The most common belief that one will be harmed or harassed is known as which delusion?

• A. Delusions
• B. Persecutory Delusions
• C. Erotomanic Delusions
• D. Nihilistic Delusions

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is the content of delusions, specifically beliefs that others intend to harm or harass you. Persecutory delusions are fixed beliefs that one is being harmed, harassed, watched, or conspired against, despite evidence to the contrary. This theme—fear of harm or harassment by others—is the defining feature of this subtype and is the most common persecutory pattern seen in psychotic disorders.

Erotomanic delusions involve the belief that someone, often a person of higher status, is in love with the individual. Nihilistic delusions involve beliefs that parts of oneself or the world don’t exist or are ending. A broad label like simply “delusions” doesn’t specify the threatening content. So the described belief fits persecutory delusions best.