Delusion and Repertory

Abstract:

Delusions are false beliefs, firmly held by the patient, even in the face of clear evidence that they are untrue. There are various theories and explanations for delusion formation and our repertories contain abundant rubrics regarding delusion which are important in individualization.

Definition:

“There is no delusional idea held by the mentally ill which cannot be exceeded in its absurdity by the conviction of fanatics, either individually or en masse”…Hoche.

Delusion is false belief based upon a misinterpretation of reality. It is not, like a hallucination, a false sensory perception, or like an illusion, a distorted perception. Delusions vary in intensity, and are not uncommon among substance abusers, particularly those who use amphetamines, cocaine, and hallucinogens. They also occur frequently among individuals who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, or Schizophrenia, and during the manic stage of bipolar disorder. 1

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV), defines a delusion as: A false belief based on incorrect inference about external reality that is firmly sustained despite what almost everybody else believes and despite what constitutes incontrovertible and obvious proof or evidence to the contrary.

According to Dr. R. Sankaran:

“There is one large but little used portion of the “Mind” chapter in our Repertory. This is the section on “Delusions. Delusions are feelings which are not fully based on facts, but they are feelings nevertheless. The difference between delusions and feelings is that delusions are exaggerated, more fixed and often expressed in terms of images.” (The Spirit of Homoeopathy)

We cannot always find the rubric readily in the Repertory. Often, we have to search among various rubrics – including the ones under “Fears”, “Sadness”, etc. Indeed, we may have to search in the whole “Mind” chapter to find a remedy with the same delusion, or its equivalent feeling.

“Disease is a restriction of vision; it is a narrow way of looking at things. Only awareness of this delusion can remove it, just as light removes darkness. Delusion disappears only with awareness. Much of what meditation, philosophy and psychoanalysis have to do with is creating awareness of a person’s false perception of the present. Homoeopathy is also based on this. Awareness of your delusion is created by the remedy by putting you in touch with the original situation from which this delusion came. Thus, it is based on the same truth: Disease is delusion, awareness is cure.” (Sankaran, 1992, p.30)

“…I have tried to bring out the innermost feelings of the remedy and it is not easy to discover these in patients other than by artistic case-taking which delves deeply into such things as the patient’s delusions, dreams, hobbies, etc. What appears on the surface might be quite different from what is actually inside…” (Soul of Remedies).

Types of Delusion:

Grandeur
Persecutory delusions
Delusion of reference
Delusion of infidelity
Delusion of self-accusation
Nihilistic delusion
Hypochondriacal delusion
Religious delusion
Delusion of poverty
Erotomania
Mixed

Delusion Descriptions ¹

Grandeur:

A person with this type of delusional disorder has an over-inflated sense of worth, power, abilities, knowledge, or identity. The person might believe he or she has a great talent or has made an important discovery. Sometimes, the individual may actually believe that he or she is a famous person (for example, a rock star or Christ). More commonly, a person with this delusion believes he or she has accomplished some great achievement for which they have not received sufficient recognition.

These types of delusion are seen in delirium tremens.

Example –