Basic Corrections Officer: Certification Practice

What is a characteristic of the Erotomanic Type of schizophrenia?

1. Belief that one is being followed

2. Thinking everyone is having intimate relationships

3. Feeling persecuted by others

4. Believing one has a terminal illness

The correct answer is: Belief that one is being followed

The Erotomanic Type of schizophrenia is characterized by the individual's belief that another person, often of higher social status or fame, is in love with them. This delusion may lead the individual to interpret benign behaviors as signs of affection. Thus, believing that one is being followed aligns well with the delusions commonly associated with this type of schizophrenia. In this context, the belief of being followed can stem from the individual's conviction that the subject of their affection is pursuing them, which is a hallmark feature of erotomania. Other choices present different types of delusions that are more characteristic of other mental health conditions. The idea that everyone is having intimate relationships with the individual is more generalized thinking and does not capture the specific delusion of romantic obsession seen in Erotomanic Type. Feelings of persecution typically relate to Paranoid Schizophrenia, where individuals believe others are out to harm them. The belief one has a terminal illness is indicative of a different psychological issue known as hypochondriasis or somatic delusions, rather than erotomania. Thus, the specific characteristic of believing one is being followed accurately reflects the essence of the Erotomanic Type of schizophrenia.