Individuals with delusional disorder—characterized by persistent false beliefs—can often be successfully restored to competency to stand trial through antipsychotic medication, especially when treatment addresses the inflexibility of their delusions rather than fully eliminating the false beliefs. Studies show restoration rates are comparable to or higher than those for schizophrenia, with clozapine or long-acting injectable antipsychotics recommended for treatment-resistant cases. While delusions improve slowly, treatment can enable rational functioning sufficient for legal proceedings.
For more information, download this fact sheet developed by the DSH Psychopharmacology Resource Network (PRN).