Shared Psychotic Disorder

What is shared psychotic disorder?

Shared psychotic disorder is a very rare condition in which people close to a mentally ill person share his or her false beliefs (delusions). For example, a man with schizophrenia may falsely believe that space aliens are tapping his telephone. His wife develops shared psychotic disorder and comes to believe it as well.

This disorder usually occurs in long-term relationships and involves two people. However, it can also develop among members of a group, such as within families. It affects women more often than men.

Aside from the delusions, the thoughts and behavior of people with shared psychotic disorder are usually fairly normal.

How does it occur?

The cause of shared psychotic disorder is unknown. Stress is believed to play a role. Being isolated can also contribute to the development of this disorder.

What are the symptoms?

People who have shared psychotic disorder have delusions that are like those that someone close to them had first. These delusions are not caused by another mental illness, a medical condition, or by taking drugs (either prescribed or illegal).

How is it diagnosed?

Tell your healthcare provider or a psychiatrist if you are having symptoms of this disorder. Sometimes it is hard for people with mental illness to recognize that they are not well. Take the advice of your friends or family members if they are encouraging you to seek help.

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, family relationships, medical history, and substance abuse history. He or she will also ask whether you or someone close to you has a history of mental illness. He or she may want to speak with your family or friends. Your provider may also do a physical exam and order tests to rule out medical conditions as a cause of your symptoms.

The healthcare provider will make a diagnosis based on the results of your exam, any lab tests, and the information from you and your friends or family.

How is it treated?

The healthcare provider will develop a treatment plan and discuss it with you. Treatment will include medicine and treating the mentally ill person to whom you are close. It may also include couples or family psychotherapy.

How long do the effects last??

You may have a good chance for recovery if:

• the person whose delusion you share gets help and gets better, or
• you separate from the person whose delusion you share

How can I help myself?

• Learn as much as you can about this disorder, its symptoms, and its treatment.
• Learn to manage stress. Stress can make symptoms worse.
• Do not use illegal drugs or drink alcohol, especially when you are taking medicine for this condition.
• Follow your treatment plan carefully.
• Keep all your appointments with your healthcare provider or therapist.

For more information, contact the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. NAMI's toll-free number is 1-800-950-NAMI. NAMI's Web site address is http://www.nami.org.

Written by Psychiatric Professional Services, Inc.
Published by RelayHealth.
© 2009 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.