What are delusions?

Delusions are defined as false beliefs that are firmly held despite evidence to the contrary. These beliefs are typically irrational and are not based in reality. Individuals experiencing delusions may exhibit a range of themes in their beliefs, such as paranoia (believing others are conspiring against them), grandiosity (believing they have exceptional abilities or importance), or a belief in a nonexistent situation. This intense conviction is a key characteristic that distinguishes delusions from other mental health symptoms.

In contrast, extreme anxiety symptoms refer to feelings of intense worry or fear, which are not necessarily tied to the false beliefs typical of delusions. Symptoms of physical illness are related to bodily functions and do not pertain to psychological or cognitive misinterpretations. Temporary phases of confusion can occur due to various factors but are not the same as holding false beliefs; confusion is more about a momentary inability to think clearly or understand one’s surroundings, rather than maintaining a strong false belief. Thus, the specific definition of delusions as false beliefs held with conviction makes this answer the most accurate representation of the term.