Shared Psychotic Disorder

What is shared psychotic disorder?

Shared psychotic disorder is a very rare condition. 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 2 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 this disorder are usually fairly normal.

What is the cause?

The cause of shared psychotic disorder is unknown. Stress is believed to play a role. Being isolated can increase the risk 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?

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?

Treatment will usually include medicine and treating the mentally ill person to whom you are close. It may also include couples or family therapy.

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 take care of myself?

• Get support. Talk with family and friends. Consider joining a support group in your area.
• Learn to manage stress. Ask for help at home and work when the load is too great to handle. Find ways to relax, for example take up a hobby, listen to music, watch movies, take walks. Try deep breathing exercises when you feel stressed.
• Take care of your physical health. Try to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Eat a healthy diet. Limit caffeine. If you smoke, quit. Avoid alcohol and drugs, because they can make your symptoms worse. Exercise according to your healthcare provider's instructions.
• Check your medicines. To help prevent problems, tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all the medicines, natural remedies, vitamins, and other supplements that you take.
• Contact your healthcare provider or therapist if you have any questions or your symptoms seem to be getting worse. Keep all your appointments with your healthcare provider or therapist. Follow your treatment plan carefully.

For more information, contact:

• National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)
  Phone: 1-800-950-NAMI
  Web site: http://www.nami.org
• Mental Health America
  Phone: 1-800-969-6642
  Web site: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net