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Delusions
Firmly held beliefs that are not based in reality. Even in the face of contradictory evidence, individuals who experience delusions will typically not abandon these fixed beliefs. In addition, individuals who experience delusions may struggle to understand why others find their beliefs implausible. Delusions may be present in a variety of psychological conditions, including delusional disorders, depression, mania, organic disorders, or drug overdose; they are very common in schizophrenia. Delusions observed in schizophrenia are frequently called “bizarre” delusions, in reference to their unrealistic and strange content. Some common types of delusions are delusions of persecution (the belief that one is being persecuted, plotted against, or mistreated), delusions of control (the belief that other people or forces are controlling one's mind), delusions of reference (the belief ...