Influence/control delusions refer to which of the following?

• A. Belief that one has exceptional abilities, wealth, or fame
• B. Being controlled by an outside person or force
• C. Thinking that TV is directed at them
• D. Thoughts are being inserted into their mind

Answer: (B)

Influence/control delusions are a type of passivity belief where a person feels that external forces are directly governing their thoughts, feelings, or actions. It’s the sense that an outside agent—another person, a force, or even a supernatural power—is manipulating what they think or do, rather than these thoughts and movements arising from themselves. For example, someone might believe that a hidden entity is controlling their movements or that their thoughts are being directed by someone else. This differs from grandiose delusions (believing one has extraordinary abilities), ideas of reference (believing neutral events, like TV programs, are personally about them), or thought insertion (believing thoughts are placed into their mind by others).