The definition of nihilistic delusions is:
A. A false belief about the functioning of the body.
B. Belief that the body is deformed or defective in a specific way.
C. False ideas about the self, others, or the world
D. The inability to carry out motor activities.
Correct Answer: C. False ideas about the self, others, or the world.
Nihilistic delusions are false ideas about the self, others, or the world. Nihilistic delusions, also known as délires de négation, are specific psychopathological entities characterized by the delusional belief of being dead, decomposed or annihilated, having lost one’s own internal organs or even not existing entirely as a human being.
Option A: Somatic delusions involve a false belief about the functioning of the body. Of the delusional symptoms, somatic delusions-those that pertain to the body-are rather rare. Somatic delusions are defined as fixed false beliefs that one’s bodily function or appearance is grossly abnormal. They are a poorly understood psychiatric symptom and pose a significant clinical challenge to clinicians.
Option B: Body dysmorphic disorder is characterized by a belief that the body is deformed or defective in a specific way. People who have body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) think about their real or perceived flaws for hours each day. They can’t control their negative thoughts and don’t believe people who tell them that they look fine. Their thoughts may cause severe emotional distress and interfere with their daily functioning. They may miss work or school, avoid social situations and isolate themselves, even from family and friends, because they fear others will notice their flaws.
Option D: Apraxia is the inability to carry out motor activities. Apraxia is a motor disorder caused by damage to the brain (specifically the posterior parietal cortex or corpus callosum) in which the individual has difficulty with the motor planning to perform tasks or movements when asked, provided that the request or command is understood and the individual is willing to perform the task. The nature of the brain damage determines the severity, and the absence of sensory loss or paralysis helps to explain the level of difficulty.