On the fixed nature of delusions

Fixed, false beliefs called delusions are a core feature of psychotic disorders, but why they remain fixed is not well understood. This review proposes a clearer vocabulary for describing delusion fixity—using the terms conviction, incorrigibility, persistence, and stability—and examines factors from diagnosis, psychopathology, psychodynamics, social context, cognition, metacognition, and cognitive neuroscience that may influence fixity. The authors present a working model of delusion fixity and call for interdisciplinary longitudinal studies to better understand it and to improve therapeutic strategies.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Delusions are a key feature of psychotic disorders, yet their fixity remains underexplored. Here, the authors propose a refined vocabulary for delusion fixity, review influencing factors, and present a working model. The Review calls for interdisciplinary longitudinal studies that could enhance the understanding of delusion fixity and facilitate the advancement of therapeutic strategies. Fixed, false beliefs—known as delusions—are a hallmark of psychotic illness. While considerable research has explored the emergence of delusions, relatively little has focused on their fixity. Here we recap classical and contemporary descriptions of delusions and highlight some outstanding issues besides fixity. We then examine the definition and measurement of belief fixity to date and propose a clearer vocabulary for the fixity of delusions in particular, in terms of their conviction, incorrigibility, persistence and stability. Using these terms, we review the extent to which delusions may truly be considered fixed and the diagnostic, psychopathological, psychodynamic, social, cognitive, metacognitive and cognitive neuroscience factors influencing this. We then integrate this evidence in a working model of delusion fixity. Finally, we summarize limitations of the existing literature and highlight opportunities for future research. We predict that longitudinal within-patient studies, which work across specialisms and perspectives, will be particularly valuable for furthering an integrated understanding of delusion fixity.