Contemporary research has shown that delusions are often the product of
identifiable neurologic disease, particularly when the delusions have a
specific theme or are confined to one topic--monosymptomatic or content-
specific delusions. Although these delusions are considered rare, some of
them can be found at high rates in certain populations and settings. The
literature on several classes of content-specific delusions
(misidentification, sexual, and somatic) is critically reviewed. The review
demonstrates that when adequate diagnostic workups are conducted, a high
proportion of such delusions are found to have a neurologic basis. Lesions
of the frontal lobes and the right hemisphere are shown to be critical to
the development and persistence of many content-specific delusions.Abstract Teaser