Abstract
ObjectiveDelusional-like experiences (DLE) are prevalent in the community. Recent community based studies have found that DLE are more common in those with depression and anxiety disorders, and in those with subclinical symptoms of depression and anxiety. Chronic physical disorders are associated with comorbid depression and anxiety; however, there is a lack of evidence about the association of DLE with common physical conditions. The aim of this study was to explore associations between the common physical disorders and DLE using a large population sample.MethodsSubjects were drawn from the Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing 2007, a national household survey of 8841 residents aged between 16 and 85 years. The presence of DLE, selected common physical disorders and symptoms were assessed using a modified World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) schedule. We examined the relationship between DLE, and physical health-related variables using logistic regression, with adjustments for potential confounding factors.ResultsOf the 8771, 776 (8.4%) subjects positively endorsed one or more DLE. Of the six physical disorders examined, only diabetes and arthritis were significantly associated with the endorsement of DLE. Of the seven broad physical symptoms explored, only hearing problems were consistently associated with DLE.ConclusionDelusional-like experiences are common in the Australian community, and are associated with selected chronic physical disorders and with impaired hearing. The direction of causality between these variables warrants closer research scrutiny.
Highlights
Several large community-based surveys have confirmed that many otherwise-well individuals report isolated delusional-like experiences (DLE) [1,2]
Of the six physical disorders examined, only diabetes and arthritis were significantly associated with the endorsement of DLE
Delusional-like experiences are common in the Australian community, and are associated with selected chronic physical disorders and with impaired hearing
Summary
Several large community-based surveys have confirmed that many otherwise-well individuals report isolated delusional-like experiences (DLE) [1,2]. Apart from the well-recognized association with psychotic disorders [4,5], there is evidence that DLE are more prevalent in those with common mental disorders such as anxiety and depression, and in those exposed to traumatic life events [6,7,8,9]. Apart from clinical disorders, large community studies from the UK and the Netherlands have reported increased risk of DLE in those who report symptoms of anxiety or depression [10,11]. It is feasible that those with chronic physical disorders may be at increased risk of DLE via their increased risk of general psychological distress and/or clinical disorders such as anxiety and depression. Based on previous findings we hypothesised that individuals with chronic physical disorders or impairments were more likely to endorse DLE compared to those who were otherwise healthy
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