Belief of being harmed or targeted is described as which type of delusion?

• A. Persecutory delusions
• B. Grandiose delusions
• C. Somatic delusions
• D. Illusions

Answer: (A)

This item tests understanding of persecutory delusions: a fixed false belief that one is being harmed, harassed, or targeted by others, often involving ideas of spying, poisoning, or conspiracy despite evidence to the contrary. It’s a hallmark of this type of delusion and can occur in various psychotic disorders as well as in some mood disorders with psychotic features.

This differs from grandiose delusions, which involve inflated beliefs about one’s own importance, abilities, or identity; somatic delusions, which revolve around false beliefs about the body or health; and illusions, which are misperceptions of real external stimuli rather than a false belief about being harmed.