Delusion definition

Delusion definition

• A. Seeing something that isn't there
• B. Thought or idea with no basis in reality
• C. A loss of consciousness
• D. A strong fear without cause

Answer: (B)

Delusions are fixed, false beliefs held with strong conviction even when there is clear evidence against them. This is why describing a thought or idea with no basis in reality fits best—the belief persists despite reality and despite contradictory information. The other options describe different phenomena: a belief that is only a perception is a hallucination (seeing something that isn’t there), a loss of consciousness is a state like fainting or coma, and a strong, unexplained fear points to anxiety or phobia, not a false belief about reality. Delusions are a hallmark of psychotic thinking and can vary from bizarre to paranoid in nature.

Delusions are fixed, false beliefs held with strong conviction even when there is clear evidence against them. This is why describing a thought or idea with no basis in reality fits best—the belief persists despite reality and despite contradictory information. The other options describe different phenomena: a belief that is only a perception is a hallucination (seeing something that isn’t there), a loss of consciousness is a state like fainting or coma, and a strong, unexplained fear points to anxiety or phobia, not a false belief about reality. Delusions are a hallmark of psychotic thinking and can vary from bizarre to paranoid in nature.