What is the term used for false beliefs that are firmly held despite evidence contradicting them?

The term that describes false beliefs that are firmly held despite evidence to the contrary is delusions. Delusions are a core feature of various mental health disorders, particularly psychotic disorders, where an individual may maintain beliefs that resist rational argument or factual information. This steadfastness in belief, regardless of logical reasoning or evidence, highlights a significant departure from reality, which can greatly impact an individual’s thinking and behavior.

In contrast, hallucinations refer to sensory experiences that appear real but are created by the mind, such as hearing voices or seeing things that aren't there. Illusions are misperceptions of real external stimuli, where a person may misinterpret something they are actually seeing. Finally, misinterpretations involve misjudging the meaning of situations or behaviors but do not necessarily reflect the strong, unfounded convictions characteristic of delusions. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in the context of mental health for accurate diagnosis and effective intervention.