Which positive symptom involves false beliefs that one is exceptionally powerful or important?

Prepare for the Psychiatry Core Exam. Enhance your knowledge with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations for a better understanding. Ace your test with confidence!

The correct answer is grandiose delusions, which are characterized by an individual's false beliefs about their own power, importance, or identity. In these delusions, a person may believe they possess extraordinary talents, have made significant discoveries, or have a special relationship with a prominent figure or deity. This symptom is commonly found in several psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder during manic episodes and schizophrenia.

Grandiose delusions often reflect inflated self-esteem and can lead individuals to engage in behaviors that are out of character or overly ambitious, potentially resulting in a lack of insight into their condition. The nature of these delusions can vary widely, but they fundamentally stem from an exaggerated self-concept.

Other types of delusions listed serve distinct purposes: referential delusions involve the belief that common elements of the environment are directly related to oneself; persecutory delusions revolve around the belief that one is being targeted or harmed by others; and delusions of control reflect the belief that one's thoughts, feelings, or actions are being controlled by external forces. Understanding the nuances of these different types of delusions helps in assessing the underlying causes and planning treatment for individuals experiencing these symptoms.

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