This belief may also extend to viewing one’s physical appearance as very irregular.
Also known as monosymptomatic hypochondriacal psychosis, this condition is a veryrare form of a delusion.
It’s hard to convince people suffering from somatic delusions that their beliefs or symptoms are anything but correct.
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Parasitic infestations are the most common form of somatic delusion noticed in individuals.
Other examples includebody dysmorphiaand unwavering mouth odor.
Patients with this condition also experienceanxietyand nervousness.
Types of Somatic Delusions
Instances of somatic delusions may be bizarre or non-bizarre.
A bizarre somatic delusion is an imagined situation that has no chance of ever occurring in real life.
For example, this might look like a person hearing voices where there are none.
Conditions That May Involve Somatic Delusions
Somatic delusions are a common feature of psychotic conditions.
When dopamine activity is excessively high, this may lead to the formation of delusions.
Hyperactivelevels of dopaminemay lead toparanoia.
The cerebral blood flow determines how much blood is supplied to the brain.
This by extension regulates the supply of oxygen and energy to the brain.
When blood flow to the brain is lowa process known as hypoperfusionthis may contribute to the development of delusions.
Studies have revealed that the regional cerebral blood flow in patients with somatic delusions may be altered.
Genetics
In regulating immunity, your body has a gene family made up of related proteins.
Symptoms of Somatic Delusion
Somatic delusions may be presented in any number of ways.
Physical Sensations Without Apparent Cause
Individuals experiencing somatic delusions tend to experience very specific physical sensations.
Other times, patients may be convinced of a foreign body existing in their mouths.
The nagging feeling of coils and wires in the mouth may also be a sign of somatic delusions.
Patients experiencing this form of delusion can spend hours examining their mouths.
Efforts may also be made to catch the offending body they believe is living in their mouths.
To remedy his condition, he sought treatment at a hospital, making specific complaints about insufficient sleep.
He claimed his insomnia was causing pain in his mind.
He experienced itching and irritation due to the insect movements.
It can also help with improving the patient’s overall functioning.
Medication
In treating somatic delusions, sedative medication such asbenzodiazepinesshould be avoided.
A healthcare professional will be able to help you with dosage and monitoring its effects of symptoms.
In reality, no defects are present, or where present, are grossly exaggerated.
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In: StatPearls [Internet].
Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
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2012;34(3):297-298. doi:10.4103/0253-7176.106043
Cleveland clinic.Delusional Disorder: Treatments, Causes & Types.
