Delusional Love Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis

A 20-year-old Chinese university student was recently diagnosed with delusional love disorder. A student named Liu thinks that all the girls in his school like him. He also reportedly started behaving inappropriately. Having a crush on someone and being convinced that they love you back – that’s called delusional love disorder. Unrealistic, false beliefs and fantasy are common symptoms of this love disorder. Although these feelings are harmless, people with delusional love disorder are often unstable in their beliefs and may even pursue their love interests.

What is Delusional Love Disorder?

Delusional love disorder is when someone develops strong romantic feelings for someone else, but those feelings are based on unrealistic or false beliefs. Ever had a crush on someone who didn’t feel the same way? “Think about taking that crush to the extreme. Delusional love disorder is when a person is convinced that the other person loves them back, despite evidence to the contrary,” explains psychiatrist and behavioral medicine specialist Dr Ankita Priyadarshini.

The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders All delusional disorders are defined as the presence of delusions for a month or more in a healthy and mentally stable patient. Therefore, it is important to know the symptoms of delusional love disorder and recognize them well.

Symptoms of delusional love disorder

1. Rejection doesn’t change their feelings

Even if they are rejected or shown examples of how the other person is not in love with them, they still firmly believe that the person they love wants to be with them too. A study, in Journal of Industrial PsychiatryIt states that a person with any form of delusional disorder believes that their delusion is completely real.

2. Exhibit inappropriate behavior

People with any delusional love disorder may also exhibit stalking behavior towards their love interest. So, they can continue to call them, track them on social media or visit their home. The American Journal of Psychiatry A study conducted on stalkers found that 30 percent suffered from delusional disorder.

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3. Volatile mood disorders

Because they are misled by how their love interest sees them, their moods are often easily swayed. So they might be thrilled by looking at them, then devastated by not talking to them. A study published in PsychopathologyIt states that delusional disorders and mood swings often coexist.

Causes of delusional disorders

1. Psychological factors

Past experiences of rejection, trauma, or abandonment may contribute to the development of delusional love disorder. “This can happen to someone who hasn’t had many healthy relationships in the past. They have unrealistic beliefs about love,” says Dr. Priyadarshini.

2. Biological factors

Factors such as imbalanced brain chemistry as well as our genes contribute to the onset of this disorder. A study published in Behavioral Sciences & the Law, studies the relationship between biological factors and delusional disorders; And it talks about how genes play a big role in this.

3. Social influences

If we grow up with too idealized versions of relationships and also face social pressures, this can lead to delusional love disorder. Our perception of reality is heavily influenced by what we perceive as an ideal relationship.

Are delusional love disorder and erotomania the same?

It is related but slightly different. Erotomania is a type of delusional disorder where someone believes that someone, usually of a higher social status, is in love with them. “So, while delusional love disorder focuses on romantic feelings for a specific person, erotomania involves delusions about the social status or identity of the person believed to be in love,” says Dr Priyadarshini.

What is Obsessive Love Disorder?

In obsessive love disorder, a person may feel that they possess another person, that they are like an object. High attractiveness, love self-esteem and possessive thoughts govern this disorder. However, this disorder is not clinically recognized.

A diagnosis of delusional love disorder

To diagnose delusional love disorder, a psychiatrist usually conducts a comprehensive evaluation, which may include interviews, psychological evaluations, and observation of behavioral patterns over time. The key is to recognize the presence of delusions and rule out other potential explanations for the person’s beliefs and behaviors.

Treatment of delusional love disorder

Any delusional disorder should be treated with treatment. Therapy is a great way for people to deal with their thoughts and understand reality in a better way. The patient is also given medication such as antipsychotics. These help manage and reduce mood swings as well as hallucinations.

Consequences

When someone has delusional love disorder, their social life suffers. Here’s how:

• Difficulties with friends and family: They focus on their love, which damages their relationships. Imagine if you keep talking about someone you don’t like back – your friends and family may find it hard to relate to you or even avoid you.
• Feeling lonely: Their behavior, chasing or constantly talking about their crush can alienate people. It feels like avoiding social gatherings because others find your actions uncomfortable.
• Legal issues: In extreme cases, their actions may land them in trouble with the law. Imagine if you can’t stop sending gifts or showing your crush where to work – you could end up in detention or worse.
• Work problems: Their passion affects their job performance, if you check your crush’s social media all day long instead of working – you may get in trouble at work or even lose your job.
• Damage to reputation: Word spreads fast and if people come to know about their obsession, it can damage their reputation. Others may see them as creepy or unstable, making it difficult to form new relationships or gain trust.
• Emotional pain: All these problems affect their mental well-being. They may feel lonely, depressed, or think about hurting themselves.