Shared Psychotic Disorder

Schizophrenia	Types of Schizophrenia
Psychotic Symptoms	Schizoaffective Disorder
Delusional Disorder	Schizophreniform Disorder
Shared Psychotic Disorder	Brief Psychotic Disorder

Shared Psychotic Disorder is a rare delusional disorder in which an individual develops delusions simply as a result of a close relationship with a delusional individual. The content and nature of the delusion originate with the partner and can range from the bizarre to the fairly ordinary. The relationship between the individuals is very close and often they have few social contacts. Generally only two individuals are involved, but there have been cases involving entire families.

DSM-IV Criteria:

A. A delusion develops in an individual in the context of a close relationship with another person(s), who has an already-established delusion.

B. The delusion is similar in content to that of the person who already has the established delusion.

C. The disturbance is not better accounted for by another Psychotic Disorder (e.g., Schizophrenia) or a Mood Disorder With Psychotic Features and is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition.

Treatment of Shared Psychotic Disorder:

It is uncommon for individuals with shared psychotic disorder to seek treatment on their own as they feel nothing is wrong. Once the disorder becomes known, treatment generally includes separation of the psychotic individuals and administration of antipsychotic medications.