Which symptom category describes beliefs that external forces control thoughts, feelings, or actions?

Which symptom category describes beliefs that external forces control thoughts, feelings, or actions?

• A. Delusions of Control
• B. Hypnagogic Hallucinations
• C. Non-bizarre delusions
• D. Negativism

Answer: (A)

Delusions of control are fixed beliefs that external forces are influencing or controlling one’s thoughts, feelings, or actions. This type of delusion is a quintessential example of a control-related belief, reflecting a passivity phenomenon where the person feels their mental life or behavior is being interfered with by an outside agent. It’s distinct from hypnagogic hallucinations, which are sleep-onset perceptual experiences rather than beliefs. It also differs from non-bizarre delusions, which are false beliefs that could be possible in real life but don’t specifically involve external control over internal processes. Negativism is a behavioral pattern of resistance, not a belief about being controlled. So the concept described is delusions of control.

Delusions of control are fixed beliefs that external forces are influencing or controlling one’s thoughts, feelings, or actions. This type of delusion is a quintessential example of a control-related belief, reflecting a passivity phenomenon where the person feels their mental life or behavior is being interfered with by an outside agent. It’s distinct from hypnagogic hallucinations, which are sleep-onset perceptual experiences rather than beliefs. It also differs from non-bizarre delusions, which are false beliefs that could be possible in real life but don’t specifically involve external control over internal processes. Negativism is a behavioral pattern of resistance, not a belief about being controlled. So the concept described is delusions of control.