What type of delusion involves a belief of being watched or followed?

The type of delusion that involves a belief of being watched or followed is classified as persecutory delusions. This phenomenon is characterized by the individual feeling that they are under threat or are being targeted by others, which can manifest as a belief that they are being surveilled. This sense of being watched may extend to thinking that others are plotting against them, which can lead to significant anxiety and paranoia.

In contrast, grandiose delusions typically involve inflated self-importance or belief in one's exceptional abilities or status. Referential delusions involve the belief that common elements of the environment are directly related to oneself, such as interpreting neutral events as being specifically intended for oneself. Somatic delusions focus on beliefs regarding one's body or health, where an individual may be convinced they have a serious medical condition despite lack of evidence. By understanding these distinctions, it becomes clearer why persecutory delusions specifically relate to the feeling of being watched or followed.