I have recently been diagnosed with delusional disorder. I am a mixed type, as my delusional theme classifies me as erotomanic, paranoid, grandiose, and as possessing referential beliefs. I was sent to a psychiatrist after going to a counselor venting my "relationship problems" with a man I thought was following me and who was "out to get me". Since then I have been taking Risperidal as treatment, and it has been helpful in lessening my psychosis. Though I would not say my delusions have completely lessened. It almost feels as if they may be permanently intertwined with my life, and that no amount of drug would change that. It also feels frustrating, because oftentimes it really feels to me like these thoughts are that which compose reality.
Even worse than having delusional disorder I think, is having a parent as well who seems to be delusional. The thing is, I'm not sure whether my dad has delusional disorder or has paranoid personality disorder. I think he needs help, but it seems like it would be nearly impossible to convince him of his incorrect interpretation of reality. I think I may have developed this disorder as a direct result of going through my teens while he was in the midst of a paranoid psychosis. Everyday he would talk about his "work troubles", and about his co-workers who were plotting against him. He would stay up late at night writing letters and working on his court case. He even thought one day he'd write a book about it. At family dinners it was all he would talk about. He was obsessed. It's really frightening to be growing up with a delusional parent, and not knowing that what they're telling you are in fact delusions.
On the good side, at least I am being pro-active with my illness. I just think that my dad needs to own up to his abnormality and get treatment. I also think that it couldn't be good for someone with dd (me) to be around my father who is also delusional. Wouldn't that just reinforce holding delusional thoughts?
Well, I just thought I'd share.