An opinion becomes a delusion when it loses touch with reality and becomes firmly held despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. In other words, a delusion is a false belief that persists even when there is clear evidence or logical reasoning against it.
Delusions are often associated with psychiatric disorders, most notably psychotic disorders like schizophrenia and delusional disorder. In these conditions, individuals may hold firmly to beliefs that are not based on reality, and these beliefs can be resistant to rational arguments or evidence to the contrary.
The key distinction between a regular opinion and a delusion lies in its grounding in reality and the person's ability to modify their belief when confronted with evidence. While opinions can be subjective and based on personal preferences or values, they are open to change and can be influenced by new information.
On the other hand, delusions are fixed and inflexible beliefs that can lead to significant impairment in daily functioning and cause distress to the individual holding them. Delusions can take various forms, such as paranoid delusions (believing others are plotting against them), grandiose delusions (believing one has extraordinary abilities or powers), or somatic delusions (believing something is severely wrong with one's body when it is not).
It's important to note that delusions are a symptom of an underlying psychological or neurological condition and should be taken seriously, especially if they interfere with a person's ability to function in society. If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent delusions or other concerning symptoms, it's essential to seek professional help from a mental health expert or medical professional. They can provide proper evaluation, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.