A patient with schizophrenia is convinced that she has caused a recent eahquake because she was bored and wishing for something exciting to occur. Which of the following symptoms describes this patient’s thoughts?
## **Core Concept**
The patient's thoughts reflect a characteristic symptom of schizophrenia where an individual believes they have control over external events or thoughts. This concept falls under the category of delusions, specifically a type known as "delusions of control."
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The patient's belief that she caused an earthquake because she was bored and wished for something exciting to happen illustrates a delusion of control, also known as "delusions of omnipotence." This is a type of delusion where the person believes they have the power to control external events or the thoughts and actions of others. This symptom is characteristic of schizophrenia and reflects a disconnection from reality.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** This option is not provided, but typically, other choices might include symptoms like hallucinations, disorganized thinking, or negative symptoms, which do not match the description given.
- **Option B:** Without the specific content of Option B, we can infer that it likely describes a different psychiatric symptom that does not involve delusions of control.
- **Option C:** Similarly, Option C would describe another symptom that does not fit the scenario of the patient believing they control external events.
- **Option D:** This option is incorrect because it is not the correct answer based on the information provided.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that delusions of control are a first-rank symptom of schizophrenia according to Schneider's criteria. These symptoms are highly suggestive of the disorder and include delusions of control, thought withdrawal, thought insertion, and made actions.
## **Correct Answer:** . **Delusion of control**