Which delusion involves thoughts being placed into one's mind by an outside force?

Which delusion involves thoughts being placed into one's mind by an outside force?

• A. Thought Withdrawal
• B. Thought Insertion
• C. Grandiose Delusions
• D. Erotomanic Delusions

Answer: (B)

Thought insertion is a delusional belief that external forces place thoughts into a person’s mind. It reflects a misattribution of thought content, where the individual feels their own thoughts are not generated by them but are implanted from outside. This differs from thought withdrawal, where one believes thoughts are being taken out of the mind by an external agent. Grandiose delusions involve inflated beliefs about one’s importance or abilities, and erotomanic delusions involve the belief that someone is in love with them. So, the scenario described—thoughts being introduced from outside the self—best fits thought insertion.

Thought insertion is a delusional belief that external forces place thoughts into a person’s mind. It reflects a misattribution of thought content, where the individual feels their own thoughts are not generated by them but are implanted from outside. This differs from thought withdrawal, where one believes thoughts are being taken out of the mind by an external agent. Grandiose delusions involve inflated beliefs about one’s importance or abilities, and erotomanic delusions involve the belief that someone is in love with them. So, the scenario described—thoughts being introduced from outside the self—best fits thought insertion.