Can a person have a delusional disorder and a post-traumatic stress disorder at the same time?

Question

Please, serious, informed answers only.

Answer 1

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I believe they can. A short while after leaving Vietnam, the delusional disorder caused me to relive eventualities over and over. It was actually worse than the actual battles. But on the same token, most war veterans suffer from post tramatic stress disorders, avoiding anything that would act as a stimuli for remembering nightmares. My delusional disorder faded with the passing years; however, 90% of combat soldiers are never able to completely shed the post-traumatic stress disorder, whether they want to admit it or not.

Answer 2

Sure, the DSM-IV TR does not say that they CAN'T exist together. It is possible for someone with delusional disorder to experience a trauma that leads to PTSD.
Like debbiec1423 said, if the patient is experiencing hallucinations, the psychologist just needs to determine if the hallucinations are due to a psychotic disorder or PTSD.
I guess the biggest problem with these comorbid diagnoses is, if the patient complains of PTSD symptoms, people may not believe them because of the delusional disorder.

Answer 3

Yes, in a way. Flashbacks experienced by someone with PTSD can meet the criteria for Delusional Disorder, in that they are not hallucinations and they are frightening things that could occur in the future as well as in their past. What's more important than the diagnosis is what treatment is occurring.

Answer 4

Why not?
You can have a broken leg and a broken arm at the same time...
So there fore you must be able to have two psychological processes going on at the same time.

Answer 5

can we say POW'S most pow's or even those just in war situations have either or both and it is very common. I know several vietnam vets that have both. Have a stress free day:-)

Answer 6

With difficulty.

Answer 7

Yup!