title: A cross-sectional survey of the frequency and characteristics of delusions in acute psychiatric wards.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this paper was to ascertain the frequency and characteristics of delusions across several acute psychiatric wards.
  
  
  METHODS
  A survey of the files of all 160 acute psychiatric inpatients aged 18-65 years within Western Sydney was conducted. Patients recorded as currently delusional were compared to non-delusional psychotic patients on demographic data, diagnoses, reason for admission, mode of admission, length of hospital stay, legal status, and treatments.
  
  
  RESULTS
  More than one-half of all patients in the acute psychiatric wards were recorded as being delusional. Persecutory delusions were found in 80% of delusional patients, and multiple delusions were common. Most delusions were steady in course, and 40% lasted longer than 6 months. Patients with delusions received a diagnosis of schizophrenia in 67% of the cases, while 72% of patients with schizophrenia were recorded as having delusions. Almost 90% of delusional patients were detained involuntarily. Antipsychotic medications were the mainstay of treatment for delusional patients, and 30% were treated with more than one antipsychotic. Non-pharmacological strategies for managing delusions were not used.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Delusions are commonly seen in acute psychiatric wards. There may be a relationship between the presence of delusions, severity of illness and treatment resistance. This highlights the need for a broad and more effective approach to management.
authors.affiliation: University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia. vbrakoulias@bigpond.com
authors.forename: Vlasios
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Brakoulias
authors.forename: Vladan
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Starcevic
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003702:Delusions / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011567:Psychiatric Department, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*