Delusions: a review and integration

Delusions are often prominent symptoms in schizophrenia and other psychiatric and neurologic disorders. Despite the central descriptive importance of delusions, there is a paucity of comprehensive reviews, theoretical formulations, and empirical evaluations in this area. Research and theoretical work pertinent to delusions are reviewed with particular emphasis on current findings in the neurobiological, cognitive, and information-processing literature. Research on delusional thought seen in various psychiatric disorders is reviewed and integrated with critical aspects of schizophrenia research. Consideration of three factors may help in understanding delusional thought processes. These factors are state-trait variables, perseverative thought, and cognitive functional integrity.