Finding order within the disorder: a case study exploring the meaningfulness of delusions

Rosa Ritunnano, Clara Humpston, Matthew R Broome

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Can delusions, in the context of psychosis, enhance a person's sense of meaningfulness? The case described here suggests that, in some circumstances, they can. This prompts further questions into the complexities of delusion as a lived phenomenon, with important implications for the clinical encounter. While assumptions of meaninglessness are often associated with concepts of 'disorder', 'harm' and 'dysfunction', we suggest that meaning can nonetheless be found within what is commonly taken to be incomprehensible or even meaningless. A phenomenological and value-based approach appears indispensable for clinicians facing the seemingly paradoxical coexistence of harmfulness and meaningfulness.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)109-115
Number of pages7
JournalBJPsych bulletin
Volume46
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2022

Bibliographical note

© The Author(s), 2021

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