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Are conspiracy theorists psychotic? A comparison between conspiracy theories and paranoid delusions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 September 2022

W. Veling
Affiliation:
University Medical Center Groningen, University Center For Psychiatry, Groningen, Netherlands
B. Sizoo
Affiliation:
Dutch National Police, National Unit, Driebergen, Netherlands
J. Van Buuren
Affiliation:
Leiden University, Institute Of Security And Global Affairs, Den Haag, Netherlands
C. Van Den Berg
Affiliation:
Dutch National Police, National Unit, Driebergen, Netherlands
W. Sewbalak
Affiliation:
GGz Delfland, Poli Schiedam, Schiedam, Netherlands
G. Pijnenborg
Affiliation:
GGZ Drenthe, Department Of Psychotic Disorders, Assen, Netherlands University of Groningen, Clinical And Developmental Neuropsychology, Groningen, Netherlands
N. Boonstra
Affiliation:
University of Applied Sciences, Care And Innovation, Leeuwarden, Netherlands
S. Castelein*
Affiliation:
Lentis Psychiatric Institute, Lentis Research, Groningen, Netherlands University of Groningen, Experimental Psychopathology And Clinical Psychology, Groningen, Netherlands
L. Van Der Meer
Affiliation:
University of Groningen, Clinical And Developmental Neuropsychology, Groningen, Netherlands Lentis Psychiatric Institute, Department Of Rehabilitation, Zuidlaren, Netherlands
*
*Corresponding author.

Abstract

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Introduction

Conspiracy theories are popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conspiratorial thinking is characterised by the strong conviction that a certain situation that one sees as unjust is the result of a deliberate conspiracy of a group of people with bad intentions. Conspiratorial thinking appears to have many similarities with paranoid delusions.

Objectives

To explore the nature, consequences, and social-psychological dimensions of conspiratorial thinking, and describe similarities and differences with paranoid delusions.

Methods

Critically assessing relevant literature about conspiratorial thinking and paranoid delusions.

Results

Conspiratorial thinking meets epistemic, existential, and social needs. It provides clarity in uncertain times and connection with an in-group of like-minded people. Both conspiratorial thinking and paranoid delusions involve an unjust, persistent, and sometimes bizarre conviction. Unlike conspiracy theorists, people with a paranoid delusion are almost always the only target of the presumed conspiracy, and they usually stand alone in their conviction. Furthermore, conspiracy theories are not based as much on unusual experiences of their inner self, reality, or interpersonal contacts.

Conclusions

Conspirational thinking is common in uncertain circumstances. It gives grip, certainty, moral superiority and social support. Extreme conspirational thinking seems to fit current psychiatric definitions of paranoid delusions, but there are also important differences. To make a distinction with regard to conspiratorial thinking, deepening of conventional definitions of delusions is required. Instead of the strong focus on the erroneous content of delusions, more attention should be given to the underlying idiosyncratic, changed way of experiencing reality.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Type
Abstract
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BY
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the European Psychiatric Association
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