A persistent false belief, such as a person believing that people can read his thoughts, is called?

A persistent false belief, such as a person believing that people can read his thoughts, is called?

• A. Illusion
• B. Paranoia
• C. Delusion
• D. Hallucination

Answer: (C)

Delusions are fixed, false beliefs held with strong conviction despite clear evidence to the contrary. A belief that others can read his thoughts fits this pattern because it persists even when there’s no real basis for it and it isn’t shared by others or explained by reasonable factors. It isn’t a sensory experience, so it isn’t a hallucination, and it isn’t simply a misinterpretation of real stimuli, which would be an illusion. Paranoia involves persistent mistrust or belief that others intend harm, but the defining point here is the unshakeable false belief itself, which is the hallmark of a delusion. If you’re caring for someone with a delusion, respond with calm, empathy, and consistency, avoiding direct argument about the belief while focusing on safety and daily routines.

Delusions are fixed, false beliefs held with strong conviction despite clear evidence to the contrary. A belief that others can read his thoughts fits this pattern because it persists even when there’s no real basis for it and it isn’t shared by others or explained by reasonable factors. It isn’t a sensory experience, so it isn’t a hallucination, and it isn’t simply a misinterpretation of real stimuli, which would be an illusion. Paranoia involves persistent mistrust or belief that others intend harm, but the defining point here is the unshakeable false belief itself, which is the hallmark of a delusion. If you’re caring for someone with a delusion, respond with calm, empathy, and consistency, avoiding direct argument about the belief while focusing on safety and daily routines.