To prepare for this Discussion:
• Review the section entitled "The Clinical Picture of Schizophrenia," in Chapter 14 of Abnormal Psychology
• Think about some examples of delusions that you may have encountered or witnessed in your recent experiences or that have been depicted in literature, plays, and film.
• Think about members of groups who, by contemporary diagnostic standards are considered to be delusional, such as the following: cults, quasi-religious groups, antigovernment militia members, believers in aliens and UFOs, and practitioners of fringe health techniques.
With these thoughts in mind:
Analysis of the symptoms of a member of the aforementioned groups above versus those of schizophrenic patients who suffer from delusions. Include in your analysis your thoughts about what makes the groups different and whether or not you consider the first group delusional and in need of treatment. Justify your responses.