Overview

The authors contend that delusion is a form of intelligence that erupts when the individual is overwhelmed by the uncertainties of life and cannot find an exact cause. While often harmless, it can lead to chaos, disorganization and conduct dangerous to self and/or others. The individual enters into a state called delusional disorder, the most common of which is the persecutory type, where he (or she) believes that he is being persecuted by others, and must take protective action. The situation is worsened when the individual discovers that no one confirms his belief. Delusional disorder now takes over with a vengeance. At this point the individual enters fully into a state of negation, by which is meant that he transfers his torment to those he believes have been torturing him. The transfer seems to accomplish a miracle. Lo and behold: As if by magic the individual is freed from personal torment. Whereas before he hated himself and his tormenters, now he no longer accepts personal responsibility; only his tormentors are at fault. It is a marvelous accomplishment, this process, were it not for the fact that the result--at least from the point of view of an interested observer--is catastrophic, because the profound symptoms of delusional disorder appear as a means to reinforce unconsciousness. The authors attempt to make their case from several viewpoints, preponderantly using the clinical essay. The book should be of value to anyone interested in or associated with the fields of psychology or psychiatry.

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9781884092084

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