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Are clinical delusions adaptive?
- Source :
-
Wiley interdisciplinary reviews. Cognitive science [Wiley Interdiscip Rev Cogn Sci] 2019 Sep; Vol. 10 (5), pp. e1502. Date of Electronic Publication: 2019 May 05. - Publication Year :
- 2019
-
Abstract
- Delusions are symptoms of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and dementia. By and large, delusions are characterized by their behavioral manifestations and defined as irrational beliefs that compromise good functioning. In this overview paper, we ask whether delusions can be adaptive notwithstanding their negative features. Can they be a response to a crisis rather than the source of the crisis? Can they be the beginning of a solution rather than the problem? Some of the psychological, psychiatric, and philosophical literature has recently suggested that they can. We consider different types of delusions and different ways in which they can be considered as adaptive: psychologically (e.g., by increasing wellbeing, purpose in life, intrapsychic coherence, or good functioning) and biologically (e.g., by enhancing genetic fitness). Although further research is needed to map the costs and benefits of adopting and maintaining delusional beliefs, a more nuanced picture of the role of delusions in people's lives has started to emerge. This article is categorized under: Philosophy > Representation Philosophy > Knowledge and Belief Neuroscience > Cognition.<br /> (© 2019 The Authors. WIREs Cognitive Science published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)
- Subjects :
- Humans
Adaptation, Psychological
Delusions
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1939-5086
- Volume :
- 10
- Issue :
- 5
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Wiley interdisciplinary reviews. Cognitive science
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 31056862
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1002/wcs.1502