Delusional Disorder is a condition characterized by presence of one or more delusions that while irrational, are not entirely impossible (i.e. belief that one is being monitored by the government, belief that one is loved by a celebrity, belief that one is being deceived by a loved one). While individuals with this disorder can and will act on their delusional beliefs with significant consequences, they are often able to live somewhat functional lives, as their behavior is not excessively bizarre.
Schizoaffective Disorder is a condition that involves prominent symptoms of depression and/or mania much of the time that the person is ill, as well as episodes of psychosis in the absence of mood disturbance. Psychotic symptoms may include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech or behavior, or flattened emotional response, reduced speech, or decreased motivation. Two subtypes of Schizoaffective Disorder include the Bipolar Type and the Depressive Type. Treatment includes a combination of medications, specialized psychotherapeutic interventions, and psychosocial rehabilitation.
Schizophrenia is a severe and chronic mental illness in which an individual commonly experiences delusions (i.e. an irrational belief that others are “out to get them”), hallucinations (i.e. seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not really there), as well as bizarre behaviors, movements, and displays of emotion. There are five subtypes of schizophrenia, including: Paranoid Type, Disorganized Type, Catatonic Type, Undifferentiated Type, and Residual Type.
