Final answer:
Delusions are firmly held false beliefs that are not supported by reality. The common types include grandiose delusions, delusions of persecution, reference, control, and guilt or sin. These delusions persist even when there is clear evidence that contradicts them.
Step-by-step explanation:
Delusions are false beliefs that are strongly held despite clear contradictory evidence. They differ from simple mistakes in judgment as they persist without a grounding in reality. The types of delusions include:
- Grandiose delusions: This involves beliefs of inflated worth, power, knowledge, identity, or a special relationship with a deity or famous person.
- Delusions of persecution: The belief that one is going to be harmed or harassed by an individual, organization, or other group.
- Delusions of reference: Interpreting messages or comments in the environment as being directed personally to oneself.
- Delusions of control: The belief that one's thoughts, feelings, or actions are being controlled by external forces.
- Delusions of guilt or sin: Believing that one has committed a terrible sin or is responsible for a catastrophic event.
While these delusions may vary widely in their themes, what they share in common is the unshakeable conviction with which the belief is held, despite evidence to the contrary.