The delusion derives its fixity and feeling of conviction from many sources. The traditional concept of historic truth applies not only to the content but to the ego state and functions which are re-experienced. Added to this there is the fact that holding on to the delusional reality helps the psychotic combat the threat of dissolution and disintegration and facilitates psychic survival. The ever-present potential of dissolution of the ego and threat to psychic survival is very real to the psychotic by virtue of early survival-threatening experiences. The delusion is one way of dealing with the regressive re-occurrence of this danger of dissolution.