Delusions of Sin and Guilt in Schizophrenia Patients - Psychiatry

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Have you heard of patients with schizophrenia experiencing delusions of sin or guilt?


Patients with schizophrenia who experience delusions of sin or guilt firmly believe that they have done something wrong and are being punished or should be punished.
These delusions may relate to a real event or may be entirely imagined; however, even if a real event exists, the punishment the patient envisions far exceeds the severity of the wrongdoing (for example, a person who forgets to help their father mow the lawn may believe they should be punished by being locked in a closet for life).

This issue first arose three years ago when I was working at a gas station.
We had a task called "testing barrels," which involved taking fuel out and pouring it back into the tank.
I was responsible for pouring it back into the tank.
There were four barrels of fuel on the cart, and I initially judged them to be diesel.
I poured all four barrels, each containing 10 liters, into the diesel tank.
Later, I noticed that two of the barrels had a yellowish color (yellow indicates gasoline, while clear and light yellow indicate diesel), which made me suspect that I might have poured in two barrels of 95 gasoline.
I am unsure if therapists know that gasoline and diesel cannot be mixed, as adding gasoline to a diesel vehicle can severely damage the engine.
The day after the incident, I went to confirm that I had not made a mistake, and I felt reassured for two years.

In April, I recalled the incident and realized that there was still a possibility I had made a mistake (not that I was overthinking it; it was genuinely possible).
I recognized that my previous confirmation was somewhat dismissive.
The moment I remembered the possibility of having made an error, I felt an immense pressure inside me, which did not alleviate even after ten months.
To put it simply, there was an overwhelming energy compelling me to make the largest possible amends for this incident (which I am still unsure about), such as compensating the vehicle owner.
If I did not make amends, this energy would continue to deplete me, to the point where I could not live or work normally, rendering me incapable of doing anything.

As a result, I have truly been drained to the point of reduced cognitive ability, diminished understanding, and significant physical decline, making it impossible for me to care for myself.
At the time of the mistake, I felt it was just a typical work oversight, not intentional.
However, two years later, in April, when I thought about the incident, my body continuously imposed self-punishment on me, which was not something I actively desired or requested.
My body has been in a constant state of energy depletion, leading to immense suffering over the past ten months, to the extent that I cannot even walk or lift heavy objects, leaving me unable to do anything.
This self-punishment and energy depletion have persisted every minute without pause.

To put it in perspective, you might not believe it, but the energy I have lost feels equivalent to running ten laps around a track in one second.
I can only lie in bed each day, and the discomfort from this constant energy depletion has caused me great pain and despair.
I wonder why recalling a potential oversight from my past work would result in such hellish suffering.
I have always believed that even after 20 or 30 years, if the vehicle owner’s car were to have an issue, they would surely find a way to locate me.
Furthermore, as long as I have thoughts of wanting to resolve this overwhelming guilt, this powerful sense of guilt will further deplete my energy, leaving me even weaker and more uncomfortable.
Therefore, whenever I visit a doctor, it only makes me feel more exhausted and uncomfortable, as if it is affirming that this guilt is justified and questioning why I would want to resolve it.
Most doctors I have seen have suggested it might be obsessive-compulsive disorder, even though I have researched this type of delusion online.

Hanhan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/02/27

Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry


Hello Han Han: Thank you for your hard work! It must have been very distressing for you regarding that matter.
In fact, schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can coexist.
Your symptoms do align with delusions of guilt, but they can also be indicative of OCD.
Additionally, if your symptoms are severe, it is quite possible that you may also experience depression.
Therefore, your condition needs to be carefully evaluated by a physician to determine if, in addition to schizophrenia, you also have OCD and depression.
If so, a combination of antidepressants and psychotherapy would be necessary to effectively help alleviate your discomfort.
I recommend discussing your treatment plan with your physician.
Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Reply Date: 2021/02/27

More Info


Understanding delusions of sin and guilt in schizophrenia patients is crucial for both diagnosis and treatment. These delusions manifest as an intense belief that one has committed a grave wrongdoing and is deserving of punishment, often leading to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. The case you presented illustrates a common scenario where a seemingly minor mistake—such as potentially mixing diesel and gasoline—can spiral into overwhelming feelings of guilt and self-punishment.

In schizophrenia, delusions can take various forms, and guilt-related delusions are particularly distressing. Patients may believe that they are responsible for catastrophic outcomes, even when there is no evidence to support such beliefs. For instance, in your case, the individual recalls a past incident at work and, despite confirming that no mistake was made, continues to feel an intense pressure to atone for a perceived wrongdoing. This illustrates how the mind can fixate on a past event, leading to a cycle of guilt that is disproportionate to the actual incident.

The psychological mechanisms behind these delusions often involve cognitive distortions. Cognitive distortions are irrational thought patterns that can lead to negative emotions and behaviors. In the context of guilt delusions, individuals may engage in "catastrophizing," where they imagine the worst possible outcomes from their actions, or "personalization," where they believe they are solely responsible for events outside their control. These distortions can be exacerbated by underlying anxiety or depressive symptoms, which are common in schizophrenia.

The physical symptoms you describe, such as fatigue, decreased cognitive function, and an inability to engage in daily activities, can be manifestations of the psychological distress caused by these delusions. Chronic stress and anxiety can lead to a state of hyperarousal, where the body remains in a constant state of alertness, draining energy and leading to physical exhaustion. This is often compounded by the emotional toll of feeling guilty or responsible for something that may not even be a reality.

Treatment for delusions of guilt typically involves a combination of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic approaches. Antipsychotic medications can help manage the symptoms of schizophrenia, including delusions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective in addressing cognitive distortions and helping patients reframe their thoughts about guilt and responsibility. Through CBT, patients can learn to challenge their irrational beliefs and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

It is also essential for healthcare providers to create a supportive environment where patients feel safe discussing their feelings of guilt without fear of judgment. Encouraging open communication can help patients process their emotions and reduce the intensity of their delusions.

In summary, delusions of sin and guilt in schizophrenia can lead to significant distress and impairment. Understanding the cognitive distortions that contribute to these delusions is vital for effective treatment. A combination of medication and therapy, particularly CBT, can help patients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. If you or someone you know is struggling with similar issues, seeking professional help is crucial for recovery and regaining a sense of normalcy in daily life.

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