Decoding Delusions

For the individuals experiencing them, delusions and strong
beliefs can be profoundly distressing and extremely limiting to healthy
living. They also present significant challenges to the mental health
professionals working with these individuals-not least because there is not
always consensus around what might be considered delusional.

For the
first time, Decoding Delusions gathers the literature and treatment
guidance materials related to delusions in one place to offer clinicians an
up-to-date, culturally informed, and illustrated guide to managing the
spectrum of delusions and other extreme beliefs encountered in daily
practice.

In Part I, chapter authors define and assess delusions,
examining the current research literature into their linguistic and cultural
aspects, as well as the history of their treatment. Crucially, it also
provides a lived-experience perspective.

Part II features the insights
of a series of international experts on interventions-including third-wave
cognitive-behavioral models such as compassion-focused therapy-for
delusional presentations that include the following:

* Persecutory
paranoia
* Delusional jealousy
* Erotomania
* Capgras
syndrome
* Delusions of thought possession
* Trauma as a pathway to
delusions

Readers also will find a nuanced discussion of working with
patients from Japanese backgrounds that will enhance their cultural
competency and encourage them to think about extreme beliefs through a
cultural lens.

In Part III, the chapter authors explore the management
of delusions in specific settings. Examples include delusions in forensic
settings and use of remote technologies such as Zoom and digital media for
measurement-based care. Finally, live-action demonstrations of key clinical
skills at work are provided through video clips.

Unlike any other
resource currently available, Decoding Delusions proposes an approach
that supports the exploration of extreme beliefs with the aim not only of
distress reduction but also meaningful recovery.