder like schizophrenia, delusional disorder itself occurs rarely. Delusional disorder is more likely to happen in middle to late life. If you would like to obtain more information about delusional disorder, it may be useful to talk to your doctor.

Based on your answers, you may be displaying a symptom related to delusional disorder. It may be important to plan a visit to your doctor. Delusional disorder is a rare condition, and a difficult one to treat. People who suffer from this disorder can’t tell what’s real from what is imagined. They have beliefs in something that is not true or based on reality. If you detect one or more symptoms of the disorder, talk to your doctor. He will give you a complete medical history and physical exam. He may also use blood test and imaging studies to rule out other physical illnesses as the cause of the symptoms.

Unfortunately, you are displaying symptoms typically seen among individuals who have delusional disorder. It may be of high importance to seek medical support. Delusional disorder is a rare condition in which people can’t tell what’s real from what is imagined. They have beliefs in something that is not true or based on reality. Treatment of delusional disorder involves, for example psychopharmacology and psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy or family therapy. The focus of treatment should be on improving quality of life. Delusional disorder is a chronic problem, but when someone is treated properly, this person can find relief from some or all symptoms.