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BACKGROUND: Problems with the diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia have led for a call to change strategy and focus on individual psychotic experiences. In recent years, research on delusions has led the way. AIMS: To update our 1999 review of almost 40 studies on delusions. METHOD: A systematic literature search was conducted of reasoning and affective processes related to delusions. RESULTS: Over 200 studies were identified. The presence of 'jumping to conclusions' in individuals with delusions has been substantiated, the theory of mind account has not stood up to subsequent testing, and there is a promising new focus on the ways that affective processes contribute to delusional experience. CONCLUSIONS: Theoretical work rendering delusions understandable can be translated into treatment; future clinical trials should focus on individual psychotic experiences as outcomes.

Original publication

DOI

10.1192/bjp.bp.113.126953

Type

Journal article

Journal

Br J Psychiatry

Publication Date

11/2013

Volume

203

Pages

327 - 333

Keywords

Delusions, Emotions, Humans, Models, Psychological, Research, Schizophrenia, Schizophrenic Psychology, Self Concept, Theory of Mind