Which is the central focus of persecutory delusions?

• A. The belief that one's body is diseased or malfunctioning
• B. The belief that one is being targeted, harassed, or conspired against by others
• C. The belief that one possesses extraordinary abilities or fame
• D. The belief that one's thoughts are being broadcast to others

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that persecutory delusions are a type of delusional belief characterized by the conviction that one is being targeted or harmed by others.
2. Identify the key theme in persecutory delusions, which involves feelings of being harassed, conspired against, or persecuted by individuals or groups.
3. Compare the options given: beliefs about bodily disease relate to somatic delusions, extraordinary abilities relate to grandiose delusions, and thoughts being broadcast relate to thought broadcasting delusions.
4. Recognize that the central focus of persecutory delusions is the belief that one is being targeted, harassed, or conspired against by others.
5. Conclude that the correct answer aligns with the definition of persecutory delusions as involving perceived threats or harm from others.