More than 90 percent of all cases of schizophrenia involve some type of delusions, according to the mental health website HelpGuide.org. Delusions are erroneous beliefs that are maintained even when evidence to the contrary is given, and they can manifest themselves in a variety of ways. Although some delusions may seem harmless, many have the potential of becoming dangerous so all delusions should be reported to a mental health professional.
Delusion of Reference
Schizophrenics who believe ordinary events occur especially for them are suffering from delusions of reference. This delusion can manifest itself in a variety of ways. Some schizophrenics may believe that current events are happening "for" them or because of something they did. Others may believe that the things strangers or celebrities do or say are meant as a message especially for them, even when they have never met or spoken to them before.
Delusions of Grandeur
Those that believe they are famous, powerful or have extraordinary abilities when this is not actually true may be suffering from delusions of grandeur. For example, some schizophrenics may believe they are influential people from the past, such as Jesus Christ or Cleopatra, while others may believe they can fly or become invisible. Even when presented with evidence that disproves their beliefs, these people will refuse to accept they are not as powerful, magical or famous as they think they are.
Somatic Delusions
Somatic delusions are beliefs about the body that are untrue. For example, some schizophrenics may believe they have a deadly disease even when it has been proven that they do not, or may believe that there are foreign objects inside of their bodies when there aren't, explains the website Schizophrenia.com.
Delusions of Control
Delusions of control are another common schizophrenic delusion. This delusion involves people believing that outside forces, and not themselves, control their actions or thoughts. They may believe that certain people or groups of people literally put thoughts into their heads or "steal" thoughts away from them. They also may believe that a person or object makes them perform certain actions, and they are powerless to control their own behaviors.
Delusions of Persecution
Delusions of persecution are also common in schizophrenics, especially those suffering from paranoid schizophrenia. These delusions occur when people become convinced that those around them are trying to embarrass, harm or even kill them, even when there is no evidence to support this conclusion. In fact, even when schizophrenics are presented with facts to the contrary and are shown that these people are not trying to get them, they will still maintain these beliefs. These delusions are particularly dangerous because many people experiencing them may get the urge to retaliate or protect themselves, which can lead to aggression or violence, warns the Mayo Clinc.
