Magical Thinking and Mystical Experience: An Exploration of Delusional Disorder in Schizophrenic Patients
Abstract
Background: Delusions are common positive symptoms in schizophrenic patients. Individuals with delusional disorders have different experiences in memory and beliefs. Exploring patients’ delusional beliefs is crucial to ascertaining appropriate psychotherapy programs. A few studies have explored the meanings of delusions for delusional patients. This study explores how schizophrenic patients lived experiences about their delusional beliefs.
Materials and Methods: The study was carried out at a psychiatric hospital in Indonesia in 2021. The participants included 30 adult schizophrenic patients who had delusional life experiences and were able to communicate. Open‑ended questions and probes were applied during in‑depth interviews. We interviewed family members as well to improve the rigor of the research. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used in this study.
Results: The patients’ clinical history revealed the experiences of failure and loss. Two main themes shaping their delusional experiences included demonic forces and magical powers.
Conclusions: Patients with delusions had similar themes, but each had a different specific experience. The findings suggest that each patient may require a unique cognitive therapy based on their experience.
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