Treating the untreatable? The biopsychosocial treatment of delusional disorder: a case study

Abstract

Objective: Delusional disorder (DD) is well recognised, but its treatment is controversial. This article presents a case study that highlights the therapeutic benefits associated with assertive biopsychosocial treatment of DD.

Method: The literature on pharmacological and psychological treatments for DD is briefly reviewed, and a case example from the Queensland Fixated Threat Assessment Centre is given to illustrate a comprehensive biopsychosocial treatment framework.

Results: Combined pharmacological and psychosocial intervention resulted in stabilisation and improvement in mental state for the case described.

Conclusions: There is an emergent evidence base for an assertive biopsychosocial approach to treating DD. The case study demonstrates that a range of therapeutic goals is achievable.

Keywords: biopsychosocial treatment approaches; clinical outcomes; delusional disorder.