Obsession and delusion are distinct psychological concepts:

1. Obsession:
– Obsession refers to persistent and intrusive thoughts, ideas, or images that cause distress or anxiety.
– These thoughts are typically unwanted and difficult to control, often leading to repetitive behaviors or mental rituals to alleviate the distress.
– People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often experience obsessions.

2. Delusion:
– Delusion involves fixed, false beliefs that are resistant to reason or contrary evidence.
– Individuals with delusions firmly hold onto these beliefs even when they are implausible, bizarre, or demonstrably false.
– Delusions are a characteristic symptom of psychotic disorders like schizophrenia.

In summary, the key difference is that obsession pertains to persistent, distressing thoughts, while delusion involves holding onto false and irrational beliefs despite evidence to the contrary.