Incredible language! A qualitative investigation of conversations about delusions

Background Communicating about delusions is generally considered a challenging task. Material and methods Assuming that there are nevertheless a variety of communicative resources competently employed to meet this challenge, the authors present a conversation analytic study of two narrative interviews in which people talk about their experience of delusions. Results It is shown that through pauses, breaks, reformulations, negotiations of the so-called common ground and the use of metaphoric speech, they succeed in conveying many aspects of the experience of delusions that cannot simply be described in terms of content. Conclusions These examples of communicative strategies can be a resource for others and encourage mental health professionals and users alike to engage in conversations on delusions.

Automated summary

This study presents communication strategies used by individuals to convey their experience of delusions. Through pauses, breaks, reformulations, negotiations, and metaphorical speech, they successfully communicate aspects of delusions that cannot be simply described in terms of content.