A phenomenological study of delusions in depression.

Eighteen percent of Major Depressive cases attending a general hospital had delusions. There were 10 types of delusions and delusions of persecution occurred most frequently (67.5%), with persecution involving either the patients themselves or people close to them occurring in 50% each. The majority of patients considered the persecution to be unjustified and reacted by taking precautions, pleading for help and protection. Delusions of reference were the next in frequency. Hypochondriacal, guilt and nihilistic delusions which are considered classical in depression were relatively uncommon. The delusions had a temporal relationship with depression, were unstable and rapidly responded to treatment.