Question

Read the following passage and answer the question.

Satish, a 20-year-old male with schizophrenia, believes that the police of the area are tracking and following him. The patrolling of the police makes him believe that they are monitoring every behaviour of his. These thoughts are interfering with his studies and assignments. Satish occasionally laughs abruptly and inappropriately and sometimes stops speaking mid-sentence. He expresses concern about electronics in the room (phone, computer) potentially being monitored and asks the therapist repeatedly about patient confidentiality, stating that he wants to be sure the police won’t be informed about his treatment. His beliefs are fixed and if they are challenged, his tone becomes hostile.

“The patrolling of the police makes him believe that they are monitoring every behaviour of his.” Identify and explain the symptom of the disorder being reflected in this statement.

Answer 1

The symptom is that of delusion of persecution. Delusion is a false belief that is firmly held on inadequate grounds. In this delusion people believe that they are being plotted against, spied on, attacked, victimised and slandered.