Ideas of reference and delusions of reference

Ideas of reference and delusions of reference are thoughts that people have about something happening in their life that might not actually be true.

With ideas of reference, people might think that something that happens in the world or to someone else has something to do with them. For example, if someone sees someone else getting a gift, they might think that they should get a gift too, even though it has nothing to do with them.

Delusions of reference are more extreme thoughts. People might think that strange things in the world, like a TV show or a song playing on the radio, are made just for them. They might also think that strangers are talking about them or sending them special messages. This can make those with delusions of reference feel worried or scared because they think the world is trying to hurt them in some way.