Basic Corrections Officer: Certification Study Guide

What is a common reaction observed in individuals with the Erotomanic Type of schizophrenia?

1. Believing they are inherently ill

2. Suspicion of infidelity

3. Think someone is stalking them

4. Feelings of grandeur

The correct answer is: Think someone is stalking them

Individuals exhibiting the Erotomanic Type of schizophrenia often have a fixed belief that another person, typically someone of higher social status or a celebrity, is in love with them. This delusional belief can lead them to interpret innocuous behaviors as signs of affections, which in some cases can manifest as a feeling of being stalked or pursued, as they perceive attention or interest in a way that aligns with their delusion. This distorted perception is a characteristic feature of the Erotomanic Type, as the person may feel that their supposed romantic interest is engaged in behaviors that confirm their beliefs, even when this is not the case. In contrast, the other responses do not align as closely with the primary symptoms of Erotomanic schizophrenia. For instance, believing they are inherently ill reflects a more general perception of self that typically aligns with different psychological conditions rather than the specific delusional focus of Erotomania. Suspicion of infidelity is commonly seen in other contexts and types of illnesses but does not tie into the specific romantic delusions that define Erotomania. Feelings of grandeur are more characteristic of other types of schizophrenia, particularly those with paranoid features or grandiose delusions, rather than the focused nature of Erotomanic delusions. Thus