62. Which symptom is he exhibiting?
Answer: C
The young man is exhibiting a delusion.
A delusion is a firmly held belief that is contradicted by reality or rational argument, which is evident in the young man's conviction that his phone is being monitored by spies without any evidence to support this belief.
A) Obsession
Obsession refers to persistent, intrusive thoughts that cause anxiety or distress. While the young man's belief about being monitored may occupy his thoughts, it does not fit the definition of an obsession since he is not merely preoccupied with the thought but rather holds it as a firm belief.
B) Hallucination
Hallucination involves perceiving something that is not present, such as hearing voices or seeing things that aren't there. The young man is not experiencing any sensory distortions but is instead convinced of a reality that is not supported by evidence, making hallucination an incorrect option.
C) Delusion
Delusion is characterized by a strong belief in something despite contrary evidence. The young man's unwavering belief that his phone is being monitored by spies, despite lacking evidence, clearly aligns with the definition of a delusion.
D) Compulsion
Compulsion involves repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce anxiety or prevent a feared event. The young man's actions of telling friends not to call him do not imply repetitive behaviors aimed at relieving anxiety, thus making compulsion an unsuitable choice.
E) Phobia
Phobia is an irrational fear of a specific object or situation. While the young man may have a fear of being monitored, it does not rise to the level of a phobia since he is not exhibiting irrational fear-driven behavior but rather a strong belief in a false narrative.
Conclusion
The young man's belief that his phone is being monitored by spies is a clear example of a delusion, as it reflects a conviction that contradicts reality without any supporting evidence. Other options such as obsession, hallucination, compulsion, and phobia do not accurately describe this behavior, as they pertain to different psychological phenomena. Thus, option C is definitively the correct answer.