ASWB Clinical Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The belief that one is being followed by the police without any evidence aligns with the definition of a delusion. Delusions are firmly held beliefs that are inconsistent with reality and are maintained despite contrary evidence. They are a common symptom in various mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia or delusional disorder. In this case, the client's conviction that she is being followed reflects a significant distortion in her perception of reality.

Dissociation typically involves a disconnection from thoughts, identity, consciousness, or memory, which does not apply to the scenario presented. Hallucinations relate to sensing things that are not present, such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not there, rather than unfounded beliefs. A hypomanic state is characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, and impulsivity, which also does not correspond with the client's belief of being followed. Therefore, the choice of delusion is accurate because it captures the core aspect of her unfounded belief in a way that the other options do not.