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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
07:34
Perceptual and Category Processing of the Uncanny Valley Hypothesis' Dimension of Human Likeness: Some Methodological Issues
Published on: June 3, 2013
[What is a delusion? A phenomenological view].
1Meerkanten GGZ, Veldwijk Research Institute. rzwaard@meerkanten.nl
Tijdschrift Voor Psychiatrie
|September 8, 2006
Summary
Delusions are personal views patients are attached to, often seen as implausible due to certainty. Considering delusions as dimensional constructs raises questions about distinguishing them from other beliefs with impaired reality testing.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Philosophy of Mind
Context:
- The classification of psychiatric symptoms, particularly delusions, is debated.
- Current diagnostic criteria (DSM) for delusions are questioned regarding construct validity.
- Understanding delusions is crucial in psychiatric nosology.
Purpose:
- To trace the historical evolution of the delusion concept.
- To present contemporary perspectives on delusions.
- To evaluate the dimensional versus categorical nature of delusions.
Summary:
- Delusions are characterized as unique, unfalsifiable personal beliefs with strong emotional attachment.
- A continuum exists from normal ideas to impaired reality testing, exemplified by conviction.
- The dimensional view of delusions raises questions about discriminant validity.
Impact:
- Challenges the categorical approach to delusions in psychiatric classification.
- Highlights the difficulty in differentiating delusions from other reality-testing impairments.
- Informs future research on delusion phenomenology and diagnostic criteria.
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