Delisyon

Delisyon is a term used in Filipino-language medical and psychiatric contexts to describe a fixed, false belief that is firmly held despite clear or obvious evidence to the contrary and that is not in line with the person’s cultural or religious background. It is a hallmark symptom of psychotic disorders, and its defining feature is the unshakeable conviction that persists even when contradicted by reality or logic. Delisyon is distinguished from misperceptions, illusions, or opinions that may be shared by others or that can be explained by cultural norms.

Common types of delusyon include persecutory delusions (the belief that one is being targeted or harmed by others), grandiose delusions (inflated sense of power, knowledge, or identity), referential delusions (garbled interpretations that events or people are specifically talking about or signaling the person), erotomanic delusions (believing someone, often a public figure, is in love with them), nihilistic delusions (belief that a part of the self or the world does not exist), and somatic delusions (concerning the body). These beliefs may occur in various disorders and can vary in intensity and content.

Causes and associations are typically biological, psychological, and social. Delisyon can arise in schizophrenia, schizoaffective and bipolar disorders with psychotic features, major depressive disorder with psychotic features, brief psychotic disorder, substance-induced psychosis, or neurological conditions such as dementia or brain injury. Diagnosis relies on clinical assessment, thorough history, and the exclusion of cultural explanations. Treatment generally involves antipsychotic medications, psychosocial interventions, and, when appropriate, psychotherapy to reduce distress and improve functioning. Prognosis depends on the underlying condition and treatment adherence, with earlier intervention often linked to better outcomes.