Delusion

What a Delusion actually is

A delusion is a belief that a person holds onto firmly, even though it’s clearly not true and there’s strong evidence against it. The belief doesn’t budge with logic, facts, or the views of others. It’s one of the central features of psychosis.

Delusions come in different forms. Some are paranoid, like believing others are plotting harm. Some are grandiose, like believing one has special powers or importance. Others involve beliefs about the body, about being controlled, or about hidden meanings in everyday events. Delusions can appear in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, and some medical or substance-related conditions.

What a Delusion can feel like

From the inside, a delusion doesn’t feel like a false belief at all. It feels like an obvious truth. That’s what sets it apart and what makes it so hard to talk a person out of it. To them, the belief explains things that feel real and pressing.

For the person and those around them, delusions can be distressing and isolating. The gap between what the person believes and what others see can strain trust and relationships. The person may feel misunderstood or convinced that others just don’t see what’s really going on.

What a Delusion isn’t

It isn’t simply being wrong about something or holding an unusual opinion. People change ordinary beliefs when given good evidence. A delusion stays fixed even when the facts clearly contradict it.

It also isn’t the same as a hallucination. A delusion is a false belief, a matter of thinking. A hallucination is a false perception, a matter of sensing. A strongly held cultural or religious belief shared by a person’s community is not a delusion either.

Related terms you’ll see next

• Hallucination
• Paranoia
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar Disorder

When to seek professional care

Fixed false beliefs that don’t respond to evidence are a reason to seek a professional evaluation, especially when they cause distress or affect safety and daily life. A mental health professional can help identify the cause and discuss treatment.

If a delusion leads to thoughts of harming yourself or others, or if there’s any immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. In the US, you can also call or text 988 any time to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Delusions often improve with treatment, so reaching out matters.

<blockquote>
  <p><strong>Delusion:</strong> A delusion is a fixed false belief that a person holds firmly even when there's clear evidence it isn't true. It's a core feature of psychosis.</p>
  <p>&mdash; <a href="https://shrinktionary.com/terms/delusion/">Shrinktionary</a>, a plain-English mental health dictionary, medically reviewed by a board certified psychiatrist.</p>
</blockquote>