Delusional mood is a psychological state where the world feels strange, uneasy, or charged with hidden meaning—often before clear delusions or psychotic symptoms emerge. It’s an early sign that the mind is struggling to make sense of overwhelming internal experiences.
“Everything felt off. Like something big was about to happen—but I couldn’t explain what. It was like reality had changed without warning.”
Delusional mood is often the earliest phase of psychosis but may also occur in mood disorders or trauma-related conditions. Adults experiencing this state may feel that the environment has become unfamiliar, sinister, or significant in a way they can’t quite define. Common descriptions include “a shift in atmosphere,” “sensing a presence,” or believing something momentous is about to happen.
This can be deeply unsettling. People may withdraw, experience anxiety or confusion, or try to make sense of their experience by forming beliefs that later become delusional. Delusional mood may last hours to weeks before developing into more obvious psychotic symptoms—or it may resolve with support. Early recognition allows for timely care and often prevents escalation into a first episode of psychosis.
“When someone starts to feel that the world isn’t quite right, it’s our job to listen—early, respectfully, and without fear. That’s how we prevent crisis.”
At Bloomfield Health, we offer early, non-judgemental support for individuals experiencing delusional mood. Our clinicians carry out sensitive assessments to explore what you’re experiencing, including your emotional state, past trauma, and any family history of psychosis. We offer evidence-based therapies—such as CBT for psychosis—to reduce distress and improve insight. Where appropriate, we may recommend medication or liaise with early intervention services. Our goal is to act early, supportively, and collaboratively.
No. It’s a psychological state—often the prodromal (early warning) phase of psychosis—but not a standalone diagnosis.
Not always. Early support can help prevent further progression and reduce risk of a first episode of psychosis.
It may follow stress, trauma, sleep deprivation, or early changes in brain chemistry. It’s a sign the mind is overwhelmed.
Yes. Early psychological intervention is highly effective—especially when insight is still present.
Possibly, but not always. We focus on psychological approaches first unless symptoms escalate. Please ask your clinician if you would like to consider medication options.
Not quite. Delusional mood is more about unease or strangeness—paranoia usually involves specific persecutory beliefs.
That’s very common. We listen without judgement and support you gently, at your pace.
Yes. With early support, many people recover fully from delusional mood without developing further symptoms.
We are registered by the Care Quality Commission (CQC),
the independent regulator of health and social care in England.
