Definition
A delusion is a false, fixed and unshakable belief which is not in keeping with the person's educational, cultural or social background and persists despite proof to the contrary.
Characteristics
- False belief
- Firmly held
- Cannot be corrected by reasoning
- Not shared by other members of society
- Result of a mental disorder
Types
| Type | Belief |
|---|---|
| Persecution | Being harmed, followed or conspired against |
| Grandeur | Possessing exceptional power, wealth or status |
| Reference | Ordinary events refer specifically to oneself |
| Jealousy | Partner's infidelity (false belief) |
| Influence / Control | Thoughts or actions are controlled by external forces |
Examples
- Belief that enemies are trying to poison him
- Belief that he is a king or a deity
- Belief that strangers are plotting against him
High Yield
Logical sequence: false belief → firmly held → cannot be corrected by reasoning. A delusion is a disorder of thought, not of perception.