Which term best describes beliefs that are plausible and could occur in real life, such as police surveillance?

• A. Delusions of Control
• B. Non-bizarre delusions
• C. Delusion vs. Strongly held Conviction
• D. Hallucinations

Answer: (B)

Beliefs that are fixed and false but could plausibly occur in real life are described as non-bizarre delusions. A conviction that police are watching you fits this category because it could conceivably happen in the real world, even though the person’s belief is not true. This contrasts with bizarre delusions, which are clearly implausible or fantastical (for example, being controlled by supernatural forces). Delusions of Control refer to a specific idea that external forces are directing one’s thoughts or actions, not a general surveillance belief. Hallucinations are sensory experiences without an external stimulus, not beliefs. The term “strongly held conviction” isn’t a standard diagnostic category for delusions. So, the best description for a belief about police surveillance is non-bizarre delusion.