Editing Defence mechanism (section)

===Level 1: pathological===
When predominant, the mechanisms on this level are almost always severely [[Psychopathology|pathological]].  These defences, in conjunction, permit one effectively to rearrange external experiences to eliminate the need to cope with reality.  Pathological users of these mechanisms frequently appear irrational or [[Insanity|insane]] to others. These are the "pathological" defences, common in overt [[psychosis]].  However, they are normally found in dreams and throughout childhood as well.<ref name="Vaillant, G. E. 1986">Vaillant, G. E., Bond, M., & Vaillant, C. O. (1986). An empirically validated hierarchy of defence mechanisms. Archives of General Psychiatry, 73, 786–794. George Eman Valillant</ref>
They include:
*''[[Delusion|Delusional projection]]'': Delusions about external reality, usually of a persecutory nature
*''[[Denial]]'': Refusal to accept external reality because it is too threatening; arguing against an anxiety-provoking stimulus by stating it does not exist; resolution of emotional conflict and reduction of anxiety by refusing to perceive or consciously acknowledge the more unpleasant aspects of external reality
*''[[Cognitive distortion|Distortion]]'': A gross reshaping of external reality to meet internal needs