What is the difference between content of delusion and theme of it?

Answer 1

If a delusion were a play, the content would be the actual screenplay of that "scene" within the delusion. I.e. Delusions of paranoia sometimes revolve around the government's attempt (as perceived by the one experiencing the delusion) to "gain control" of that individual. That would be the screenplay for that specific "scene" or delusion of the day. However, after experiencing numerous paranoid delusions, the "government", as it were - may not always be the culprit attempting to obtain "control" of the one experiencing the delusion. Sometimes, they incorporate their spouse, loved ones, family, etc.... as coconspirators. Although the scene changes, the THEME of the delusion(s) remains the same - paranoia. this can occur espesially in those in which the loved one - while experiencing concern for the patient - may attempt to convince them to accept treatment. In the paranoid person's mind, this is yet another attempt at gaining control over him or her and is "evidence" of the collusion between that person and the initial target of their paranoia. Theme - overall sense of the delusion: Paranoid, Grandiose, Erotic, etc... Content - the actual experince of the delusional "scene" at any one time. Think movies! BSalai - LCSW