Ideas and delusions of reference

Ideas and delusions of reference are thoughts that someone has about the world around them. For example, ideas of reference are thoughts like, “People are talking about me,” or “I keep seeing the same number everywhere, it must mean something.” Delusions of reference are similar, but they’re stronger. Delusions of reference are thoughts that someone believes strongly, even if there’s no evidence for them. For example, someone may believe that their thoughts are being broadcast around the world or that celebrities on TV are sending them secret messages. Both ideas and delusions of reference can be signs of a mental health issue.