Delusions

Definition

Delusions are fixed, false beliefs that are resistant to reason or confrontation with actual facts. They can significantly impair a person's ability to function and are often present in various mental health disorders.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Delusions are common symptoms in Alzheimer's Disease, especially in the later stages.
2. They can manifest as paranoia, such as believing someone is stealing from them or out to harm them.
3. Treatment for delusions in Alzheimer's patients may include antipsychotic medications, though these come with significant risks.
4. Non-pharmacological approaches, like creating a calm environment and providing reassurance, can also be effective in managing delusions.
5. Nurses must monitor for adverse effects of antipsychotic drugs used to treat delusions, such as increased risk of stroke or death in elderly patients.

Review Questions

• What types of delusions might an Alzheimer's patient experience?
• What are some non-pharmacological approaches to managing delusions?
• Why must nurses be cautious when administering antipsychotic medications to elderly patients with Alzheimer's?

Related terms

Hallucinations: Perceptions of things that are not present, such as hearing voices or seeing things that aren't there.

Paranoia: An irrational and persistent feeling that people are 'out to get you' or that you are being persecuted.

Cognitive Decline: The deterioration of intellectual abilities such as memory, concentration, and judgment often associated with aging and diseases like Alzheimer's.