Acting on persecutory delusions: the importance of safety seeking

Freeman, Daniel, Garety, Philippa A., Kuipers, Elizabeth, Fowler, David G., Bebbington, Paul E. and Dunn, Graham (2007) Acting on persecutory delusions: the importance of safety seeking. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 45 (1). pp. 89-99. ISSN 1873-622X

Full text not available from this repository. (Request a copy)

Abstract

Objective: Acting on delusions is a significant clinical issue. The concept of safety behaviours—actions carried out with the intention of reducing perceived threat—provides a new way of understanding acting on delusions. A study was conducted with the aim of examining the prevalence and correlates of safety behaviours related to persecutory delusions. Method: One hundred patients with persecutory delusions were assessed for safety behaviours, acting on delusions, anxiety, depression, and psychotic symptoms. Case note data were collected on instances of serious violence or suicide attempts. Results: Ninety-six patients had used safety behaviours in the last month. Greater use of safety behaviours was associated with higher levels of distress. A history of violence or suicide attempts was associated with greater use of safety behaviours. Safety behaviours were significantly associated with acting on delusions, but not with the negative symptoms of psychosis. Conclusion: Safety behaviours are a common form of acting on persecutory delusions. These behaviours have the consequence that they are likely to prevent the processing of disconfirmatory evidence and will therefore contribute to delusion persistence.

Item Type:	Article
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Psychological Sciences (former - to 2018)
Depositing User:	EPrints Services
Date Deposited:	25 Nov 2010 11:09
Last Modified:	24 Oct 2022 01:20
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/12606
DOI:	10.1016/j.brat.2006.01.014

Actions (login required)

View Item